From Rookie to Ripper
5 Tips to transition from a beginner to intermediate surfer!
You are comfortable in the water, and comfortable paddling to the line-up? You have good pop-up timing, paddling skills and the ability to turn in both directions? Now you want to level up your surf game where you can catch waves alone, pop up and turtle roll with more confidence, even ready to start learning the duck dive and enhancing your wave selection? Well, then you are ready to progress from beginner to intermediate-level surfing! Woohoo!
The Kima Surf 6-Star Session Planner
At Kima Surf Camps, we have a custom-built Six-Star Session Planner, from our Learn To Surf Program (a beginner) to 6 stars (Expert level). The LTS course is for those wanting to learn surfing with no prior experience. The 1-star sessions are available for those who just finished the Learn To Surf course, this is a beginner level. 2 star level is for surfers who are comfortable with basic skills and they are ready to catch green waves in the line up with a push from an experienced surf guide. The 3 star levels are for surfers who can catch their own waves, can handle steep take offs, and are comfortable on a shorter hardboard. 4 star sessions are for surfers who are independent in the water, these surfers will be focusing on speed, flow and making maneuvers. 5 star sessions are for advanced surfers, this level of surfer is confident in crowded line ups and will start to focus on tube riding in bigger and more challenging waves over shallow reefs, these surfers will also begin to attempt to perform aerials, Lastly, our 6 star level is for experts and skilled surfers who feel independent in the water and can surf waves of all sorts and difficulties without assistance, this surfer is an expert.
Transitioning from a beginner to an intermediate surfer would be the equivalent of advancing from 2 star level to a 3 star level, it is all about sharpening your skills, reading the wave and identifying the correct wave entry and take off positions and building your confidence in the lineup. Whether your goal is to catch green waves without help or tackle bigger swells with more manoeuvrability, we’ve got you covered! Grab your board, and let’s discover the five key advancements that will elevate your surfing level from a rookie to a ripper!
Enhanced Paddling Skills
Ready to paddle your way to 3 star level?! Paddling technique is your golden ticket to catch waves alone and reach the line up, allowing you to transition from a 2 star surfer to a 3 star surfer. To reach the 3 star level, your paddling should be efficient for you to navigate through the line-up with confidence and powerful enough for you to catch your own waves without a push.
Start by mastering your paddling form, keeping your arms extended, to maximize your reach all while maintaining a strong core. This alignment will enhance your speed and help prevent fatigue. Focus on slower and deeper strokes for power when paddling for a wave. You can improve your paddling skills with specific drills like “paddle sprints” where you have short intense bursts of paddling followed by time for recovery, it is like interval training for surfers! This helps build both strength and stamina. As you progress, you can challenge yourself by paddling in different conditions, such as against currents or in choppy waters on windy days. This will improve your adaptability and resilience, essential qualities for an intermediate surfer.
The ultimate goal to reach 3 star level? Refine your paddling technique and build your endurance so you can catch your own waves. Additionally, you should focus on your wave reading and selection to start ripping your own waves. By following these simple tips you’ll be well-equipped to paddle into the lineup with confidence and catch green waves on your own- those green waves are waiting for you!
Independent Wave Catching
Now that you have refined your paddling skills and built your endurance it's time to tackle the fine art of solo wave catching! At the 3-star level, your goal is to catch waves without the push of a surf guide. To achieve this start by mastering your timing, first start by watching the waves and positioning yourself correctly so that you can catch the waves at the right moment. Look for a slight lift in the water so you can see a wave building, and start to paddle hard as it approaches.
To ensure you are catching as many waves as possible, practice your paddling speed— make sure it is quick, powerful strokes but don't forget about deep strokes! This will help you match the wave's speed and catch it just before it breaks.
Finally, don’t forget one of the most important factors- practice your pop-up technique—make sure you have a smooth and quick transition to standing and riding the wave. The more you practice catching waves independently, the more second nature it will become. There is nothing like the stoke of catching waves solo!
Turtle Roll and Duck Dive
At a 3 star level, surfers will be tackling some more powerful waves and therefore being able to execute a duck dive is necessary to pass these powerful waves. To master the duck dive there are a few essential tips to follow! Before you know it you’ll be passing these powerful waves, saving energy and swiftly getting back to the line up to catch more solo waves! Included in your Kima Package, are the training sessions where our experienced surf guides will teach you how to turtle roll and duck dive.
