10 Tips for Intermediate Surfers: How to Improve Your Surfing

At Beach Break Surf Camp, we work with surfers at every stage—from first pop-up to perfecting cutbacks. Many of our guests return year after year, moving from beginner to intermediate, and eventually to confident surfers who can paddle out anywhere in the world. Once you've learned to stand up and ride down the line, the next step is refinement. Improving your surfing isn't about tricks or shortcuts—it's about mastering fundamentals, reading the ocean, and putting in time in the water. Here are ten ways to take your surfing to the next level.

1. Surf the Right Board for Your Skill Level

Progression starts with the right equipment. Intermediate surfers often outgrow foam boards but aren't ready for ultra-thin high-performance shortboards. A mid-length, fish, or hybrid shortboard is usually ideal. These boards maintain enough volume for paddle power while still letting you engage the rails for turns and speed. Too little foam will stall your progress, and too much will keep you from advancing. Rushing from a stable longboard to a shorter model too soon will only lead to frustration. Spend ample time on longer boards under you're comfortable turning and generating speed.

2. Refine Your Pop-Up

The pop-up is the foundation of every wave. If you still rely on your knees to get up, it's time to clean up your technique. Place your hands under your chest, push up in one smooth motion, and land in a low, balanced stance. Practicing this movement on land will help make it second nature in the water.

3. Paddle Efficiently

Most surfers spend more time paddling than riding. Long, deep strokes with full extension are far more effective than quick, shallow paddles. Keep your elbows high, hands cupped, and pull through until your arm passes your hip. Efficient paddling conserves energy, helps you position better in the lineup, and lets you catch waves earlier.

4. Look Down the Line

Your board goes where your eyes go. The moment you stand, shift your gaze toward the open face of the wave, not your feet. Your head and shoulders act as the steering wheel for your turns. Looking down the line keeps your flow smooth and helps you stay in the pocket instead of drifting toward the beach, away from the wave's power.

5. Commit to the Peak

Many intermediates sit too far on the shoulder, missing out on the best part of the wave. As your equipment progresses, taking off on the shoulder will become more challenging. Learning to take off at the Peak allows you to drop in earlier and set your line with more control. Start with smaller peaks at Playa Venao and work toward steeper takeoffs as your confidence grows.

6. Focus on Your Bottom Turn

Every maneuver begins with a solid bottom turn. Bend your knees, shift your weight onto your rail, and drive up the face with your eyes locked on your target. Practice both frontside and backside. The better your bottom turn, the more power and control you'll have in every other part of your surfing.

7. Work on Linking Turns

Progression is about flow, not just single maneuvers. Try carving back toward the whitewater instead of outrunning the wave. Smooth transitions between turns show control and rhythm, which are the hallmarks of a well-rounded surfer.

8. Use Video Analysis

You can't fix what you can't see. Video coaching is one of the most effective tools for improvement. At Beach Break Surf Camp, we offer video analysis sessions that help surfers identify areas for adjustment—like stance, arm placement, or timing. A few coaching sessions can change the way you surf.

9. Push Your Comfort Zone

Growth happens just outside your comfort zone. That doesn't mean paddling out in unsafe conditions—it means challenging yourself with slightly bigger surf or deeper positioning in the lineup. Taking small, manageable steps keeps progression steady and builds confidence.

10. Keep Surfing Fun

At the end of the day, surfing is about joy. Don't get caught up in perfection or comparison. Celebrate your progress, enjoy each session, and remember why you started. When you're having fun, progression happens naturally.

Improvement comes with consistency, patience, and the right environment. Playa Venao offers ideal waves for refining your skills—with consistent swell, warm water, and expert coaching. To accelerate your progression, book your next surf trip with Beach Break Surf Camp and keep leveling up.

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