Catching your first wave is one of the best feelings in the world. Whether you’re learning at Orewa, Te Arai, or Mangawhai, the goal is always the same: build confidence, have fun, and get that first real ride.
Start in the Whitewater
Forget the nerves and get straight in the water. The whitewater, where the wave has already broken, is the perfect place to start. Begin waist-deep, holding your board facing the beach. Watch for a small rolling wave, push your board toward shore, climb on, and paddle hard with both arms. When you feel the lift of the wave, you’ve done it, you’re surfing.
At Aotearoa Surf, our lessons help you master this stage quickly and safely. You’ll learn how to position yourself, time the wave, and build confidence before moving on to the next step.
Look for waves that aren´t too steep and hollow.
Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes
Nose dives (pearling forward): You’re too far forward. Slide back slightly so your board’s nose sits just above the water. Arch your back a little as the wave picks you up.
Missing waves: You’re too far back or not paddling early enough. Shift slightly forward and start paddling sooner with strong, steady strokes.
Wiping out: Don’t stress, every wipeout is progress. Keep practicing in small waves and you’ll feel your timing and control improve every session.
Falling off while pushing up: Don´t push yourself up by grabbing the rail or hands to far apart, you will be putting unnecessary weight on the rails and make it roll over. Keep hands flat on the board and close to your chest, having all your wait in the center.
Watch & learn: Don´t go in the water rushing, surfing is very much about understanding the conditions. Take a few minutes to look around at the lineup, where are beginners and advanced surfers, how is the wave breaking and where, etc… If you know what to expect once you are in the water, you will already be above 90% of most beginner surfers and ready to catch all those waves that slip by.
Take your time and focus on the basics, ask for professional knowledge.
Time to Stand Up
Once you’re catching waves confidently, it’s time to stand. Practice your pop-up on land or in shallow water first, then try it in the whitewater. Keep your eyes forward, hands flat, and pop up in one smooth motion. Standing for the first time is pure stoke and something we love helping our surfers experience every day.
If you want focused attention, book a private lesson for one-on-one coaching. Prefer the social vibe? Our group lessons make learning fun, supportive, and full of laughs.
Together it´s more fun, with friends everything is more entertaining.
Take It Further
When you’re ready to surf new spots and catch unbroken green waves, our Surf Tours are the next step. We travel to epic East Coast beaches, matching locations to your skill level and giving you expert coaching along the way, with daily video analysis sessions at the end of the day to see what are your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll progress faster, surf more, and have the time of your life.
Try to find spots with not a lot of people, as a beginner you are looking for quantity over quality.
Keep the Stoke Alive
Surfing is about rhythm, patience, and fun. Every paddle, pop-up, and wipeout gets you closer to that smooth, confident ride. Stay curious, stay safe, and keep showing up, the waves will do the rest.
Find your surf squad and progress together
