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As surfers, we all know the feeling of pre-surf jitters. Arriving at the beach and feeling a little bit nervous or out of your comfort zone can throw you off your surfing game and be tough to manage! That’s why we’ve compiled the top seven tips to help you calm those nerves and maximise every surf session.
Catching a wave is the adrenaline rush we’re all searching for, but to get there, it’s essential to find your calm before paddling out. Here, our expert surf coaches share their favourite strategies to help you conquer pre-surf anxiety and become the best surfer you can be.
Tip 1 – Know Your Surf Break
The key to feeling comfortable is familiarity. Getting to know the beaches you surf regularly means you’ll be aware of and understand the local hazards like rips and rocks and which areas to avoid. This knowledge will boost your water confidence and help you to know how different kinds of waves break on your beach, knowing the surf breaks removes one of the big unknowns of getting into the water – turning the surf into a more predictable and welcoming environment.
Tip 2 – Surf A Lifeguarded Beach
Always surf a beach with lifeguards on duty if you can. Lifeguards are there not only to keep you safe but to alert you to changing conditions, hazards and answer your questions. When you get to a beach you can even let the lifeguards know that you’re getting in just to give you peace of mind and know that you’re safe with eyes on you at all times. If you can’t find a lifeguarded beach make sure to have people you know on the beach looking out for you. 
Tip 3 – Only Change One Variable At A Time
One of the main reasons for feeling nervous when surfing is when you’re trying something new or pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. There’s nothing bad about trying new things and pushing your boundaries, but to stay in control only change one variable at a time. A good rule is:
- If you’re going surfing in waves that are bigger than you’re used to – make sure to surf a board you’re comfortable on, on a beach you’re familiar with.
- If you’re surfing a smaller surfboard for the first time – go out in conditions that you’re really comfortable in on a beach that your familiar with.
- If you’re surfing at a new beach location – use a board you’re familiar and go out in conditions you’re comfortable in.
Tip 4 – Pinpoint Your Fears
Getting nervous or scared of paddling out can be overwhelming – so try to break down the emotions to find what you’re really afraid of. When you’re in the water it’s a foreign environment and most people’s biggest fear is getting held under water. Being held under can feel like it lasts forever – but it’s important to rationalise your fear and remember that you’re only underwater for a few seconds each time!
Tip 5 – Don’t Panic!
If you’ve fallen off your surfboard and are held under the water, know how to stop panicky feelings in their tracks. Remember, if you do start to feel panicked or nervous it all comes back to your breathing. Calm yourself down by breathing slowly in through the nose and out through the mouth. You can use breathing techniques to help control your breath – you may even find you can hold your breath for longer.
Breathing Technique – Box Breathing
Box breathing is a breathing technique to calm and slow your breath. Start by imagining a box shape in your head. With your mind’s eye trace your way around the square shape breathing in time. Breathe in for four, hold for four, breathe out for four, and hold for four. Repeat until you feel your mind and body calm. Breathing techniques like box breathing slow your heart rate and give you time to think and calm down.
Tip 6 – Stay Calm
If you do end up falling off and getting knocked around under water there are a few techniques you can use to stay nice and calm.
Calming Techniques
- Keep your eyes open underwater – This might sound odd, but sight is one of your key senses and keeping your eyes open has been proven to keep you calm.
- Protect your head – If you get wiped out always remember to protect your head – place one hand on the back of your neck and one hand on the back of the head with your elbows touching in front of your face. This creates a safe helmet for your head, neck and face with your arms protecting you from any flying boards!
Tip 7 – Surf With Friends
Surfing with a group of people or a person that you feel comfortable with will immediately dissipate the stress of the situation. Making surfing into a friendly activity turns it into something fun again! If you’re out back with friends, when you feel nervous or the surf is a little bit bigger than you’re used to, when you see a big set coming, rather than freaking out or getting scared, you can cheer each other on! Smile, laugh and embrace the ‘Let’s go girl!’ attitude. You’ll remember that you’re all here to have fun, and that’s what surfing is really all about.
Now that you’re equipped with all the tips and tricks to head to the beach and catch some waves, here’s one final bonus tip to keep in mind for true surfing happiness.
Bonus Tip!
If you ever get to the beach and the waves look way too big and scary – you don’t have to paddle out. Knowing when to hit up a different beach in search of waves more suitable for your ability and comfort levels, is part of becoming a better surfer. There’s always somewhere more sheltered with smaller waves to try. Alternatively, stay on the beach and play in the white water! There are plenty of valuable lessons to learn, and you’ll have way more fun splashing about – not stressing out.
And there you have it—our seven favourite tips to boost your confidence before paddling out! Got your own tricks for staying cool in the waves? Drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear them!
