5 Surf Levels: How to Identify Your Surfing Progress

In this post, I explain the 5 common surf levels, from first-timer to pro surfer. Find out where you fit in.

When I started surfing, it was particularly difficult for me to tell when I was no longer a beginner and could call myself an intermediate Surfer. 

You’ll frequently come across the classification of your surf level, whether you’re researching surf spots, choosing a surf course, or selecting your surf equipment. Especially at the beginning, when you make rapid progress and may tend to overestimate yourself, it can sometimes be tricky to gauge your level accurately. 

In this post, I’ll simplify the different surf levels for you so that you get an idea of where you stand and what skills you should learn next. 

What is your Surf Level?

As with many things in surfing, there’s no universally accepted classification of your skills or level, but there are often commonalities. If you sign up for a surf course, I recommend reading the specific level classification of the camp to understand how they assess skill levels. 

Personally, I find the following classification to be the most logical:

1. Surf Beginner “First-Timer”

As the name suggests, this refers to your very first attempts on a surfboard, essentially your first surf lesson. As a first-timer, you come into contact with the surf equipment for the first time. You’ll learn about the structure of a surfboard and how to handle it correctly. Surfboards can be expensive, and depending on the conditions under which you rent one, you might have to pay for damages. To avoid unnecessary costs, it’s important to know the basics. Depending on the surf spot, surf equipment often includes a wetsuit. Many first-timers put on a wetsuit for the first time and learn the basics. 

You’ll also learn the proper lying position on the board for optimal gliding, the correct movement to stand up (“Take-Off” or “Pop-up”), and you’ll try for the first time to glide your board in front of a foam wave (“Whitewater”). Apart from the safety rules, you’re still mostly unfamiliar with surf theory. 

(Just starting out? Check out my Beginner Surf Tips!)

Surfboard Recommendation

As a first-timer, the different types and shapes of surfboards are likely unfamiliar to you. First-timers usually use a softboard or soft-top surfboard. These boards are partially made of foam and are more durable and resistant compared to other materials. The board should be large enough for your size and weight and have enough volume. The size of a surfboard is measured in feet and inches. For beginners and first-timers, the board should be at least 30 to 50 cm longer than you are, which usually corresponds to a length of 7’2 to 8’2 feet. A voluminous board provides more stability and makes the Take-Off easier, making it ideal for beginners.

2. Surf Beginner

As a beginner, you’ve already learned how to paddle correctly and are practicing basic board techniques in the water. You let the whitewater push you to practice standing up and improving your balance. You’re gradually learning to choose the right waves to help you succeed. 

As a more practiced beginner, you paddle into the right whitewater waves in the correct lying position, stand up using the right technique, and enjoy a smooth ride to the beach. During your beginner surf lessons, you’ll also learn how to surf on an unbroken wave, performing the Take-Off on the wave’s face and riding it down – yes! You’re getting closer to the real surfing experience! 

To reach the right waves, which often no longer break in waist-deep water, you’ll learn the so-called “duck-diving” techniques to get past the breaking waves. More on this in another blog post.

Surfboard Recommendation

First-timers and beginners typically use a softboard or soft-top surfboard. I recommend using the same criteria as for first-timers. Anything else will only make learning more difficult and slow down your progress. Throughout your surf journey, you’ll notice that many beginners choose the wrong board out of ignorance or impatience. Don’t be one of them! A longboard is also unsuitable for beginners, which I’ll discuss in another article (psst… sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss it!). 

Trust me and always keep in mind that your progress will significantly suffer if you choose the wrong surfboard, and you’ll remain stuck in this surf level much longer before mastering the skills of the next level.

3. Intermediate Surfer

In my experience, this is the surf level where most people spend the longest time. This learning phase can last for years, especially if you can’t surf regularly – so it’s okay and perfectly normal to feel stuck here. 

As an intermediate surfer, you no longer ride whitewater but paddle out to the “line-up” to catch green waves. This means you’ll find yourself in the open ocean. At this stage, it’s crucial to take good surf lessons that are structured and suited to your surf level. This also includes selecting the right conditions and learning essential surf theory. I’ll cover what makes a good surf camp and a competent surf instructor in more detail in another article. By the time you paddle into the line-up, you should know the basics of surf theory for your own safety and the safety of others, such as:

• Currents 
• Board control 
• Surf etiquette & right-of-way rules 
• Tides 
• Spot checks & forecasts 
• How waves are formed 

The abilities within this level can vary greatly, which makes it difficult for surf instructors to meet everyone’s needs at the same time, especially in large groups of more than 4 students. You’re definitely an intermediate surfer if you paddle into the line-up and surf small green waves, but also if you’re working on your first turns, like cutbacks or bottom turns. 

