Your ultimate guide to New Year's surfing resolutions
- This year will be your surfing year
- 10. Finally discover which foot goes in front
- 9. Smile for the camera
- 8. Embrace the wipeouts
- 7. Paddle into the wave like a pro
- 6. Understand what the surf forecast really means
- 5. Learn duck diving (or at least try really, really seriously)
- 4. Stop apologising for being a beginner
- 3. Mastering wetsuit independence
- 2. Ride a wave to the beach
- 1. Finally book that surf trip somewhere warm
- Ready to really go through with it?
This year will be your surfing year
But if you're reading this, you're already one step ahead. Because this year, you're thinking bigger.
You're thinking about waves, sun and a resolution that actually sounds fun and that you really want to keep:
Learn to surf better.
Whether you caught your first wave last summer or have been toying with the idea of a surf trip for years, 2026 is calling you. And it's calling in Spanish, from a sun-drenched beach in the south where the waves are merciful and you don't need three layers of wetsuit.
Ready to discover surfing resolutions that really stick? Find yours below.
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A cheerful group of children stand next to each other on the beach in colorful wetsuits and practice their surfing posture in the sand with concentration
10. Finally discover which foot goes in front
Just kidding! You probably already know that. Right?
Regular means left foot in front, goofy means right foot in front. And no we're not judging in case you needed a moment to think. Not quite sure which foot is in front? If you don't know your stance, stand up, close your eyes and let yourself tilt slightly forward.
The foot you take the first step with determines your surf stance. It's as simple as that.
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A young surfer in a wetsuit smiles and gives the camera a thumbs-up after the surf session
9. Smile for the camera
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.
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A shortboard surfer loses his balance while riding a clean, well-formed wave on a sunny offshore day
8. Embrace the wipeouts
Here's an mindset to adopt: Stop seeing every wipeout as a personal failure and start seeing it as a learning moment.
The best surfers aren't the ones who never fall. They are the ones who fall, laugh, paddle back out and try again. Make 2026 the year of spectacular but educational wipeouts that teach you something new every time.
Because let's face it... the stories of epic wipeouts are usually better than the stories of perfect rides.
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A male surfer in a wetsuit paddles back into the line-up in calm conditions and sunshine, seen from behind
7. Paddle into the wave like a pro
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.
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One hand holds a smartphone with the surf forecast app open, the beach and sea can be seen blurred in the background
6. Understand what the surf forecast really means
"Looks like 3 to 4 feet, offshore wind, 12-second period".
Do you know what that means?
This year you'll actually learn to read a surf report properly. Understand why offshore wind is good, what the swell period means and why it's important.
Learn the difference between swell size and wave height so you don't show up in overhead conditions when you were expecting knee-deep waves.
Knowledge is power, and in surfing it also means safety and making the most of your time in the water. This is how you really learn to understand surf forecasts.
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An enthusiastic girl throws her arms up after mastering her first turtle roll in the foaming white water
5. Learn duck diving (or at least try really, really seriously)
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.
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A group of surfers stand in the water holding hands, silhouetted against the warm light of the setting sun
4. Stop apologising for being a beginner
Here comes a serious topic wrapped in a seemingly light shell. How many times have you said "Sorry" in the line-up?
Sorry for being in the way.
Sorry for not knowing the unwritten rules.
Sorry for being too slow, too careful, too inexperienced.
This year, turn your apology into a willingness to learn and confidence. Respect the line-up and follow surf etiquette, but remember, everyone was a beginner once, and you have just as much right to be out there learning.
A good surf camp in a beginner-friendly environment is perfect for this, with people at a similar level and instructors who welcome questions and mistakes.
No judgment, just progress.
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A surfer walks towards the beach carrying his board with a wetsuit and towel casually draped over it on a warm, sunny day
3. Mastering wetsuit independence
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!
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A surfer rides a clean wave towards the shore, with a concentrated look and stable posture
2. Ride a wave to the beach
Ah... the complete ride. The sacred goal for beginners. You know the drill:
You catch the wave
Stand up
Ride for three great seconds
And then... something happens
You shift your weight wrong, the board wobbles, you think too much, and suddenly you're underwater wondering what went wrong.
