14 Apr 5 Common Surfing Mistakes & How To Stop Doing Them (Without Looking Like A Wet Noodle On A Surfboard)

Surfing, they said. It’ll be relaxing, they said. Then you bellyflopped off a wave like a pancake on a hot pan, got tangled in your leash like spaghetti in a colander, and realized that maybe, just maybe, you’re not the next Kelly Slater just yet.

Fear not, dear wave warrior. Every surfer, whether bright-eyed beginner or salt-crusted veteran, has had their share of “oops” moments in the ocean. But the key isn’t to avoid mistakes (because, let’s be real, you’ll make them). It’s learning from them without losing your stoke, or dignity.

Let’s unravel five of the most common surfing missteps and how to fix them before you become a permanent member of the Wet Noodle Club™.

1. Paddling Like You’re Being Chased by a Shark

The mistake: Arms flailing, water splashing like an overexcited Labrador. You’re paddling alright… but getting nowhere fast.
Why it happens: You panic-paddle, thinking speed = success. But bad form kills your glide and drains your energy.
The fix: Relax. Keep your chest lifted slightly off the board, fingers cupped or straight altogether, and reach forward smoothly. Think graceful dolphin, not panicked otter. Each stroke should count, quality over quantity.

Pro tip: Eyes forward. Not at your toes. Unless your toes have somehow swapped places with your knees, then yes, please check that out immediately. Otherwise, keep your gaze on the prize: the oncoming wave (and maybe a snack after).

2. Popping Up Like a Confused Meerkat

The mistake: The wave comes, you pop up, and… immediately nosedive or wobble like a baby deer on ice.
Why it happens: Poor technique and hesitation. You hesitate, overthink, and your pop-up turns into a pop-flop.
The fix: Commit. Practice your pop-up on land until it’s smoother than a jazz sax solo. Use your arms to push up firmly, bring your back foot forward first, and land in a low, balanced stance. Confidence is key. The wave won’t wait for your feelings. Practice burpees to nail the landing.

Surf mantra: Hesitate = obliterate.

3. Not Reading the Ocean (aka Ignoring Mother Nature’s Mood Swings)

The mistake: You paddle into a wave that looks decent… until it closes out like a trapdoor or flattens like your hopes after a Tinder date.
Why it happens: You didn’t study the lineup, the tide, or the break. You just saw water and got excited.
The fix: Slow down, Professor Paddlepants. Spend time watching the waves before you jump in. Note where they’re breaking, how they’re peeling, and where the other (better) surfers are sitting. The ocean tells a story, read it.

Key terms to Google later: “lineup,” “peak,” “closeout,” and “why does the ocean hate me.”

4. Bad Board Etiquette (aka Dropping In Like a Drama Queen)

The mistake: You catch a wave… that someone else was already on. Cue glares, muttered insults, and possibly a local giving you the look.
Why it happens: You’re new and excited. But also: not paying attention to surfing etiquette.
The fix: Learn the unspoken (but very real) rules of the lineup. Don’t drop in on someone already riding. Take turns. Smile. Respect locals. And for the love of all that is salty, don’t be that guy/girl/person. A little awareness goes a long way.

Golden rule: The person closest to the peak gets the wave. Period.

5. Expecting Progress to Happen Overnight

The mistake: You expected to be carving turns by lesson #2, and now you’re frustrated because you still struggle to stand up consistently.
Why it happens: Unrealistic expectations. Instagram lied to you.
The fix: Surfing is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate small wins, like your first good paddle out, your first clean ride, or the first time you didn’t get hit in the face with your own board. Stick with it, stay humble, and keep surfing. You’ll level up without even realizing it.

Bonus tip: Keep a surf journal. It’s not just for feelings. It helps track progress, tides, and what worked (or didn’t).

Surf Like a Pro, Laugh Like a Local

The sea is a generous teacher, she’ll humble you often but reward your effort even more. Mistakes are part of the process. So, laugh at your wipeouts, high-five your fellow wave-chasers, and keep paddling. And if you ever feel like leveling up in paradise, well…

🌊 Join us at Wave House Surf Camp — Bali’s boutique haven for surfers of all levels. Since 2011, we’ve helped over 15,000 salty souls catch their first wave (and their 500th), offering year-round surf coaching, good vibes, and memories you’ll never forget, even if you forget your sunscreen.