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
- Free, Podcast
Coach Chris and Coach Evan tell a few harrowing seal encounter stories, and discuss how approaching surfing so seriously can sometimes hurt, not help. When you are so focused on your progress, it often holds you back and draws you away from the point of surfing: Having fun!
- 22 mins
- Turtle Roll
Everyone’s telling Genevieve she needs board she can duck dive, but her instinct is that she’s doing just fine with her boards and turtle rolling technique. Still, she’s checking in with us to find out. Here’s what we have to say…
- 7 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
- Etiquette
When someone is paddling for a wave and they’re in the priority position, “backing them up” is something another surfer does when they think the wave might be missed by the priority surfer. However, it is definitely important to be conscientious of the manner in how you back someone up.
- 6 mins
- Surfboards
Coach Evan and Coach Chris are answering a question regarding surfboards and surfboard selection.
- 15 mins
- Buoyancy Pop, Corking, Sitting Turn
Here’s an in depth look at how a surfer is great aside from how they ride the wave; which of course is also excellent, but without a solid fundamental foundation, the resulting surfing on the wave wouldn’t happen.
- 24 mins
- Uncategorized
This is an episode I’ve wanted to do for a while, and I’m stoked I finally made the trip out to Rockaway Beach to record it. Here’s Dion Mattison and myself in the Conatus Club House for team members, and we run through a whole bunch of surf topics. Enjoy
- 92 mins
- Prone Turn, Rail Set
Take-off angles are a subtle, but fundamental aspect of your take-off. But just because it’s a subtle element doesn’t mean it can’t be complicated to understand and implement. For every board and your position on the wave, angles must change to achieve the best result. And sometimes what seems right, suddenly changes due to the ever changing nature of waves. Years of practice is the only way to increase your ratio of success, but hopefully understanding them a little better will aid in your practice.
- 2 mins
- Paddling Technique, Podcast
Coach Ev and I really appreciate these kinds of questions because it shows how much David cares about the most basic aspects of his surfing. Of course, you already know…perfecting the most basics skills and nuances of those skills is what ultimately lays the foundation for excellent surfing. Without perfect paddling technique, you’ll struggle to progress in surfing. Thanks for your question, David.
- 9 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
