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Subscribe and get a free lessonBeginner training plan
Your first lessonWelcome & Orientation
Brief intro, meet the instructor, overview of the lesson, and safety rules.
Lesson 2-32. Surfboard & Gear Overview
Explain parts of the surfboard, leash, and wetsuit. Cover how to carry the board safely.
Beach Safety & Ocean Awareness
Teach about rip currents, tides, waves, surf etiquette, and how to fall safely.
Lesson 4-10Warm-Up & Stretching
Quick mobility routine to prevent injury and prepare the body.
Laying on the Board & Paddling Technique
Show how to lie on the board correctly (centered, balanced) and how to paddle effectively.
Pop-Up Technique on Land
Practice popping up from lying to a surfing stance using the “push-up and jump” method.
Stance & Balance
Explain the proper surfing stance—feet shoulder-width, knees bent, arms out for balance.
Practice Pop-Ups on the Sand
Repeat pop-up drills until movements feel smooth and natural.
Entering the Water & Positioning
Walk into the whitewater, get on the board, and find the right spot to catch waves.
Catching Whitewater Waves
Start with small whitewater waves, focus on timing, paddling, and popping up.
Lesson 11+Feedback & Wrap-Up
Return to shore, review progress, give tips for improvement, and next steps.
Youth players
Working with kids1. Warm Welcome & Icebreaker
• Introduce yourself and get their names.
• Quick game or fun question to make them feel comfortable and excited.
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2. Safety Talk (Kid-Friendly)
• Explain “surfing rules” in simple terms:
• Never turn your back to the ocean.
• Hold the board on the side.
• What to do if you fall off (cover your head, look around).
• Show rip currents with drawings or hand signals.
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3. Beach Warm-Up
• Fun, playful warm-up: animal walks, beach tag, light stretches.
• Get them moving and laughing.
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4. Surfboard Basics
• Show the board parts: nose, tail, rails, fins, deck.
• Teach how to carry it safely (especially with wind).
• Show how the leash works and connect it to their ankle.
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5. Lying on the Board & Paddling (on sand)
• Demonstrate where to lie down (not too far forward or back).
• Practice paddling on land—turn it into a game or race.
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6. Pop-Up Technique (on sand)
• Use simple steps:
• “Hands under your chest”
• “Push up like a seal”
• “Feet jump to the middle”
• Keep it playful—imagine they’re ninjas or surfers on a mission.
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7. Practice Stance
• Teach the surf stance:
• Feet shoulder-width
• Knees bent
• Arms out like airplane wings
• Use a line in the sand to help them line up.
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8. Water Entry & Practice in Whitewater
• Walk out with them (you or another instructor holding the board).
• Start with them lying down, pushing them into small waves.
• Help with timing and stability.
• Celebrate small wins (just catching a wave = success!).
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9. Pop-Up in the Water
• Once they’re comfortable, encourage them to try standing.
• Assist with balance or guide the board if needed.
• Keep it fun—laugh through the wipeouts.
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10. Short Break & Encouragement
• Let them rest and hydrate.
• Talk about what they did well (“You caught that wave like a pro!”)
• Let them share how it felt.
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11. Wrap-Up & High-Fives
• Recap what they learned: “Today you learned how to surf!”
• Give a sticker, certificate, or “surf name” as a reward.
• Invite them back and talk about what comes next.
