10 Tips for Intermediate Surfers: How to Improve Your Surfing

Surfing feels different once you’ve moved past the beginner stage. You’re catching waves on your own, starting to ride down the line, maybe even pulling off your first cutbacks. But if you’re stuck in that “intermediate purgatory,” progress can feel slow. The good news is that with a few refinements—both in and out of the water—you can break through the plateau. Here are 10 tips every intermediate surfer should keep in mind.

1. Choose the Right Board

Progression starts with equipment. Too much foam can hold you back, while too little volume can make sessions frustrating. For intermediates, a hybrid shortboard, performance fish, or a mid-length is often the sweet spot: enough float to paddle into waves, but refined enough to start engaging your rails. These models allow you to maneuver the board without sacrificing float. Jumping on a high-performance shortboard too early in your surfing progression will only lead to frustration.

2. Don’t Take Shortcuts on the Pop-Up

A clean pop-up is the foundation of every ride. Don’t get lazy by using your knees to get to your feet. Think of it like a push-up into a low stance: steady paddle strokes, hands under your chest, then spring both feet into position in one smooth motion. Practicing this on land translates directly to better takeoffs in the water.

3. Paddle Effectively

Ninety percent of surfing is paddling. Many intermediates waste energy with short, choppy strokes. Instead, mimic a freestyle swim stroke: extend fully, dig deep with a cupped hand, and pull until your arm is perpendicular to your board. Strong, efficient paddling gets you into waves earlier and positions you better in the lineup.

4. Look Down the Line

Where your eyes go, your board follows. Beginners tend to stare at their feet or straight ahead, which stalls progression. Train yourself to look down the line immediately on takeoff, leading with your head and shoulders. This small change improves your flow and helps you stay on the open face.

5. Take Off at the Peak

Intermediate surfers often miss waves by sitting too far on the shoulder. Start committing to the peak, where the wave first begins to break. It’s steeper and faster, which allows you to enter earlier and set up turns. The more comfortable you get at the peak, the more consistent your sessions become.

6. Refine Your Bottom Turn

Every maneuver stems from a strong bottom turn. Bend your knees, shift weight to your rail, and drive out of the turn with your eyes fixed on your target. Practice both frontside and backside. A controlled, powerful bottom turn sets you up for everything else—cutbacks, floaters, even barrels down the road.

7. Practice Cutbacks and Flow

Cutbacks are the bread and butter of progression. They teach you how to control speed and stay in the pocket. Focus on carving back toward the whitewater, not just drifting. The goal is to link maneuvers smoothly so your surfing feels connected instead of disjointed.

8. Use Video Feedback

You might think you’re surfing like Filipe Toledo—until you watch yourself on film. Video feedback is one of the fastest ways to spot bad habits. At Beach Break in Playa Venao, we offer video analysis as part of our coaching, which accelerates learning. Even a few filmed sessions can change how you approach waves.

9. Push Comfort Zones

Progress requires paddling out when conditions challenge you. That doesn’t mean reckless risk-taking, but it does mean testing yourself in slightly bigger surf or paddling deeper into the lineup. Facing steeper drops and more powerful waves will sharpen your timing, paddling, and confidence.

10. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

Finally, remember why you surf. Progression matters but enjoying yourself matters more. Surfing is creative, playful, and meant to be enjoyed. If you treat every session like a contest heat, you’ll burn out. Laugh at your wipeouts, celebrate small wins, and keep it fun—that’s when you surf your best.

Breaking through the intermediate stage isn’t about tricks or shortcuts—it’s about refining fundamentals, pushing boundaries, and putting in thoughtful water time. Whether you’re dialing in your pop-up, committing to the peak, or finally linking your first cutbacks, consistency is everything. If you want to speed things up, there's no better place than Beach Break Surf Camp in Playa Venao with the perfect mix of coaching, video feedback, and progression-friendly waves to take you from intermediate to advanced. Book your surf trip today!

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