The best way to learn to surf is often to get Lessons or Hire a board a few times to get the swing of things; then purchase a suitable board. The Foamie or Softboard is your friend. You'd ideally want a board that is at least 2 feet taller than you, and as wide as you can fit under your arm.
If you're a Grom we recommend the Even Flow or the Little Marley or an adult the Beastie Super Soft or Double Rainbow by Mick Fanning Softboards.
Check in with Our Double Rainbow Journal here.
Learn the rules of surfing before you head into the wild.
(surf lessons will have different rules)
1. Don't 'drop in' on others already riding the wave (look left, right, and behind, if it's clear, GO.)
2. Wait your turn and exchange waves with those around you, when you're closest to the curl / breaking part of the wave, it is now your priority (but refer back to rule 1 as back up).
We love this video from Barefoot Surf Travel. It's quite in depth.
Think about your desired direction & style
1. Watch plenty of surfing before you start, while you learn, and obviously forever there after (your brain will do half the work while you sleep in programming your body movements for when you next go out). This will also help to find out what type of surfing you enjoy most and can aim for, once you've got the standing, and going along part down!
2. Experts always say, start on a 7' to 8' board and progress shorter from there, but now there are people that use mid-lengths year round or even longboards at 9' to 10'. It is always good to have a shortboard era though ;) Just know there are many pathways you can follow, different styles, boards and ethos ..
3. Follow your idols, and let them help guide your way.. is it Jose Prendergast, or Italo Ferreira, CJ Nelson or Caitlyn Simmers .... the choice is yours .. and while we all may end up in different places, we all start at the beginning. Good luck, have fun, and get in touch if you need a hand.
If you wanted to get lessons - we recommend you check in with the Surfing England approved list.