See All (Surf Training)

See All (Surf Training)

If you're interested in surfing and improving your surfing, the best women-taught and women-focused tutorials live here. Surfing is about a lot of different things: there are different waves, different boards, different approaches. This section is dedicated to all of it. Learn surf tips broken down into different levels. There's another category that includes things like etiquette, how to wrap your leash and carry your board, and other Further Essentials beyond performance-focused tips. This is also a place to learn about surfboards and fins. All the answers to questions you've been wanting to ask with no intimidation factor.

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See All (Surf Training)
  • Mindful Movement: Twisting Turns

    In order to do a maneuver that you've always wanted to do, you have to be able to imagine yourself doing it! This exercise will help you improve your mind-body connection to perfect your frontside cutbacks or backside bottom turns.

  • What Surfboards are Made of: Epoxy VS PU

    Ever wondered what surfboards are made of? ALL surfboards are fiber glass, but there are different types of foam. Learn the differences between Epoxy VS PU surfboards and explore the epoxy bias with Holly.

  • 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.

  • Pre-Surf Breathing Exercise

    An easy kinesthetic breathing exercise to calm your nerves before you paddle out with SWA Surf Coach Ally.

  • Improve Your Bottom Turn

    Unlock the secrets to a perfect bottom turn! This video covers everything you need to know about shifting your balance to enhance your ride.

  • Fins Setup: Thruster VS. Quad

    Holly explores the differences between surfing a surfboard with four fins (quad) versus a surfboard with three fins (thruster).

    If you haven't already, checkout our All About Fins video which details how and why fins work as well as when you might need one fin setup over another. https://online....

  • How To Generate Speed On A Longboard

    Learn how to control and generate speed, navigate closeouts, get around sections, and engage your inside rail for smooth, epic rides with Christine’s tips!

  • Tips For Watching Your Own Surf Footage

  • 3 Tips for Making it Out of the Barrel

    SWA Surf Coach Chloe shares her story of learning how to make the drop, pull in, and eventually make it out of the barrel. She shares 3 tips that helped her achieve her barrel-riding goals along the way- how to visualize it, how to lean on your community, and what to do with your arms to help gui...

  • Size Matters : Bigger Surfboards Might Be Better

    Think shortboards are the best boards out there? If so, and your goal is to go as short as possible, let's discuss why. Join Holly to consider alternatives, and learn how to step down slowly and smoothly if going shorter is your goal.

  • How Does a Surfboard Work and What Should You Ride?

    Curious about how surfboards work? Watch Holly break down the details (there’s a lot!) including bottom contour, rail shape, tail design, size, volume, and more. If you’re wondering how to choose the right board for you, this is a good place to start.

  • Troubleshoot Your Top Turn

    Struggling with top turns? Holly shares troubleshooting tips for completing the crucial second half of a top turn on any board type—shortboard, fish, mid-length, or longboard.

  • Introduction to Cross-Stepping

    Discover the cross-step—the fastest, easiest, most functional (and cutest) way to move around on your longboard! Anne shows you how to start practicing it both in the water and on land.

  • How to Cheater 5

    The cheater 5 can be a stylish maneuver for advanced longboarders, a silly move for shortboards and mid-lengths, or a transition to learning how to hang 5 for progressing longboarders. No matter the category, learn it today to elevate your skills.

  • How to Fade the Takeoff

    On a shortboard, you need to sit at the peak, but on a longboard, you can get away with taking off further on the shoulder. That said, you might want to position closer to the breaking part of the wave to boost your speed and maneuvers. Shelly explains how to use the "faded takeoff" for this kind...

  • What Do I Do With My Arms? Longboard Edition

    Join Holly as she walks us through what we should (and should not) be doing with our arms when riding a longboard. Learn how your arms can be used for balance, making maneuvers easier, and of course, self-expression.

  • How to Cross-Step Redirect on a Longboard

    Shelly is one of our favorite surf instructors. She hails from the gorgeous right point breaks of the Sunshine Coast, Australia where she picked up a relaxed, cruisey style. We asked her to explain how she does one of her signature moves and she was happy to talk us through the cross-step re-dire...

  • How to Generate Speed by Pumping

    Learn how to generate your own speed, so you aren’t at the mercy of the wave’s quality. Learn how to find that speed, even in soft, mushy waves! This sets you up for starting bigger, better turns. Holly shows you how to pump your surfboard – whether shortboard, mid-length, or longboard. Let’s go!

  • Longboards: Exploring Their Differences

    Holly and shaper Christy Carr compare two longboards, highlighting their unique features and designs. Curious about what makes a longboard a log or if a performance longboard suits you? This video has your answers!

  • Longboard Fins : Single Fin Vs. Side Bites

    Join Holly and shaper Christy Carr as they explore the differences in feel and performance between longboards with single fins and those with side bites. Discover which setup suits your surfing style!

  • How to Size and Place Longboard Fins

    If you’re curious about longboard fin size and placement, watch Holly and Christy discuss options and essential rules of thumb to optimize your ride.

  • What is a Mid-Length?

    Not quite longboard, not quite shortboard—discover the mid-length! Holly and Christy explore what mid-lengths are, how they perform, fin setups, and help you choose the right one.

  • More About Mid-Lengths

    Anne shares her passion for mid-lengths! Discover why she loves them, when is the right opportunity to ride them, and get tips on navigating sections, executing cutbacks, and paddling out.