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
- Memorable Session, Stories
Coach Evan tells his kooky board story that ends with a crunch! Coach Chris talks about a perfect lesson he just had with a brand new surfer, and why she was such a natural.
- 32 mins
- Podcast, Stories
Coach Evan tells the story of breaking the first board he made himself, while the Coaches and guest Uncle Freestyle talk about fear and courage in the ocean. They also go over the incredible story of Leigh-Wai Doo, a man who showcased surf skills well beyond his time despite suffering from polio, and remains an inspiration to surfers everywhere.
Link: Leigh-Wai Doo surfing from “The Angry Sea”
Link: Leigh-Wai Doo surfing from “The Angry Sea”
- 39 mins
- Podcast, Stories
Hurricane Larry was an EPIC storm that sent us what may end of being the swell of the year for 2021. For a few pictures of us surfing that day, head over here and scroll to the bottom of the post.
- 36 mins
- Question
Tori moved out to the West coast and is dealing with some real deal Pacific energy! That’s a tricky situation to be in as a beginner. In this video, I give Tori my best insights into finding ways of dealing with it, and in the process, building confidence to get over fears that crept in from a rough experience.
- 7 mins
- Question, Riding Waves
And we’re back! Apologies to anyone who came to this page and found the video unavailable. Editing was required to remove sensitive information. Anyway…we’re talking about turns and ways to stop bogging your rails when doing so! Thanks for your question Luke!
- 7 mins
- Stand Up Technique
Specifically regarding the last step: extension. There’s a reason we teach a stand up technique, and not a pop-up. Beginners already tend to have an excited and explosive stand up. Take advantage of the extra drive you can create by standing up compressed at first and slowly extending through the rail set.
- 2 mins
- Board Control, Dismount, Free, Kick Out
There’s many styles and ways to finish your wave from simple to flashy. But the resounding theme of a proper finish is: control. In our opinion, there is too much focus on how a wave is ridden, but a flight is only as good as its landing. Care about your beginning and endings and everything between will automatically get better.
- 1 mins
- Paddling Technique
The weight stored in the keel of a ship is called “ballast” and it’s what keeps her seaworthy and stable. In surfing, proper position and good form is your ballast while paddling and is what keeps you seaworthy and stable while paddling over waves.
- 2 mins
- Rail Set
Coach Chris and Coach Evan respond to Ben’s new question: How do you move up to catching those larger, scarier waves? The Coaches talk about fear management, the importance of setting the rail, and how to practice so you can be prepared for those bigger days.
- 14 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
