Your First Surf Lesson: What to Expect & How to Prepare

A Complete Beginner’s Guide by JOYS BRAND

Surfing isn’t just “stand up and go.” Even if you’re fit and confident in the water, your first surf lesson will teach you one thing fast: the board, the wave, and your body — they all speak different languages. Your job is to make them work together.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect from your first surf session and the difference between training in the ocean vs. in a wave pool.

What Happens at Your First Surf Lesson?

Every beginner surf class starts on land. Before you even touch the water, your instructor will show you:

• how to lie on the board properly

• the basic pop-up technique (how to stand)

• foot placement and surf stance

• basic water safety and surf etiquette

• what to do if you fall (you will)

Next comes a full-body warm-up. Shoulder rolls, spinal twists, knee mobility — your flexibility is your safety net.

Then, it’s time to paddle out. You’ll start on the whitewater (aka the foam). First lying down, then trying to stand. The goal isn’t to ride a perfect wave — it’s to feel the board, find your balance, and get used to the ocean’s rhythm.

Nobody expects you to catch a barrel. Focus on how your body reacts, how the board moves, and how to stay calm in motion. That’s the foundation of progress.

Ocean vs Wave Pool: What’s the Difference?

Surfing in the ocean means unpredictability. The waves, the wind, the crowd — conditions change constantly. Your first lesson can be intense if your instructor isn’t attentive.

Wave pools (like Surf Abu Dhabi or Russia’s More Volnuetsa) offer control. Waves break on a schedule, at consistent height and timing. It’s ideal for learning technique without battling the ocean.

Wave Pool Benefits:

• Consistent waves for faster learning

• No fear of currents or deep water

• Repeat the same move 10+ times

• No time wasted paddling out or waiting

Ocean Benefits:

• Real surf culture and energy

• You learn to adapt to nature

• Builds ocean instincts

• Teaches patience and presence

Best scenario?
We at JOYS BRAND are all about the ocean — nothing compares. But we won’t lie: wave pools are a fantastic place to start.

Pre-Session Checklist: What You Need to Know

Warm-Up = Injury Prevention

If it’s your first surf class — or first time back after a break — warming up is non-negotiable.

Focus on:

• shoulder rolls, neck and wrist mobility

• hip and lower back stretches

• light cardio to activate your whole body

7–10 minutes is perfect. You’ll pop up easier, your shoulders won’t fatigue as quickly, and you’ll feel more grounded.

What to Wear for Your Surf Lesson

Most surf schools provide a board and leash. But what you wear matters — it affects your comfort, technique, and confidence.

JOYS BRAND picks:

• Imsouane White (long sleeve) — full sun protection, no slip, sleek fit

• Cloud 9 Praline — feminine yet secure, soft fabric with functional cut

• Jaws Violet Sport Top — for those who pair tops with boardshorts

• Bikini Flowers Set — ideal for wave pools and indoor sessions

Checklist for your surfwear:

• Snug fit that doesn’t slide

• No tie strings that can come undone

• Doesn’t chafe or go transparent

What to Pack for Surf Class

• Towel & change of clothes

• Zinc or waterproof sunscreen

• Water (lots of it)

• Small first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic)

• Dry bag or wet gear pouch

Want to take surfing seriously? Start with discipline. It’s not hard — just organize, warm up, and enjoy.

On-Land Training: Theory + Technique

Before you hit the water, you’ll train on land. Even pros do dry drills to refresh technique or troubleshoot posture.

Pop-Up Basics

The pop-up = your most important move. You’re moving from lying down to standing in one smooth motion.

Here’s how it works:

• Start in cobra pose: chest up, hands under shoulders

• Drive front foot under your chest

• Back foot lands near the tail

• Don’t jump — glide into your stance

• Arms out for balance

You’ll do this move again and again — on sand, mats, or balance boards. Yes, it feels silly. But it builds the muscle memory you’ll rely on once waves get real.

Surf Stance: Get It Right

Incorrect stance = 80% of wipeouts. Instructors constantly correct:

• knees too straight

• chest leaning back

• eyes looking down

• shoulders not aligned

The JOYS tip:

• Slight bend in knees (we say: “soft knees always”)

• Keep your weight over the board

• Chest and eyes forward — always look where you want to go

If you feel awkward — good. Proper stance feels weird before it looks natural.

Surf Theory: Know Before You Go

Before you paddle out, your instructor will cover the essentials:

• How to read a wave (face, shoulder, lip)

• Offshore vs onshore wind

• Where to paddle out safely

• What is a lineup and why order matters

• Who has wave priority (spoiler: the one closest to the peak)

• Don’t snake, don’t drop in — ever

These rules are like ocean traffic laws. Without them, it’s chaos. And chaos = danger.

At JOYS BRAND, we love style — but good surfing starts with good technique. A solid pop-up > a cute photo.

Water Practice: Your First Real Session

After all the dry drills and theory — it’s time to get wet. Here’s what happens in your first ocean session:

With your instructor nearby:

• They’ll tell you when to paddle

• Help you line up the wave

• Push your board to give you a clean start

• Cue you to pop up

• Remind you to look forward (not at your feet)

You’ll probably fall. A lot. Maybe you’ll get to your knees. Maybe you’ll stand once. That’s normal. Even future pros struggle on Day One.

Final Thoughts from JOYS BRAND

Surfing is a process — not a performance. Your first session is about building trust: in the board, the water, your body, and yourself. The gear helps. The waves challenge. But the mindset? That’s all you.

Ready to try? We’ve got your back.
From secure surf swimsuits to functional gear — we design for real surfers at every level.

JOYS BRAND — For Those Who Don’t Just Surf the Image.
They Surf the Feeling.