If you’ve made it this far, it’s because at some point you’ve asked yourself: what is my surfing level? Don’t worry, it’s something we all wonder about at some point. At Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, we receive this question constantly from students who want to know if they can change their board, surf in more challenging conditions, or start trying new maneuvers.
Today, we’re going to help you identify your surfing level, explaining where you are and what you need to improve to keep progressing without frustration.
Índice
Why Is It Important to Know Your Surfing Level?
Knowing your level as a surfer will help you:
- Choose the right surfboard for each learning phase. If you’re unsure, check our guide on types of surfboards.
- Improve your technique effectively without skipping steps.
- Surf in spots suitable for your level, avoiding waves that are too challenging or conditions that are too mild.
- Prevent injuries and frustration. Learning to read the ocean is key. If you struggle with this, check our article on how to read waves when surfing.
- Enjoy surfing more. Ultimately, the goal is to have fun and continue improving at your own pace.
Surfing Levels: Where Do You Stand?
We will categorize surfing levels into beginner, intermediate, and advanced, without unnecessary technicalities, so you can identify with one and understand what to do next.
Beginner Level: Just Getting Started
If you’re at this level, you might relate to the following:
- ✅ You’re still learning how to paddle and catch your first whitewater waves.
- ✅ You’re working on improving your take-off (standing up). Here are some tips to perfect your take-off.
- ✅ You don’t control your direction yet, and the wave takes you where it wants.
- ✅ You struggle to read the ocean and know when to start paddling.
Intermediate Level: More Control and Progress
If you’ve been in the water for some time, you may be here. An intermediate surfer:
- ✅ Can paddle well and catch unbroken waves (green waves).
- ✅ Controls direction on the wave and starts trying basic maneuvers. Check out some basic surfing maneuvers.
- ✅ Reads waves better and positions themselves at the peak.
- ✅ Starts experimenting with different types of surfboards. If you’re considering changing, read about when to switch surfboards.
Advanced Level: Seeking New Challenges
If you’ve been surfing for years and have a lot of experience, you might be in this category. An advanced surfer:
- ✅ Surfs different types of waves, including powerful ones and barrels. If you want to improve your barrel riding, check out common mistakes when making barrels.
- ✅ Knows how to manage speed on the wave and maximize its energy. Read our article on how to gain speed on a wave.
- ✅ Masters advanced maneuvers like snaps, cutbacks, and floaters.
- ✅ Feels comfortable in challenging surf spots like Mundaka or Meñakoz. Learn more about these legendary waves in Mundaka, one of the best left-hand waves in the world and Menakoz, a big wave surfing spot in the Basque Country.
How to Keep Improving Your Surfing Level
- 🔹 Train outside the water. Surfing is not just about paddling and standing up; land-based training helps too. Check our guide on out-of-water surf training.
- 🔹 Use the right gear. From your surfboard to your wetsuit. Learn how to choose the right wetsuit.
- 🔹 Try different surf spots. Don’t stick to just one beach. Discover the best beaches to surf in Spain.
- 🔹 Avoid common mistakes. Especially if you’re a beginner. Here’s a list of the most common mistakes when starting to surf.
Conclusion
Knowing your surfing level is essential to improving and enjoying the waves more. Take your time, every surfer progresses at their own pace, and the key is to enjoy the journey.
At Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, we are here to help you refine your technique and make every surf session count. If you want to take your surfing to the next level, come train with us, and we’ll see you in the water!