Once you start practicing your first turns, you’ll likely be much more confident in selecting the right waves, have more solid paddling and duck-diving techniques, and feel comfortable tackling slightly larger waves. At this point. You can call yourself an “advanced intermediate.” 

Why Intermediate Surfers Should Take Lessons

Unfortunately, many beginner surfers stop taking lessons once they reach the intermediate level. But at this stage, it’s crucial to focus on safety – both for yourself and your fellow surfers in the line-up – and many accidents with serious consequences happen due to a lack of knowledge among beginners and intermediates. 

But it’s not just about safety. It’s essential to know the correct movements and techniques when surfing, especially in the beginning. From the Take-Off, to standing properly on the board, to reading the waves out in the ocean – all these skills are key. I’ve seen surfers develop bad habits in their movements, which they’ve stuck to for weeks, only to spend a long time correcting them later. Don’t get me wrong – I’m definitely a fan of trial and error, and that’s the only way you’ll improve your surfing. But you should know how the movement works from the start, and you should get feedback on whether you’re doing it correctly. 

Best Tool for Intermediate Surfer

The best way to identify this is through video analysis – a tool that, in my opinion, is the most effective way to make corrections at any surf level. Also emotions while surfing can significantly distort perception—especially for beginners. While you might feel like you just rode a 2-meter wave, the video may reveal a very different reality.

As an intermediate surfer, it’s also important to understand wave sizes, so you can better assess the waves in a surf forecast and during a spot check. It can also help you overcome potential fears of larger waves. If you decide to keep taking surf lessons – which I strongly recommend – make sure the lessons include video analysis. And if you ever go surfing with a group, see if someone can film you from the shore – it’s worth asking! 

In summary, as an intermediate surfer, you already have a solid foundation in surfing. You’re working on your paddling technique, duck-diving, wave selection, Take-Off, first turns, positioning on the wave, and beginning to understand different surf conditions. This level gives you the ability to feel comfortable in different surf spots and develop your unique surf style.

Surfboard Recommendation

As an intermediate surfer, you’ll gradually transition from a soft-top to a hardboard. I’ll cover everything about surfboard types and shapes in another blog post. However, here’s one of the most important things I’ve learned: Don’t switch to a smaller board or hardboard too quickly if you haven’t mastered board control yet! This is one of the biggest obstacles to your progress. How do I know this so well? Because I made that mistake myself! 

Rule Of Thumb Of Choosing A Surfboard

• Switch to a hardboard (whether it’s a longboard, malibu, fish, or shortboard) only when you have solid board control, can hold onto your board during duck dives, and feel confident in the lineup. Your paddling technique should generate enough propulsion on this board, allowing you to catch waves with ease.

• Move to a smaller board only when you can consistently catch waves, especially in smaller conditions. If, during a 1.5 to 2-hour session, you only manage to catch 2-3 waves despite paddling for many more, your paddling technique—or your strength—might not be sufficient yet. In that case, you likely need a bigger board with more volume. Give yourself time—it will be worth it!

4. Advanced Surfer

The transition from intermediate to advanced is probably the hardest, and opinions differ on what to call it. Basically, you can say that you’ve mastered the previously mentioned skills and are now looking for new challenges – whether it’s mastering larger waves, learning advanced turns, or exploring new surf spots. An advanced surfer can recognize the quality of waves, confidently surf both left and right along the wave, generate speed, and master at least one bottom turn and cutback. And they’ll also know how to work on barrel riding. 

In terms of equipment, advanced surfers can handle different surfboards and often own several boards, or at least various accessories that are adapted to the wave conditions. As an advanced surfer, you’ve already developed a deep passion for surfing, and the pursuit of perfection drives you to new adventures

5. Pro(fessional) Surfer

Professional surfers master demanding techniques, train daily, and compete in events. They can read waves like a book, feel comfortable in all conditions, and perform their tricks with precision. Barrel rides are a part of their everyday routine. They can anticipate how waves will behave and are always in the right place at the right time. Have you ever watched a competition? I find it super exciting and fascinating. You can actually learn a lot just by watching!

Summary

How long you remain at each level can vary greatly. Progress usually happens quickly in the beginning, but once you reach the intermediate level, it’s all about practice, practice, practice. In a two-hour session, it’s possible you might catch only one wave. That means if, like me back then, you only surf two weeks a year, your progress will be slow. But no matter what surf level you’re at, every day on the water is an opportunity to learn, practice, and grow.

The most important thing is to enjoy your own surfing journey, have fun, and not force anything. Surfing’s many facets should be embraced, and any fails should be taken with a sense of humor.