Surf Foundations

Surf Foundations

Are you just beginning your surf practice? Maybe you’ve already taken a lesson or two where the focus was on standing up, claiming it, getting the photo, and crossing surfing off your bucket list? That might have been a nice little taste of surfing, and now you want to start surfing on your own? We don’t believe in “surfing experience” and actually teach you the real deal. This section is your gateway to building a rock-solid foundation with essential tools, tips, and the support you need to start your lifelong lifestyle as a surfer.

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Surf Foundations
  • How to Pop Up For Beginners

    Master your pop up for surfing with Holly’s beginner-friendly class! Build a solid foundation afterwards by practicing your pop up on land to build confidence and muscle memory. Let’s go!

  • Should You Learn On A Soft-top?

    Soft-tops are common in surf lessons, but are they the best for learning? Discover the truth from Holly and find out what’s best for your surf journey!

  • How to Catch Whitewash Waves

    Ideally you would have a coach to support you when just starting out. If a coach isn’t accessible, you’ve already done that step a few times, or are just ready to venture out solo, then this tutorial guides you on catching and riding broken waves (aka whitewash) with tips to boost your confidence...

  • Introduction To The Parts Of A Surfboard

    Xiquiu breaks down surfboard parts to boost your foundational knowledge. An important video for beginners or those who’ve only stood up on a foam board. Check it out!

  • The Best Paddle Technique

    Master the Coco Chanel paddle to maximize stroke efficiency and save your shoulders while paddling. Holly’s got the secrets for powerful paddling and long, pain-free sessions!

  • Tips for First Time Surfers

    Xiquiu is a longtime Surf With Amigas instructor. Here she talks about the best mindset to have when starting out in surfing. Her helpful advice will set you up for success.

  • How to Get Through the Waves (Turtle Roll)

    Learn the step-by-step technique from Jackie to get through waves smoothly and keep your surf session going strong. Let’s roll!

  • How To Avoid The Nosedive

    Nosediving is part of learning to surf, especially when you are first riding green waves. Don’t get frustrated— we’ve all been there. Good news: with this video, you don’t have to stay there. Check out these valuable tips on how to avoid nosediving in a few different situations.

  • How To Control Your Surfboard

    Want to turn your surfboard? Holly breaks down the basics to help you master your turns with ease.

  • The Secret to Reading Waves

    You can practice your popups and study maneuvers, but until you can understand where to paddle for the wave, which wave to choose, and what that wave is going to do, your progression is limited. This video introduces the concepts needed to begin understanding how to read waves. Spoiler alert: the...

  • When You Don't Want the Wave (The Whoa Horsey)

    What happens when you’ve changed your mind and don’t want a wave? Enter our absolutely essential move: the Whoa Horsey. Master it to gracefully back out from a wave while paddling, valuable for any surf level. Click to learn!

  • Beginner Bottom Turn

    Any turn at the bottom of the wave is technically a "bottom turn". When you're just starting out, the bottom turn is used to start going down the line. Holly explains how to start doing bottom turns both frontside and backside.

  • Surf Etiquette - Navigating a Crowded Lineup

    Surf etiquette is a tricky topic. There are solid rules, grey areas, cultural expectations, and new beliefs about surf privilege. Holly breaks down the clear and easy rules and also talks about the times when the rules might not apply and how to deal with that.

  • How To Buy Your First Surfboard

    Approaching a surf shop can be intimidating. Megan managed a surf shop for many years, and guides you on the best questions to ask and what to know when buying your first longboard.

  • How to Wrap Your Leash and Carry Your Board Like a Pro

    Marin and Anne reveal a new way to wrap your leash around your board’s tail. Plus, they share clever techniques for carrying your board, even if it’s too wide to fit under your arm. Check it out!