Lesson Library
Explore surf lessons, coaching answers, live-session replays, and conversations designed to help you understand what to practice next.
Browse by Fundamental Skill
All Lessons
- Catching Waves, Prone Turn
Discussing approaches to catching waves other than paddling straight towards the beach with the wave at your back. When you’re a beginner, you learn how to turn your board around and start paddling for a wave you see coming. As you advance, you instead begin to close the gap on the peak which can be any combination of directions (i.e. further out, deeper or wider, etc.) and unique every time, rather than paddling in the direction the waves is traveling–which is always towards the beach.
- 10 mins
- Kick Out, Stopping Skill
Progression in your surfing happens in your mind before your body. As a beginner it’s easy to get so enveloped by the thrill of riding a wave that you neglect to consider what should happen when the ride is over. We’re here to remind you that all good things must come to an end, so prepare to dismount so you can complete your ride properly.
- 2 mins
- Etiquette
The first part of this question from Maleeka is in regards to surf etiquette, specifically as the paddler making their way to the line-up. The second part is in regards to when two surfers go for the same wave.
- 15 mins
- Board Control, Etiquette
Urgency is the theme of this week’s member video analysis. Urgency to hang on to your surfboard, urgency to get out of the way, urgency with your defensive inside skills…while there’s many more instances where urgency will serve a surfer well, the aforementioned three are all packed into 30 seconds of this week’s clip.
A lot can happen in a little time
Your takeaway from this analysis should at least be that when you’re in the water, and perhaps on the verge of being in any one of these 3 scenarios, you will react urgently and early rather than being complacent until you’re forced to respond in a reactive manner which always seems to lead to one being tardy and therefore in a precarious situations.
- 19 mins
- Press Up, Prone Turn
Coach Evan tells the story of a surf adventure with his cousin going wrong in every way possible! The coaches also discuss the importance of the prone turn and setting the rail while looking over footage of Coach Evan surfing himself. Ajit also guest stars in the episode and asks the coaches about proper takeoffs and angling.
- 45 mins
- Board Control, How To, La Misión
Here’s a few thoughts from Coach Ev and Coach Chris on how to surf La Misión in Baja California. “La Mis” as it’s frequently called by us, is a tricky beach break with epic rides evading even the best of surfers. Getting a jump start on some of the tricks this place can play on you will help you wrangle a few of those elusive rides.
- 12 mins
- Stand Up Technique
Coach Chris and Coach Evan dive into proper stand-up technique. The first video they’re talking about the possibilities of what can go wrong with your stand up technique. After we recorded it, Brian sent us a clip of his stand up technique so we hopped on another call to have a look and discuss it again while watching his video
- 29 mins
- Podcast, The Surf Continuum
In our constant quest to clearly define ourselves and our mission to new and old students alike, this episode topic made its way to our shared notes where we kept it on top for a few weeks to develop. We’re firm in our convictions to not just be another “surf school” where you sign up to have a fun surf experience and walk away. We aim to deliver depth in our teaching and a lasting impact on what we assume is the beginning of a life long journey for you, the same way it is for any dedicated surfer.
- 28 mins
- Board Control, Etiquette
In this analysis Coach Evan and myself are looking at three situations where two different surfers are showing signs of being in over their head. When a surfer puts themself in a situation where they aren’t comfortable, poor behavior can ensue and increases the risk of injury to themselves or others.
- 13 mins
Recommended Focus
- Live Studio, Podcast
Coach Chris and Coach Evan are joined my Mind the Surf creator, Andrew Hapke to discuss The Art of Missing Waves in their second live session ever. Check your emails from us to learn more about upcoming live calls.
- 43 mins
