Surfing’s 10 Golden Rules
To Catching Waves with Confidence
There are not many better feelings in this world than catching your very first wave, you pop up, bend your knees and cruise along the face of the wave and it suddenly all makes sense, this is why surfers simply can not get enough.
But the process of learning to surf is much harder than just standing up on a surfboard. It’s about understanding the ocean, knowing your limits, respecting other surfers and building good habits from the very beginning.
Here are 10 golden rules of surfing that will help you surf safer, smarter and with more confidence.
The 10 Golden Rules of Surfing
1. Understand the Ocean
Before you hop on your board and paddle out to the lineup, take a moment to look at the waves and observe. Where are the waves breaking? Where is the channel? What is the wind doing? Where are other surfers sitting? Are there any currents? Safety always comes first. For tips on how to understand the ocean, read our blog post How to Read the Waves.
2. Start Small
Surfing is always about knowing your limits, respecting the ocean and not chasing big waves if you are just starting out. Surf waves that suit your ability, and slowly work your way up. Surf waves selected by your instructor, as they know which conditions are appropriate to the surfer, location and hazards. If you are curious to know more about your level and where to surf in Bali read: We match you with the right waves.
3. Choose the Right Surfboard
This can either make your surfing journey much harder or much easier. If your board is too small for you it can make learning incredibly hard. Beginners generally need something stable with enough volume to help them catch waves and find their balance. Leave the tiny shortboard for later — there’s plenty of time for that. Which board should you choose? Read: We match you with the right board.
4. Always Check Your Surroundings
Before taking off, look around you. Make sure the wave is clear and check where other surfers are. A quick look can prevent collisions and keep everyone in the water safer.
5. Know Your Surf Etiquette
Surfing has a set of unwritten rules that prevent collisions and keep the lineup safe and respectful. The surfer closest to the peak of the wave has priority, this means they get the wave and you should not attempt to catch the wave as this will be a drop in, which can be very disrespectful in the surfing world. Good surf etiquette makes the lineup better for everyone. Read the Rules of Surfing.
6. Don’t Turn Your Back on the Ocean
Keep an eye on the waves when you’re paddling out or waiting in the lineup. Waves can arrive in sets, and conditions can change quickly. Knowing what’s coming gives you more time to react.
7. Learn How to Fall Safely
Yes, wipeouts and falling off of your surfboard are part of the process. Try to fall away from your board, protect your head and give yourself plenty of space before coming back to the surface. Read: How to wipe out?
8. Respect Your Limits
Surfing is fun and knowing when to paddle out is a skill in itself. If the waves are too big, or the current is too strong or your body is just simply too tired, it is okay to take a break.
9. Repetition Is Key
To improve your surfing just takes time in the water, and we mean lots of time. The more time you spend in the ocean, the more naturally you’ll start to read waves, improve your timing and understand how your board moves. Even small improvements add up. There are no shortcuts here.
10. Have Fun!
It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget. Surfing is about enjoying the ocean, chasing waves and spending time outside. You’re going to fall. You’re going to miss waves. Some days everything will click, and other days nothing will. That’s all part of surfing.
Put the Rules into Practice
Reading about how to learn to surf is one thing, but actually getting out there and getting it done is how the magic happens. If you’re learning to surf in Bali, having an experienced surf guide instruct the journey can make all the difference.
At Kima Surf Camps in Bali we have designed Kima Surf School. Kima Surf School Bali is our beginner surf lesson program, taking place at Double Six Beach in Seminyak and Balangan Beach in Uluwatu. It's designed for those who are completely new to surfing, have only tried it once or twice, or don't yet feel confident enough to join our surf-guided sessions. Inside Kima Surf School we offer drop-in beginner surf lessons, our structured 5-Day Learn to Surf program, or private surf coaching — all designed to help you build confidence, and build the correct surfing foundations from day one.
Our Learn to Surf course offers the most complete progression, combining surf theory, safety, technique, video analysis and hands-on coaching over five days. For guests looking for more flexibility, drop-in beginner surf lessons and private coaching are also available.
Once you develop the right foundations you can join Kima Surf Guiding, which is designed for surfers who already know the basics and want help choosing the right surf spots, reading the conditions, and improving in the water with local guidance.
5 Reasons to Learn with Kima
1. Structured Surf Education
Our 5-day Learn to Surf program is about more than just getting in the water. We take a clear, structured approach to help you build skills and confidence step by step. Pool sessions help you work on technique and surf-specific skills in a controlled environment, while video analysis lets you see your surfing from the outside and understand exactly what to work on next.
2. The Right Equipment, Included
Learn with equipment suited to your level, the conditions and your progression, with our team guiding you on what works best for you. Surf booties are included at no extra cost, along with all the necessary equipment for your lessons, including surfboards, water and towels.
3. 30 Years of Surf Experience
With three decades of surf experience behind us, you’re learning with a team that knows the ocean, the waves and what it takes to help beginners progress. Our surf guides are constantly developing their knowledge and approach, so you’re always learning and improving rather than simply repeating the same sessions.
4. Safety Comes First
From ocean awareness and surf etiquette to choosing the right conditions for your level, safety is at the heart of every lesson. Our instructors create a supportive environment where you can learn, have fun and build confidence in the water.
5. Learn Beyond the Pop-Up
Surfing isn’t just about standing up on a board. We teach you how to read the ocean, understand waves, surf responsibly and build the skills you need to keep progressing long after your lesson in Bali. And with flexible options to join for one, three or five days, or drop into individual beginner lessons, you can learn at a pace that works for you.
Once you learn to surf there is a whole world of waves out there for you, every surf trip brings something new to learn and Kima wants to help surfers of all levels to keep learning and progressing.
For those ready to take their surfing further, our Kima Women’s Surf Retreats in the Mentawai Islands offer 11 days of surfing a variety of epic waves aboard a private surf charter through Indonesia’s remote archipelago. Hosted by pro surfer Giada Legati, it’s an opportunity to explore one of Indonesia’s most iconic surf destinations alongside a small group of like-minded female surfers.
Book NowThere’s no perfect way to learn to surf. You’ll fall, miss waves and have plenty of moments where things don’t quite go to plan. That’s all part of it.
Start with the right foundations, respect the ocean, listen to your instructors and, most importantly, enjoy being in the water. With a little patience and plenty of practice, those first wobbly waves can turn into a lifelong love of surfing.
See you in the water!
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