Learn to surf
Where can you learn to surf?
There are many great places in Europe to learn to surf. One particularly recommended location for beginners is El Palmar in Andalusia, Spain.
Why El Palmar?
It is a true surfer's paradise. Beginners will find ideal conditions for learning here: long, gentle waves and a relaxed atmosphere. But advanced surfers won't miss out here either: powerful waves provide adventure and the beautiful surroundings offer a change from surfing. Whether hiking, cycling or horse riding - you can enjoy nature to the full in El Palmar.
Other recommended surf spots for beginners in Europe:
Peniche, Portugal: Known for its consistent waves and many surf schools.
Hossegor, France: Popular surf spot with good conditions for beginners and advanced surfers.
Ericeira, Portugal: Charming fishing village with long sandy beaches and good waves for learning to surf.
Cornwall, England: Various surf spots with waves for all skill levels.
Fuerteventura & Lanzarote, Canary Islands: Good wave conditions all year round and a variety of surf spots.
Learn to surf with A-Frame
At A-Frame Surfcamp, we offer you the perfect opportunity to learn to surf in one of the best surfing regions in Europe, El Palmar - Andalusia. Whether you are a beginner or have already gained some experience on a surfboard, we have the ideal conditions for you to develop your skills.
Our experienced surf instructors will guide you step by step, from your first attempts in white water to your first green waves. We work together with more advanced surfers to hone their surfing technique. In small groups and a relaxed atmosphere, we not only teach you the technique of surfing, but also the joy and respect for the sea. We will also teach you everything you need to know about the formation of waves, currents and everything else you need to know about surfing theory in order to surf safely in the sea. A video analysis is also part of the surf course.
Come to El Palmar and experience unforgettable surfing moments, breathtaking sunsets and the unique culture of Andalusia. Take the first step and become part of our surf community - we look forward to seeing you!
Learn to surf in Spain / Europe
Surfing - more than just a sport, it's a way of life! The fascination of gliding on the waves inspires people all over the world.
Europe offers a multitude of fantastic surf spots, ideal for learning and perfecting your surfing skills.
In Spain, the coasts of Andalusia and Galicia are particularly attractive with perfect wave conditions:
Andalusia: From powerful to gentle waves in El Palmar (perfect for beginners and advanced surfers) and relaxed longboard waves in Los Cañon de Meca inspire surfers of all levels.
Galicia: Secluded bays and long sandy beaches such as in Razo and Sanxenxo offer ideal learning conditions and breathtaking landscapes.
Tips for choosing the right surf spot:
Level: Choose a spot that suits your surfing level. Beginners prefer gentle waves, advanced surfers can try more powerful breaks.
Season: Find out about the best surfing conditions in your desired region. El Palmar, for example, has ideal surfing conditions for all levels from September to May. From November to April, the waves are usually a little bigger, so advanced surfers can also have great fun.
Infrastructure: Surf schools, accommodation and restaurants should be nearby.
Personal preferences: Look for a spot that suits your atmosphere and interests.
How long does it take to learn to surf?
The answer to this question is individual and depends on various factors.
Individual prerequisites:
Sportiness: Sporty people and people with good balance and coordination tend to learn faster.
Willingness to learn and talent: As with any sport, willingness to learn and talent also play a role in surfing.
Concentration and patience: Surfing requires concentration and patience. Those who get frustrated quickly will find it harder to learn.
Learning progress:
First attempts at standing: After a few hours or days in the water, most beginners can stand up on the board and practise their first glides in white water.
Basics of surfing: With regular practice and good instruction, you can learn the basics of surfing within 1-2 weeks, i.e. green waves without paddling.
Advanced surfing: It takes months or years of experience to master complex maneuvers and independently master different wave conditions.
Learning to surf requires patience and perseverance. However, with hard work, the right learning conditions and a little talent, you can achieve your first successes after a short time and enjoy the fascination of surfing.
Tips for learning to surf faster - Take surfing lessons: An experienced surf instructor can teach you the right technique and correct your mistakes.
How difficult is it to learn to surf?
Learning to surf can be challenging, but it's definitely worth it! With patience, perseverance and the right learning conditions, anyone can experience the fascination of surfing.
The difficulty depends on various factors:
Individual requirements: Athletic ability, balance and coordination all play a role.
Learning environment: A surf course with experienced instructors in suitable waves speeds up the learning process.
Right technique: The right technique is important to make rapid progress.
With hard work and fun, anyone can learn the basics of surfing and enjoy success on the waves. But the best surfer is the one who has the most fun anyway. :-)
What is the process of learning to surf?
The typical procedure for learning to surf in a beginner surf course is as follows:
1. Theoretical introduction: First, you'll learn the basics of surfing in a theory session. This includes safety on the beach and in the water. You will learn surf theory about the right equipment, the different types of waves and currents in the theory units during the surf course.
2. Dry runs on the beach: Before you get into the water, you will practise the most important movements and positions on the surfboard on land. This will give you a feel for the board and the right posture for paddling, standing up and riding the waves.
3. Paddling and gliding in the water: During your first surf lessons, you will practise paddling and gliding on the surfboard in shallow water. This will help you get used to moving on the board and learn how to keep the right balance.
