How to Get the Most Out of Your First Surf Lesson: Everything You Need to Know Before You Paddle Out

Your first wave is one you’ll never forget. The excitement, the nerves, the question of whether you’ll actually stand up—or just wipe out and laugh. A first surf lesson is more than just a sport—it’s a connection to the ocean, to yourself, and often to that one instructor who makes all the difference.But how do you know where to start? Which beach is best for beginners? How do you pick the right surf school or board so that you fall in love with surfing—not frustration?

1. Choosing the Right Surf School

Not all surf schools are created equal. A good school won’t just get you standing on a board—it will give you a safe, fun, and confidence-building first experience.

• Small group sizes or private lessons

In your first few lessons, personal attention is everything. A good instructor will have their eyes on you the whole time—watching your paddle, your pop-up, your timing, and your stance.They’ll give you feedback on every single wave, so you can improve with each attempt. This kind of focus helps you build solid foundations, avoid bad habits, and feel supported in every moment.In big groups, it’s easy to feel lost or unnoticed. But when it’s just you and the coach (or a small group), you progress way faster and feel more confident.

• Clear communication

You should feel comfortable asking questions—and getting real answers. A professional school will guide you through the process step-by-step, from booking to paddling out. If they’re helpful and responsive before you book, that’s usually a good sign of what’s to come.

• Experienced, certified instructors

Look for instructors who are trained, not just stoked. The best teachers understand ocean safety, psychology, and how to explain things in a way that actually helps you improve—especially when you’re nervous or overwhelmed.

• Reviews and reputation

Check out Google reviews, TripAdvisor, Instagram—whatever feels natural to you. Are people saying they felt safe? That the instructors were patient? That the vibe was awesome? These things matter.

A great surf school isn’t just about technique—it’s about how they make you feel while learning. You want a team that’s passionate about surfing and even more passionate about teaching.

2. Choosing the Right Beach for Beginners

The beach where you take your first lesson is just as important as who’s teaching you.Not all beaches are beginner-friendly, and a bad choice can make your first session feel frustrating—or even scary.

• Soft, sandy bottom

This is non-negotiable. Beginners fall a lot—and that’s okay! But falling on sand is way safer (and less painful) than on rocks or reef. A sandy bottom means you can practice confidently, without fear of injury.

• Gentle, small waves

You don’t need huge waves to have fun—in fact, small, rolling waves are best for learning. They give you time to react, help you learn balance, and are far less intimidating when you’re just starting out.

• No rocks, reef, or strong currents

A safe surf spot should have minimal hazards. Strong currents and crowded lineups make things stressful. A good school will take you to a beach where you can focus on learning—not just surviving.

• Space to practice

Overcrowded surf spots are a nightmare for beginners. You want room to paddle, wipe out, get back up, and try again—without worrying about crashing into someone. Pro tip: Ask the surf school why they teach at a certain beach. Their answer will tell you a lot about their priorities—whether it’s your safety and learning or just convenience.

3. Finding the Right Instructor

Your instructor plays a massive role in your first surf experience—we’d even say 80% of your success depends on them.

Think back to school: didn’t you always connect more with the subjects that had a fun, clear, and passionate teacher?Surfing is no different.

A great surf instructor knows how to share their knowledge in a way that’s easy to understand, fun, and adapted to your needs. After all, you’re here to have fun—and the instructor should help make that happen.

But it's more than just vibes. A quality instructor will:

• Adapt their teaching to you, not the other way around.There’s no “one way” to teach surfing. For example, there are many techniques to learn the pop-up (takeoff). If the method they show you doesn’t work in the water, a good instructor will take you back to the beach, try a different method, and adjust the lesson to fit your body and learning style.

• Be encouraging and supportive.You should feel like your instructor genuinely wants you to succeed—and is stoked about every little win you have. That energy is contagious, and it makes the whole experience so much more empowering.

• Give focused feedback after each wave.When your instructor is watching you closely and giving wave-by-wave feedback, you learn so much faster and build the confidence to keep trying.
  

At the end of the day, surfing is a journey—but the right instructor makes that journey unforgettable.

4. Choosing Your First Surfboard

Your board is your best friend in the water—especially during your first few sessions.

Forget the short, sleek boards you see in surf films. When you're starting out, you want:

• Big, soft, wide, and stable

Foam boards (also called soft-tops) are perfect for learning. They’re buoyant, easy to balance on, and much safer when you fall.

The more stable the board, the easier it is to stand. A big foam board gives you the balance and buoyancy you need to succeed early on.In the beginning, we want wins!You want to catch waves, stand up, and feel good—not struggle and leave the water frustrated.

• Why it matters:

If your board is too small, too thin, or not suited to your body and level, everything becomes harder:

• You’ll fall more

• You’ll tire more quickly

• You’ll spend less time standing and practicing

• You may even lose motivation
  

The more “surf time” you get actually standing on the board, the faster you build muscle memory, coordination, and confidence.That’s what will keep you coming back for more.

The right board doesn’t just help you surf—it helps you love surfing.

5. Bonus: What to Know Before You Hit the Water

Here are a few small but helpful things to keep in mind before your first surf lesson:

• Bring water and eco-friendly sunscreen – You'll get thirsty and sun-kissed quickly.

• Wear a rash guard or long-sleeve top – Protects from the sun and board friction.

• Don’t expect perfection—expect progress. Surfing has a learning curve, and it’s totally normal to fall, miss waves, and get a little tumbled. Every single surfer started the same way.

• Celebrate the wipeouts. Laugh, reset, and paddle back out. That’s the surfer’s mindset.

6. Final Thoughts

Your first surf lesson is a big moment—it’s where the journey begins. The more prepared you are, the more fun (and less frustrating) it will be.

Choose a school and instructor who care, pick the right beach and board, and give yourself space to enjoy learning something new.There’s no rush. Just good waves, good energy, and a chance to fall in love with the ocean—one ride at a time.

🤙🏼 Want to learn to surf in paradise?

At Salty Smile Surf, we offer one-on-one attention in all private lessons and never more than 2–3 students per instructor in group sessions.We teach at a safe, sandy beach perfect for beginners—and our team of passionate, professional instructors is here to make your first surf experience something truly special.

📩 Contact us here or come visit our surf club in Tamarindo. Let’s catch your first wave together! Bar, Salty Smile Surf