Dive in now: there’s no age for surfing !
Do you think you need to have grown up with your feet in the sand to learn to surf? Surfing at any age is possible !
Good news : that’s not true ! Surfing at any age is possible, it’s never too early — nor too late — the ocean is open to everyone. But between choosing the right equipment, proper physical preparation, ideal conditions, and logistical solutions, it’s easy to feel a bit lost.
This article will help you see things clearly. We’ll explain how to start surfing at any age, how to progress effectively, and how to simplify your practice thanks to solutions like Newave’s foldable boards.
By the end of this read, you’ll have all the keys to prepare for your first session… and enjoy your first waves !
1. At what age can you start surfing ?
Surfing can start very young, from the age of 5 or 6, as long as it’s approached in a playful and safe way. Practice with a certified surf instructor, in the whitewater, on soft and stable boards — it’s the ideal way to start. That way, kids discover the first sensations of gliding in a progressive and fun way.
Between 8 and 12 years old, children often progress faster. At this age, coordination, flexibility, and natural motivation allow them to make significant progress. Movements become more precise, and confidence grows with each session.
In adolescence, everything speeds up. Around 15, instructions are easier to understand. You have more energy, and above all, the motivation comes from within. It’s an ideal period to improve quickly, provided there’s a minimum of .
And for adults? Good news: there’s no age limit to start ! Whether you’re 30, 40, or 50, everything is possible. The key is to adapt your practice to your body and your pace. Start with short sessions, always warm up, and set realistic goals. What matters is not how fast you progress, but the consistency and the joy you get from it.
2. The benefits of surfing at any age : body & mind
Surfing is more than just a sport — it’s a complete experience that works both the body and the mind.
- Physically, every surf session engages the whole body: paddling strengthens the shoulders, back, and arms; the take-off activates the abs and legs; and balance naturally improves wave after wave.
- Mentally, surfing acts like a true reset. Focusing on the present moment, being immersed in the ocean, and connecting with nature help relieve stress and recharge your batteries. You come out tired, but above all calm and full of energy.
3. Learn to surf at any age : tips by profile
Age doesn’t define your abilities, but it does influence the way you learn. For children, the key is to keep play at the center of the learning process. Stay in the whitewater, favor short supervised sessions, and focus more on fun than performance.
For teenagers, the goal is to build solid foundations: mastering a clean take-off, learning to follow simple lines, and repeating the right movements. At this age, consistency makes all the difference.
Adults should take it slow. Start in the whitewater to validate your stance, learn how to read the waves, then gradually build up intensity.
Finally, for seniors, the key lies in personalized training: calm waves, adapted coaching, and regular work on mobility and breathing allow you to progress at your own pace, without pressure.
A tip that works for everyone: film yourself for a few seconds with a smartphone during your surf session. Watching your posture afterward helps a lot in correcting the small details — whether it’s foot placement, eye orientation, or hand position.
4. Simplify logistics, accelerate your progress with Newave
Learning to surf is one thing. Organizing yourself to surf is another !
Transporting, storing, and carrying a board can quickly become complicated.
That’s exactly why Newave’s foldable boards exist. They’re designed to make surfers’ lives easier — without sacrificing performance.
Light, compact, and high-performing, they assemble in just a few seconds without losing rigidity. You can transport them without roof racks, store them in a compact bag, and take them anywhere.
And if you want to switch up the sensations, the 2-board pack lets you swap parts to adapt to the conditions. Even better, the 7-piece quiver gives you the possibility of creating up to 9 different boards from a single kit, all in one compact travel bag that fits in your trunk or under your bed. No more choosing between performance and practicality: you get both.
The result: fewer hassles, more sessions, and above all more fun.
5. Your first session : quick how-to guide
For your first experience, choose a gentle spot with few people and accessible waves. Equip yourself with a stable board and a wetsuit suited to the water temperature. Before jumping in, take ten minutes to warm up and prepare your body for the effort.
During the session, set yourself simple and measurable goals. For example: managing to stand up cleanly in the whitewater, holding your line for a few seconds, and repeating the exercise three or four times. Afterwards, drink some water, stretch lightly, and let your body recover. The secret to progressing? Consistency. Come back two or three days later… and do it again !
6. Frequently Asked Questions
“I don’t live by the sea — is it still worth getting started?”
Yes ! Even if you live far from the ocean, it’s absolutely possible to progress by planning one or two short trips a year and complementing them with strength and mobility exercises. And with Newave’s foldable boards, organizing a surf weekend becomes a breeze.
“I’m not athletic — can I still start?”
Absolutely ! Surfing doesn’t require intensity at the beginning. What matters is technique, patience, and consistency.
“I’m over 50 — is it too late?”
Not at all ! Simply choose calm waves, go at less crowded times, and if possible, benefit from personalized coaching to progress with peace of mind.
Key takeaways
There’s no age to catch your first wave. The key is to set realistic goals, stay consistent, choose equipment that makes your life easier, and above all, keep enjoyment at the heart of your practice.
And if you want to discover the feeling of surfing without complicating your life with logistics, maybe it’s time to try Newave’s foldable boards.
Come test a board for free !
Leave us your contact details and we’ll set up a personalized trial. You’ll discover the simplicity of assembly, the exceptional rigidity, the different possible configurations… and most importantly, the freedom to surf where you want, when you want.
Find us
📍2 Allée Titouan Lamazou
85340 Les Sables-d’Olonne
Or contact us
📞07.82.86.43.84
✒️contact@newavesurf.fr