4. Standing up on the wave: As soon as you have mastered paddling and gliding, you will practise standing up on the wave. You'll learn the right technique for getting from a lying position to a standing position.
5. Riding the waves: Once you're confident in standing up, practise riding the waves. This teaches you to use the wave energy to glide on the board and control the direction. This is what we do in our intermediate surf courses.
6. Improving technique and maneuvers: Over time and with increasing experience, you will improve your surfing technique and learn new maneuvers such as turns, cutbacks and floaters in the advanced surf courses.
7. Independent surfing: At the end of the surf course, you will be able to surf waves independently and use the basic maneuvers safely.
In our blog article "Learning to surf for beginners" you will find lots more information and tips on the topic.
Surf Fitness - Preparation for learning to surf
Surfing is a great hobby that requires both strength and endurance. To achieve the best results in surfing and prevent injuries, good basic fitness is important.
With targeted surf training, you can:
Improve your strength and endurance: This will help you paddle more powerfully and ride the waves for longer.
Train your balance and coordination: This is important for correct posture on the board and for controlling your movements.
Increase your flexibility: This will help you prevent injuries and move more fluidly on the board.
We have put together various surf fitness exercises so that you are optimally prepared for your next surfing vacation.
Learn to surf on vacation
Learning to surf on vacation is a great way to get to know the surfing lifestyle and acquire new skills. Here are the key points:
Surfing vacations mean:
Experiencing the sun, beach and sea up close
Action, fun and meeting lots of nice people
Perhaps the best vacation of your life
Surfing vacations are not a passive beach vacation, but an active experience that connects you with nature. We teach in small groups to give you the most individual attention and the greatest possible surfing success.
In addition to surf lessons, there are additional activities such as yoga, movie nights, massages, BBQs and much more to keep your surfing vacation varied.
Surf camps, such as A-Frame, offer a complete package with accommodation, food and surf equipment, so you don't have to worry about a thing. There are also offers for families.
Learn to surf adults
Surfing is not just a sport for young people! Adults can also experience the fascination of surfing and enjoy the positive effects on body and mind.
Benefits of surfing for adults:
Fitness: Surfing is a full-body workout that improves strength, endurance, coordination and balance.
Stress relief: The movement in the water and concentration on the waves provide relaxation and stress relief.
Self-confidence: Learning to surf can boost self-confidence and give you a sense of achievement.
Fun and experiencing nature: Surfing is simply fun and allows you to experience nature up close.
Is learning to surf more difficult as an adult?
Yes, adults often find learning to surf a little more difficult than children and teenagers. One reason for this is that physical fitness decreases with age. On the other hand, adults often find it more difficult to learn new motor skills.
However, with the right approach and supervision, as well as a little patience, it is also perfectly possible for adults to learn to surf. :)
Learning to surf at 50 or in old age
Learning to surf at 50 or older is entirely possible and offers many benefits:
Health benefits
Surfing is an ideal sport for adults as it prevents injuries, unlike contact sports such as soccer or rugby.
Surfing trains the whole body, especially the shoulders, back and sense of balance.
Exercise in the fresh air and in nature is very beneficial to health.
Fun and challenge
Surfing is great fun and a great challenge at any age.
You get to meet new people and can get away from it all.
As your skills increase, you experience a sense of achievement, which is very motivating.
Many adults started surfing when they were 40, 50 or even 60+ years old and are enthusiastic about it today. They prove that it's never too late to discover a new passion and reinvent yourself.
What are the requirements for learning to surf?
To make rapid progress and have fun while surfing, a few prerequisites are important:
Basic fitness: Strength and stamina make it easier for you to stay on the board and paddle against the waves. A few sessions of strength and endurance training before the surf course are recommended.
Swimming skills: You should be able to swim safely both in the pool and in the sea. Feeling comfortable in the water and under waves is also important.
No medical concerns: Ask your doctor if surfing is suitable for you.
Right surfing conditions: Beginner-friendly beaches with gentle waves are best. Find out about the weather and current conditions.
Suitable surfing equipment: A large softboard is recommended for beginners. As you gain experience, you can switch to smaller hardboards.
Surfing course: A surfing course will teach you the right technique and important safety rules.
Learning to surf is possible at any age. With a little preparation and the right equipment, nothing stands in the way of an unforgettable surfing vacation!
More information in our surf blog
You can find more information, tips and exciting stories about surfing in our surf blog! We look forward to seeing you!
Conclusion learn to surf
Learning to surf is a great way to become one with the water and nature. Whether young or old - our surf camp offers a complete package with accommodation, food and surf equipment to make getting started as easy as possible.
The focus is on individual support in small groups to ensure maximum learning success. In addition to surfing lessons, we offer additional activities such as yoga or movie nights to keep your surfing vacation varied.
Surf camps are ideal because the focus is on fun, relaxation and a sense of achievement. Surfing is not only fun, but also improves your fitness and offers a great challenge that can inspire enthusiasm at any age. Once you've surfed a wave, you'll know why surfing is addictive.
With the right preparation and equipment, nothing stands in the way of a successful surfing vacation. Whether you're a beginner, advanced or returning surfer - learning to surf is an adventure you shouldn't miss out on. :)