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
- Podcast
An episode we’ve had in draft mode for a few weeks is finally recorded. 10 instincts that surfers should have, and if you don’t you should start cultivating.
- 54 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
- Paddling Technique, Question
Sarah asked about paddling technique and form…specifically, what should she be doing with her legs while she paddles ? This is an important thing to get right, because you’ll see a lot of people, even great surfers do different things with their legs (lift them in the air, peddle kick, etc.) I approach this question from an athletic perspective, and to be the most efficient and high level athlete, you want to have the best technique at the most basic things.
- 5 mins
- Riding Waves
This is an episode that speaks to the few ways we can make situations feel less rushed and pressed for time. Moments such as taking off on a wave, or when we have to avoid a paddler in our way while we surf. These simple tips are meant to serve as reminders on how you should be surfing so that time feels plenty and there isn’t pressure on the timing of a task you must complete.
- 19 mins
- Uncategorized
Ashley is asking about surfboard bottom contours, which is certainly a tricky question to navigate. It’s notorious for producing all sorts of answers and opinions. Luckily Coach Ev, who is also a master board builder (La Misión Surfboards) took over for this one.
- 5 mins
- Free, Sitting Turn
Any lack of fluency in this fundamental skill subtracts from your ability to read a wave as it approaches you. Every wave is different and constantly changing as it comes to break. Therefore all of your focus should be on the wave, not the act of turning your board. Repetition, practice and good technique is the only way.
- 2 mins
- Etiquette
Kristen bringing a tricky topic to the table! Hah, I love to take a swing at these tough ones.
While there are some black and white points to make when it comes to the rules of the road, they’re generally in front of a backdrop of situational context and nuance of surf culture. I don’t really try to organize my thoughts in this video, but rather resort to free association to drive my thoughts. I think if you have the patience (21:45 mins worth to be exact), you’ll be able to glean a few things, or at the very least have some foundational knowledge for your own experiences going forward from someone who’s been dealing with this stuff for over 25 years.
Side note: Listening back to this and other videos I make for members, I wanted to clarify something. I noticed I say “you” a lot in my answers. “You shouldn’t drop-in on other surfers” for example. I don’t mean to sound so pointed, like I’m calling the inquirer specifically out. I think the position I feel answering these questions to a computer screen and knowing more than one person will listen subconsciously triggers me to use the word “you” when really I mean “surfers in general”. Hope that eases the sting for the times I say “you”.
- 22 mins
- Rail Set
This video follows up on last week regarding how you can practice controlling your take-off after you catch a wave. It’s a common beginner pitfall to hesitate during the moment of commitment for fear of nose diving. This fundamental compound (press up & rail set) will help you learn how to control your take-off and avoid nose dives.
- 3 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
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
