Pointer Pit
Want to feel extra prepared before your lesson? Here are some surfing pointers to get you started.
For
Beginners
Learn to Fall the Right Way
Always fall flat or land on your butt — never dive headfirst. Protect your head and cover it with your arms if you’re near the board.
Point the Nose of Your Board Where You Want to Go
Your board goes where it’s aimed. Before paddling for a wave, make sure the nose is pointed straight toward the beach.
Paddle Early, Paddle Hard
Most beginners don’t paddle soon enough. Start paddling before the wave reaches you, and match its speed so it can pick you up.
Look Where You Want to Go, Not Down at Your Feet
Your body follows your eyes. Keep your chin up and eyes on the beach when you pop up, looking down throws off your balance.
Start on Whitewater, Not Green Waves
Whitewater (broken waves) are more forgiving and predictable — perfect for building confidence before progressing to unbroken, green waves.
Keep Your Board Between You and the Wave
When paddling back out, don’t let your board get between you and incoming waves where it can hit someone (or you). Duck dive or push the board away if a wave is about to break on you.
Learn to Read the Lineup
Watch how waves are breaking before you paddle out. Are they breaking left, right, or straight? Position yourself accordingly rather than paddling for every wave that comes.
Angle Your Takeoff
Instead of paddling straight toward the beach, angle your takeoff in the direction the wave is breaking. This helps you generate speed and stay ahead of the curl.
Bend Your Knees, Stay Low
A lower center of gravity gives you more control and stability, especially when turning or adjusting to changing wave faces.
Practice Trimming Before Turning
Before working on cutbacks or bottom turns, get comfortable “trimming” (riding smoothly along the open face of the wave with good speed and balance).
Respect Wave Etiquette
The surfer closest to the peak (where the wave breaks first) has priority. Don’t drop in on someone already riding a wave. This isn’t just polite, it’s safer for everyone.
Study the Tide Charts
Topsail Island’s beach breaks change with the tide. Learning how low, mid, and high tide affect your favorite spots will help you time better sessions.
For Intermediate Surfers
Ocean
Safety Tips
Always Check Conditions Before You Paddle Out
Wind direction, swell size, and tide all affect wave quality and safety. Check a local surf report before heading to Topsail Beach, Surf City, or North Topsail Beach.
Know How to Spot a Rip Current
Look for channels of choppy, discolored water moving away from shore. If caught in one, stay calm, swim parallel to the beach, and let the current release you before swimming in.
Never Surf Alone as a Beginner
Always surf with a buddy or take a lesson.
Respect Other Surfers and Swimmers
Keep a safe distance from swimmers, and be aware of other surfers in the lineup to avoid collisions.
Warm Up Before Paddling Out
A few minutes of stretching and light paddling on the sand can help prevent shoulder and back strain.
Know Your Limits
Conditions can change fast. If waves are bigger or more powerful than you’re used to, it’s okay to sit one out.
Most importantly, don’t get overwhelmed. We are here to help teach anyone who is interested in learning.
Ready to get started? Schedule your lesson today!