This year, dedicate yourself to the complete ride. The trick? Choosing smaller, friendly waves where technique is more important than survival, which is exactly what southern Spain offers in abundance.
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A group of children and their surf instructor stand together in the shallow water, smiling at the camera and showing thumbs up and shaka signs
1. Finally book that surf trip somewhere warm
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.
Ready to really go through with it?
The great thing about these resolutions is that they are all connected.
By booking the trip, the motivation to practice becomes real. If you learn to read forecasts, you'll make better decisions in the water. Master the wetsuit and you'll spend more time on the board and less time struggling with the wetsuit.
Southern Spain is the perfect training ground for all of these goals. So set resolutions this year with salt water, sun and community.
The waves are waiting. And the only question is... are you ready to stop just making resolutions and finally surf? See you in the line-up.
What others have to say
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Sebastian Münkel
2 months ago
Absolutely fantastic time we had here, great beaches, lovely staff, fantastic food, -- no really, the food is among the best I have ever had, day after day -- very lovely guests and super convenient distances to the surfing.
- Surfing: the whole schedule is centered around the surf times, and for good reason. The staff make sure that the groups always get the best waves of the day, even if that means taking a short drive somewhere else. The equipment is great for learners (I cannot judge the hard tops etc) with clean, relatively new, and fitting wet-suits. In addition to the lessons we can always go for more sessions privately, with access to the equipment.
- Lessons: The teachers are fantastic, their joy is contagious, they made learning super fun. In addition to great individual feedback there are additional offerings in terms of lectures, e.g. on wave theory. The video analysis also really helps to internalize some additional feedback. But again, the teachers are great!
- Food: Great food, always accommodating dietary restrictions, and with great variety. Every meal is different to the last, the meals are flexible if you're almost an hour late it's still usually fine, and they make sure you have enough of all the food you could want. Unlimited coffee, tea and fruit is also a great addition. Beer and wine cost extra, but at basically no markup. But once again: best food, fantastic, 6/5.
- Lodgings: Apartments where you will either be with the group you traveled with, or other guests. Clean, quiet, daily cleaning, everything you really need if you want to retreat during the day, or even cook a meal. WiFi is fast enough to fulfill most use cases.
- Common areas: allow all levels of socializing, provide fantastic views, promote meeting your fellow surfers.
- Yoga: I am not a fan of yoga, so I didn't do any, but the ones who did said is was great.
- Additional services: Photos from your surfing adventures and mishaps are available, massages, additional outings outside of the surf lessons (for example surf-skating) are on offer as well, providing a beautiful well rounded programme for the entire day.
- Vibes: 10/10, chill, social, down-to-earth, helpful.
Overall, better holiday than for example a ski trip in November (and I love skiing too). Come here! -
Tobias_ keller.t
8 months ago
This has already been our second stay at A-Frame and again it was a super relaxed week and overall a holiday that can‘t be much better. We, a family with a toddler, can ony recommend this place to other families who are looking for a relaxed holiday with yoga, surf and amazing food. The people at A-Frame from surf coach to kitchen staff are just super friendly and you feel very much taken care at all times. Thanks so much to the whole team for another great holiday experience. We‘ll be back for sure.
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Victor Lombardi
8 months ago
Pretty much a perfect vacation. I learned to surf, did a lot of yoga, soaked up the beautiful weather, ate delicious food, and met some wonderful people. I don't speak German or Spanish and the staff switched to English to make everything easy for me. El Palmar is a very chill area and from there it's easy to make day trips to Conil, Vejer, and Cádiz.
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Yoav Nassau
a year ago
Thoroughly enjoyed our stayed at A-Frame. Super friendly and helpful staff. We were always received with a smile and welcoming attitude. Shoutout to the kitchen people who were kind, and did an incredible job of serving tasty, healthy, and varied food that we all loved. We came with three small children and they all had a great time - surf lessons, board games, ping-pong table among other fun activities.
The house was spacious, well-kept, and clean. Would definitely stay there again if visiting El Palmar in the future. -
Inga
3 months ago
One of the best sufcamps I´ve visited so far. Excellent sufcoaches with a great accomodation and catering nearby the beach.
