HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR SURF LEVEL

Determining your level of surfing objectively is a very important point when it comes to measuring and observing our evolution in this sport.

On this occasion, we have collected a series of concepts from the main references of competitive and amateur surfing worldwide, to try to show you the key points to recognize the technical level of a surfer. Our objective: to take the first step to provide you with a SIMPLE scale, easy and quick to apply, which is a standard to quantify the technical level of your surfing at an amateur level.

– SURFING LEVELS:

01. NOVICE. ("One day surfer")

He has no control of the board in prone position (lying on the board), he presents a inefficient rowing, with little or no horizontal displacement. Takes waves only with the assistance of an instructor, gets up with difficulty in 3 or more phases (uses hands, knees, and feet). Standing on the board, he only slides on the foam frontally, without control or lateral displacement. When consulted, he does not feel prepared or safe to enter independently on normal days without an instructor.

02.BEGINNER.

Normally in waves that have already broken (foam), the beginner surfer can catch a wave without assistance, paddling independently with enough horizontal displacement to take the board out of inertia up to 20 meters. He does not handle the "duck dive" technique (duck). You can stand up and turn your board to both sides (left and right). When consulted, he feels prepared and safe to enter independently on normal days without an instructor, only in areas classified as safe.

03. ADVANCED BEGINNER.

In small wave walls (waves that have not yet broken), this surfer can paddle and catch the wave independently, then ride the wall in BOTH directions (frontside and backside). He knows and handles the "duck dive" technique (duck). He can row efficiently for 100 meters or more. Complete and exit the wave in control of your board. He feels confident and safe to enter independently on days of small and medium waves in areas classified as safe.

04. INTERMEDIATE.

In waves of 1,5 to 1,8 meters (height of his body), this surfer can complete any of the following maneuvers during your session (only 1): Off the lip, Cutback, Floater, Re-entry. On a longboard he can complete a hang 5. He knows and handles the "duck dive" technique. It is characterized by its control, dominance and consistency in waves up to 2 meters, completing less than 50% of the basic maneuvers it attempts. He can safely and confidently enter independently on moderate to big wave days.

05. ADVANCED.

This surfer can with SPEED, POWER and FLUIDITY, complete one of the following maneuvers (indicated by an outside observer), given only 3 wave opportunities: Off the lip, Cutback, Floater, Re-entry. On a longboard, complete a cross-step hang 5. It is characterized by its advanced control in all types of waves, completing 50% or more of the maneuvers you attempt.

06. EXPERT.

This surfer can with SPEED, POWER and FLUIDITY, complete Both of you of the following maneuvers (indicated by an outside observer), given only 3 wave opportunities:  Off the lip, Cutback, Floater, Re-entry. On a longboard, complete a cross-step hang 10. It is characterized by its CREATIVITY and complete control over all types of waves.

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NOW. What is your surfing level? "The first step to surfing better is understanding where you are and where you want to be." It is very important to determine your level of surfing in order to know what to improve and progress.

By J.P. Wolf.

Flysurf Boards. #SurfBetterNow.

Sources:

–Endevour.

– ISA: International Surf Association.

–Surfline.