Your ultimate guide to New Year's surfing resolutions

We're not saying you should be one of those people who spends more time taking photos of themselves surfing than actually surfing.

But it's a good idea to take a few photos or videos of yourself this year. Not just for Instagram, but because it's incredibly valuable to watch yourself surf and see what you're really doing.

Think your take-off is smooth? The video will show the truth. Think you're standing upright and looking forward? The photo might reveal that you're leaning forward too much after all.

Furthermore, in a few years, you'll be glad to have proof that you actually kept that resolution, that you traveled to southern Spain, caught waves and had the time of your life.

Have you ever paddled frantically, almost windmilling your arms? Don't worry, we've all done it.

When a wave comes and your arms suddenly become desperately splashing appendages, completely detached from any efficient swimming technique you've ever learned, it's time for a new resolution.

This year, focus on calm, powerful paddling technique:

• Long strokes instead of frantic kicking

• Lightly arched hands that really push water back

• Activate torso 

• Look like you've done this before, even if you haven't.

Do this and your shoulders will thank you and you'll catch waves faster and with less effort.

You've seen the videos and understood the theory. You push down the nose, use your knee or foot on the tail and are supposed to go under the wave instead of being crushed by it.

In practice, it often ends in a half-hearted push-up on the board while the wave spins you backwards.

This year, really go for it: 

• Get your technique checked by an instructor

• Practice in smaller waves where failure just means getting your hair wet

• If you have a longboard, master the turtle roll instead. Here's our favorite article, which compares duck diving and turtle rolls. 

Remember... even experienced surfers make mistakes. It's part of learning.

There are few things more vulnerable than needing someone to zip up your wetsuit, or worse... the wetsuit dance in the parking lot with arms at impossible angles.

This year, resolve to become truly independent. 

Learn yoga exercises for shoulder flexibility, in all of our yoga classes. Perfect the over-the-shoulder zipper move, see if baby powder or plastic bags on your feet help you get your wetsuit on faster 

And here's a bonus resolution: master the art of removing a wetsuit with dignity!

How long have you been talking about it? Two years? Three years? 

You've seen our reels and told your friends "maybe next year". This year, you stop scrolling and book.

Southern Spain isn't a dream or a screensaver... it's a real place with real waves and real sunshine, almost all year round.