So you want to learn to surf. Whether you're a veteran looking to try something new, a military family exploring beach life, or anyone who's ever watched someone ride a wave and thought "I want to do that" — this guide is for you.
At Surf Brigade, we've taught hundreds of veterans to surf through our therapy programs, many of whom had never touched a board before. We know what works for beginners, what doesn't, and how to get you from shore to lineup as safely and quickly as possible.
Choosing Your First Surfboard
This is where most beginners go wrong. That shortboard you saw the pros riding? Forget it. For your first board, you want something big, stable, and forgiving.
Soft-Top Foam Boards (Best for True Beginners)
Soft-top boards are the gold standard for learning. They're buoyant, stable, and won't knock your teeth out when you inevitably get hit by your own board. Most surf schools use 8-foot soft-tops for a reason — they catch waves easily and give you a stable platform to practice popping up.
Funboards / Mid-Length Boards (Best for Progressing)
Once you can consistently pop up on a soft-top, a funboard in the 7'0" to 7'6" range is a great next step. These boards offer more maneuverability than a longboard while still providing enough volume and stability for developing surfers.
The M4 Surfboard
Our flagship M4 Surfboard was designed with versatility in mind — it's a performance board that's accessible to intermediate surfers while still being forgiving enough for motivated beginners who've graduated from a soft-top. It's shaped for the kind of beach breaks you'll find along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic seaboard. Check it out in our surf equipment collection.
Essential Surf Gear for Beginners
Beyond the board itself, here's what you'll need:
Surf Leash
A leash keeps your board attached to your ankle so it doesn't become a projectile aimed at other surfers (or disappear in the whitewater while you swim after it). Always wear a leash. Our XM Surf Leash is a reliable, no-nonsense option built for daily use.
Wax or Traction Pad
You need grip on your board. Surf wax is cheap and traditional — rub it on the deck where your feet go. Alternatively, traction pads provide permanent grip on the tail of the board for your back foot. Beginners should start with a full wax job for maximum coverage.
Rashguard or Wetsuit
Depending on your water temperature, you'll need sun protection at minimum (a rashguard) or thermal protection (a wetsuit). In warm waters like Florida's Gulf Coast, a rashguard is usually plenty. In cooler waters, a 3/2mm wetsuit will keep you comfortable.
Board Bag
Protect your investment. A padded board bag keeps your surfboard safe from dings during transport and storage. Our FARO Padded Surfboard Bag fits daily drivers and is built for travel.
Transport Gear
Getting your board to the beach matters. Depending on your vehicle, you'll want:
- Soft roof racks for cars without a rack system
- Rack pads to protect your board on existing racks
- Tie-down straps for secure transport
- A tailgate pad if you're hauling boards in a truck bed
We carry all of this in our surf equipment collection.
How to Catch Your First Wave
1. Start in the Whitewater
Don't paddle out to the lineup on day one. Start in waist-deep water where the broken waves (whitewater) roll toward shore. This is where you'll practice popping up without having to worry about timing, positioning, or getting worked by bigger waves.
2. The Pop-Up
This is the fundamental skill of surfing. Practice it on the beach first:
- Lie face-down on your board
- Place your hands flat next to your chest (like a push-up)
- In one explosive motion, push up and bring your feet under you
- Your back foot goes near the tail, front foot in the middle of the board
- Keep your knees bent and your eyes looking forward — not down at your feet
3. Paddle with Purpose
When you see a wave coming, start paddling early and paddle hard. The biggest beginner mistake is not paddling aggressively enough. You need to match the wave's speed for it to pick you up. Dig deep with long, strong strokes.
4. Commit
When you feel the wave catch your board and start pushing you forward, that's your moment. Pop up with confidence. Don't hesitate, don't half-stand. Commit to the motion. You'll fall plenty of times — that's surfing. But the ones where you commit are the ones where you'll ride.
5. Respect the Ocean
The ocean is powerful and indifferent. Always surf within your ability, understand rip currents, and never surf alone as a beginner. If conditions look sketchy, there's no shame in sitting it out. The waves will always be there tomorrow.
Surf Brigade Can Help
If you're a military veteran interested in learning to surf in a supportive, structured environment, our surf therapy programs provide everything you need — boards, instruction, gear, and a crew of fellow veterans who've got your back. Programs are completely free for veterans. Apply to join a program on our website.
Not a veteran? You can still gear up with us. Every purchase from our surf equipment collection funds surf therapy programs for the military community. Ride waves and support a mission at the same time.
See you in the water. 🤙