To successfully duck dive start by generating speed, with your new and improved paddling technique this should be a breeze! Once you are 2 meters from the white water wave, grab your surfboard's rails beneath your chest and push the front part of your board down and forwards, use strength from the shoulders to dig your surfboard nose under the water- keep your arms straight to get as much of the board under the water. Now push the tail of the surfboard down either with your foot or knee using the traction pad. Lift your other leg up like a scorpion: This helps you put more weight over the tail to sink it. Once your surfboard is deep and under the water, bend your arms and bring your body to your surfboard as the wave passes over you. Once the wave passes, you can aim the nose of the surfboard to the surface and resurface. Now you’re in the line up ready to catch more waves.
If duck diving isn’t quite your thing yet, don’t worry—The turtle roll is the trusty backup for handling those larger waves. Position your board perpendicular to the incoming wave, grab the rails, and flip! As the wave reaches you, roll your body and the board at the same time, holding a strong grip to make sure your board doesn’t go on a solo adventure. Think of it as a graceful underwater dance—just make sure you don’t let go!
Master your Pop Up
Mastering your pop-up is a must for advancing to the three star-level surfing. To master your pop up start by practicing on dry land before every surf session—aim for 10-15 pop-ups, this will help to develop muscle memory and improve your technique. If you want more of a challenge, use balance boards which are available at our camps, or join our pool sessions where our experienced surf guides provide you with valuable feedback about your pop up technique. Always start with solidifying the basics, start in a proper paddle position, keep your chest centered and feet near the tail of the board. As you push up, first bring your back foot forward, then bring the front foot in. This ensures better balance and stability when you pop up. Another crucial aspect is timing—wait for the right moment when the wave gains momentum and feels like it's ready to carry you. Don't rush! And most importantly, keep your eyes up and look where you want to go; this helps with balance and prevents nose dives. With regular practice, you'll soon develop the timing, technique, and confidence to master the pop-up, setting you on the path to advance to a 3 star-level surfing.
Ride a Hard board
To reach 3 star level, you must upgrade to a hard board as well as a shorter board. The ideal size for a 3 star surfer should be 6'8 or lower. The maximum length is a 7’2 hardboard. A hard board is essential as it allows you to tackle bigger waves, steeper waves, and move more and start to perform tricks like cutbacks. Hard boards are specifically designed to enhance your performance as you progress. They allow you to refine your technique, balance, and overall maneuverability.
When transitioning from a soft top to a hard board start by choosing a board that suits your skill level and size. Start by practicing your paddling and balancing on your new board on flat water or in the pool. Once you feel confident, tackle small waves to gradually build your skills. Patience is key! At Kima Surf, our experienced surf guides will help you choose a suitable board for your skill level. With our surfboard rental and Premium surfboard collection selection, we have the right board waiting for you !
With a hard board, you can fully experience the wonders of surfing, riding a hard board allows you to execute sharper turns all while having better control of your board, which is crucial when going for larger and more powerful waves at a 3 star level. Plus, mastering the feel of a hard board builds your confidence, making you more comfortable catching your own waves in steeper beach breaks, with shallow reefs and sandbars. As you transition to a hard board, you’ll also develop a deeper connection with the ocean, as the board responds more to your intended movements. Go hard and level up to the 3 star level.
Ability to ride 3 star waves
At a 2 star level you will be surfing softer and smaller waves they are mainly beach breaks and semi reef breaks, such as Old Mans, Batu Bolong and Kudeta. Whereas at a 3 star level you are diving into more powerful and steeper waves. The surf spots are more advanced and you need to be confident to tackle these waves alone. These surf spots demand excellent timing and a quick, effective pop-up to stay ahead of the curl.
It is also important that you are comfortable riding over shallow reefs and sandbars, and that you are up for the challenge and excitement that comes with each ride. With practice, you’ll develop the confidence and skills necessary to conquer these challenging waves!
Level up with Kima Surf
As you improve your surfing level from rookie to ripper, Kima Surf is here to help you transition from 2-star to 3-star surfing! With two surf sessions a day, our unique 6-star rating system, and a team of experienced surf guides who will take you to a suitable spot based on your level and help you both inside and outside the water. We have the perfect environment for you to practice your skills. Our video analysis and surf theory sessions will ensure you are aware of the areas that have room for improvement to get you to the level you desire! Our pool sessions give you the confidence to practice techniques in a safe space, here you can master your duck dive and turtle roll. Book your stay with us and get ready to catch those green waves alone, improve your technique, and embrace the thrill of intermediate surfing.
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