Surf Progression
From Beginner to Intermediate

Surfing is a deeply personal experience, and everyone’s progression is different. What feels like beginner to one person might feel more advanced to another, and that’s totally okay!

But when it comes to learning and growing at Octopus Surf School, we’ve broken it down in a way that works. So, whether you’re paddling out for the first time or perfecting your turns, this guide will help you understand where you are on your surfing progression.

Beginner level 1

This stage is all about getting comfortable with the basics of surfing and ocean awareness.

This lesson is for you if you can

  • Consistently ride unbroken waves and execute basic turns.

  • Control your speed and positioning on the wave.

  • Handle yourself confidently in larger surf conditions.

What you’ll learn

  • Introduction to surf safety and beach/ocean awareness.

  • Handling the surfboard independently on the beach and in shallow water.

  • Basic paddling techniques to move around in the water and catch whitewater waves (small, broken waves close to shore).

  • Attempting your pop-ups (standing up) on the board.

  • Gaining balance while riding small waves straight to the shore.

Average progression time: 1 beginner lesson

Beginner level 2

Now you’re getting the hang of the basics and ready to take it a step further.

This is for you if you:

  • Can paddle with confidence to attempt catching green waves.

  • Consistently catching and pop-ups in whitewater.

  • Can maintain balance for longer rides.

What you’ll learn:

  • Improve paddling techniques for efficiency and speed.

  • Improving consistency of pop-ups and posture on the board.

  • Learning to angle the board slightly on take-off to start moving across the wave

  • Practicing basic control and balance to stay steady while riding whitewater waves.

  • Introduction to catching smaller green (unbroken) waves closer to shore.

Average progression time: 1 - 3 beginner lessons

Intermediate level 1

This lesson is for you if you can

  • Confidently paddle out beyond the whitewater.

  • Catch and ride green waves, even if for a short distance.

  • Control your board to turn slightly on the wave’s face.

What you’ll learn

  • Catch unbroken/green waves with ease.

  • Refining paddling efficiency and timing to match the wave’s energy.

  • Developing the ability to angle take-offs and ride along the wave’s face.

  • Gaining consistency in standing and riding longer waves.

  • How to handle yourself confidently in deeper water and more variable wave conditions.

  • How to read the waves and positioning yourself for better take-offs

  • How to transition and handle a hardboard

Average progression time: 3 - 5 intermediate lessons lesson

Intermediate Ievel 2

This lesson is for you if you can

  • Consistently ride unbroken waves and execute basic turns.

  • Control your speed and positioning on the wave.

  • Handle yourself confidently in larger surf conditions.

What you’ll learn

  • Perfecting turns, like top turns and bottom turns.

  • Introduction to more dynamic moves like re-entries and floaters.

  • Enhanced wave reading – choosing the best waves and positioning yourself efficiently.

  • Practicing maneuvers with fluidity and style, making your surfing flows smoothly

Average progression time: 2 - 4 intermediate lessons lesson