According to surfing experts, the basics of surfing can be learned in a few hours with three two-hour lessons, which is enough time for most to learn how to lie on the board, paddle out, and ride broken waves. However, perfecting the pop-up maneuver, which is the hardest part for beginners, may require additional practice doing pop-ups on land. To become highly skilled at catching unbroken waves requires at least 120 hours of surfing practice to build strength and experience.

1. How Long Does It Take To Learn To Surf?
Mark Thek

2. Introduction
Mark Thek graduated from Cornell University with a mathematics and physics
degree and an MS in physics from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is
currently the president of Esterline Power Systems in Los Angeles, CA, and the
author of the book titled Quantification of Human Emotion. Outside work, Mark
Thek enjoys surfing.

3. If you’re looking to take up surfing as a hobby, you can learn the basics of the
surface water sport in a few hours. According to surfing experts, if you’re physically
fit and a quick learner, about three two-hour surfing lessons are enough for you to
learn how to lie and balance on a surfboard, paddle towards a wave, pop up on the
surfboard and ride a broken wave.

4. For most beginners, the pop-up is the hardest part of surfing to get right at the start.
So it’s not uncommon to see new surfers falling off their boards and getting pounded
by waves as they try to do a pop-up. To perfect this surfing move quickly, practice
doing pop-ups on the floor regularly to strengthen your arm and leg muscles and
build muscle memory. To become great at surfing, such that you can catch and ride
unbroken waves, you’ll need to practice for at least 120 hours.