Is it Possible to Learn to Surf After 30?

August 24, 2021

Updated November 3, 2023

You might be wondering, is it ever too late to learn how to surf? You’re not a teenager anymore, but are you way too old for this? The answer is no! If you’re interested in learning to surf after 30 or 40, don’t let your age stop you. As cliche as it may be to say, age is but a number and if surfing is something you’d love to do, we are here to tell you that you can do it.

But how?

Learn to surf holidays

The best way to learn to surf after 30 is to go on a surf holiday! Surf vacations, also known as surf camps, are a mixture of surfing courses, relaxing time in paradise, and fun adventures all in one. Depending on the type of package you choose for your stay at a surf camp, the accommodation, top-notch surf courses, and delicious daily food are all-inclusive. Rooms can be private or shared, and the camps’ open spaces make it incredibly easy to become friends with some cool folks from all around the globe.

Surf camps are even a fantastic option for learning to surf at 40 because the surf courses are short and extremely personalized. You’ll learn all of the best tips and advice from surfing coaches and receive personal feedback that you otherwise might not get in standard surf schools with large amounts of surf mates.

Learning to surf at 40 or after 30 is an exciting idea for couples who want to experience a new and exciting type of vacation like no other. If you’re wishing you could learn to surf with your significant other while also relaxing in a gorgeous tropical getaway, book a learn to surf vacation at a surf camp and you won’t be disappointed.

3 Tips for Learning How to Surf After 30

If you’re planning on starting a surf course or going on a surf vacation, there are a few things you can do in advance that will help you immensely. Here are a few tips for learning how to surf in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or even 60s & beyond.

#1 — Exercise

To successfully surf and make things easier while standing on the surfboard, you will need to focus on your core and upper body strength before you even begin surfing. Exercising will help build your endurance and gain the muscle you will need to paddle into the waves and jump onto the surfboard.

A few surf fitness exercises you could do include burpees, planks, flexibility stretches, and yoga poses. Anything that gets your heartbeat going and tests your stability is perfect preparation and is just what you need for an easier time hitting the waves.

#2 — Choose a good surf board

Another tip that is crucial for beginners to take into account is that you need to choose the right surfboard to fit your skills. There are various types of surfboards and to keep things as easy as possible, it’s important that beginner surfers stay away from the boards used by intermediate and advanced levels.

The best beginner surfboards are known as longboards or funboards. These boards are perfect for learning how to surf after 30 because they are wide and thick, which is exactly what you want when you’re just starting out.

#3 — Brush Up Your Swimming Skills and Choose a Good Course

One of the most important preparations you can do before learning to surf at 40 or 30, is to practice your swimming skills. If it’s been a while since you’ve been swimming in deep tough waters, be sure that you practice your skills in a pool, ocean, or lake so that you will be confident while learning to surf.

Be sure to do a few swimming exercises regularly, such as butterfly or breaststroke, to build up your strength. The swells and rush of waves can be intense and unpredictable, so it can be extremely dangerous if you are not well prepared.

Need help choosing the best place to learn how to surf? Gladly we can help! Reach out to our team or check out all of our surf schools around the world!