Have you ever heard the saying that age is just a number? Because when it comes to learning to surf, that statement couldn’t be more true.
Lineups around the world now include surfers of all ages… including plenty who are 50, 60 and even 70+.
Creaky knees, dodgy hips and sore backs? Not a problem for these silver surfers!
These days, the increasing number of learner-friendly surf holiday destinations and surfboard designs have made surfing more accessible than ever. What was once seen as a sport for the young and fit is now enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
Now, it’s time that you join them.
There’s no such thing as being late to the party when it comes to surfing. And this article proves it!
Why start now? The perks of learning to surf later in life
If you think learning to surf at 50 is about catching up, you’re mistaken.
It’s about catching on.
With age comes wisdom and the glorious freedom of not caring what anyone thinks! Here’s why starting now actually works in your favour:
- You’re more patient: Unlike the 20-year-old version of yourself, you probably won’t huff every time you miss a wave. You’ll just try again. And again. And again
- ZERO pressure to be cool: You’re not here to impress. You’re here to have fun. You don’t need to look or feel like the coolest person in the lineup. You just need to catch waves!
- A fresh appreciation for the ocean: Maturing means taking on more responsibilities. Responsibilities that can take you away from the natural world. Slowing down and going surfing will reconnect you with nature at a time when you’ll appreciate it the most
- You know how to listen (to coaches, your body… and occasionally your spouse): Being coachable is half the battle. When you’re young and headstrong, you’re less likely to take feedback on board. Now that you’re more mature, you know the value of listening and learning from others
- Stronger mental game: You’ve navigated careers. Mortgages. Relationships. Teenagers. You can handle a pop-up on a gentle Gerupuk roller, no probs!
Surfing isn’t just for the young and restless. Now that you’re older, wiser and possibly in possession of a better sunscreen, nothing should stop you from giving it a crack.
A step-by-step guide: Learning to surf at 50+
Being fit helps (but it’s not essential)
Look, you don’t need to be a triathlete. But you do need to be mobile enough to paddle, pop up and not groan audibly every time you drag yourself to a standing position.
Surfing is surprisingly physical, but also surprisingly adaptable.
The right waves, coaching and surfboards can compensate for a lack of fitness (to a point).
That said, if you want a little confidence boost before your first session, here’s what we suggest.
- Focus on mobility: Being flexible in the body (and mind) matters. Think yoga and functional range conditioning, not CrossFit
- Build paddle strength: Swimming laps at your local pool or using resistance bands at home works wonders… if only to acclimatise your shoulders to the rigours of paddling a surfboard
- Work on balance: Work on balance: Ever heard of a balance or wobble board? These are great tools to help improve your balance and stability, both of which are important in surfing. Check them out!
- Don’t overdo it: Last but not least. Don’t send it so hard that you break down before you get a chance to pop up. Easy does it. Remember, you’ll get fitter in the process of learning to surf, so don’t stress to much about getting in shape
Finding waves to suit your skill level
Waves come in all shapes and sizes. Some are mean and moody. Others are forgiving and gentle. Easing yourself into the surfing experience means surfing more of the latter.
Skip the dumpy and hollow waves for surf breaks that are slow and easygoing. Think Selong Balanak and Tanjung Aan in Lombok. Check our beginner-friendly surf guide for more options.
- Watch the tide: Mid to high tide is ideal for learners… especially when it comes to reef breaks. Not too shallow. Not too sucky. Not too scary
- Avoid big swell days: If the forecast looks big, your best bet is to wait it out for a smaller day. You can also…
- Chat to local instructors: They know where to take you and where to go when the swell is massive everywhere else. Our instructors and guides at Xanadu are all ISA certified, which means they are not only top surfers but also well-trained and knowledgeable about the local breaks. They can give you insider tips on which spots to hit for your skill level
Choosing a surfboard that helps (not hinders) your progression
Everyone wants a short, sexy looking surfboard BUT they also want to progress quickly.
Unfortunately, these two don’t go hand-in-hand.
Your surfboard should help, not hinder, your learn-to-surf journey. That means it makes all the tricky parts of surfing (paddling, catching waves, popping up) easier, not harder.
- Start with a longboard: Seek out a surfboard that’s 8+ plus. Preferably a soft top. The bigger and more buoyant the board (within reason), the easier it will be to catch waves and the faster you’ll progress
- Foam is your friend: We can’t stress this enough… foam is your friend. While bigger boards can look unwieldy or intimidating, they’re here to make your life easier. Just a like a true amigo
- Try before you buy: It’s actually wild how many people rush out and buy a brand-spanking-new surfboard before they’ve ever tried the sport out. Don’t be one of those people. Before you make a big investment, book a surfing holiday with us and hack your first trip. We teach you literally everything you need to know about getting into surfing (including how to find the right board). We also have a quiver of different boards for you to try so you can get a feel for what works best
Mindset versus mastery
Let’s be honest. You’re probably not flying home from Lombok ready to qualify for the World Surf League. And that’s kind of the point.
Surfing at this stage in life isn’t about dominating the lineup. It’s about enjoying the process.
Some days you’ll stand up.
Some days you’ll faceplant in front of the cool surf instructor you’ve been trying to impress.
Remember… it’s not a performance. It’s a practice.
Be kind to yourself. Laugh when you fall. Celebrate when you don’t. And if your pop-up looks weird when you see it during our video analysis, who cares?
You got to your feet. You did what you came here to do: surf.
Having this mindset not only makes surfing more enjoyable. But it also helps you progress and become a better surfer.
Ready to enter your “silver surfer” phase?
By now, you’ve probably realised surfing isn’t just for the young and hyper-flexible.
It’s for the curious. The bold. The silver-haired foxes and 50+ goddesses who are ready to try something new.
Yes, your back and knees might not be what they used to be. But so long as you can put on a swimsuit and paddle out, you’re still in the game!
Do something for yourself. Just for you. Learn to surf with Xanadu.
With guests of all ages (including those born before the 80s), we know what it’s like to start (or restart) surfing later in life. Our coaching is gentle but effective. Our waves are friendly. And our goal is simple.
To help you fall in love with surfing in a place that feels like a proper holiday, not a bootcamp.
Because surfing isn’t about the numbers.
