Learning To Surf Books and DVDs

Surf Better: Complete Surfing Program

Surf Better is a useful book for surfers, ocean-goers and anyone looking for a simple, effective way to get in shape and stay there. It includes surf-specific workouts, fitness, tactics, technique, wave knowledge and more. Fully illustrated with charts, diagrams and how-to surf photos.

Training Manual for the Developing and Competitive Surfer

A more serious surf training manual covering boards and other equipment, the anatomy of waves, body position and stance, paddling, nose riding and more. It also includes chapters on competition, training, biomechanics and the psychology of surfing.

Surfing: A Beginner’s Manual

Surfing is an exhilarating sport, but it can be difficult and dangerous to learn unless you are well informed, prepared and respectful of the ocean. This is a useful beginner manual for understanding the basics before charging down the beach with a board under your arm.

Mastering Waves: Beginner to Intermediate

A strong how-to surfing guide covering basic technique, fitness preparation, paddling strength, stretches, surf history, surf culture, equipment and choosing the right board. It also includes insights from instructors, industry people and pro surfers.

Learn to Surf

James MacLaren’s Learn to Surf is an introductory guide that teaches the fundamentals with detailed, step-by-step instructions. A simple beginner book for getting your head around the early stages of surfing.

Surf’s Up: Girls Guide to Surfing

This is an excellent learning-to-surf book for surfers of any level, but it focuses mainly on beginners. There is a good history of women in surfing, profiles of current surfers, strong photos and a friendly style. I wish I had something like this when I started surfing — I had to learn the hard way.

Learn to Surf 1-2-3

Learn to Surf 1-2-3 is designed especially for women. It is aimed at giving beginner surfers the self-confidence they need to get into the water, understand the basics and start surfing without feeling completely lost.

Learn to Surf for Beginners

By the Academy of Surfing Instructors. This beginner book covers wave types, basic skills, safety and the right and wrong way to do things. The photos help show the difference clearly, which is useful because surfing is not always easy to explain in words.

Longboarder’s Start Up

A relaxed beginner guide for longboarders. Good if you are learning on a longer board and want advice that suits the style, rather than shortboard performance tips that do not really help you yet.

Surfer’s Start Up

Doug Werner uses a relaxed, casual approach that suits the subject. The book covers basic instruction and beyond, without making surfing sound like an engineering exam. A good beginner surf book if you want things explained simply.

Learn to Surf: Intermediate Level

Another Academy of Surfing Instructors book, this time aimed at surfers moving beyond the beginner stage. It covers using weather and surf information, understanding conditions and improving your surfing decisions. Learning to surf is not as hard as it seems, but it helps to have the right information.

Learn to Surf with Andy Irons

Filmed in Hawaii and hosted by TransWorld Surf Magazine’s Chris Cote, this instructional film focuses on the fundamentals of learning how to surf. Andy Irons hosts it, and surfers of all skill levels may still pick up useful tips.

Learn to Surf for Beginners DVD

An Academy of Surfing Instructors DVD for beginners. The short chapters make the information easy to absorb, and the out-of-water practice tips are useful. A good DVD to keep coming back to while you improve.

Whitewash Warriors: A Woman’s Guide To Surfing With Confidence

Whether you have not had a lesson yet or have been surfing for a year, this guide is written to help women move through the surf world with more confidence. It covers waxing up, choosing a board, understanding conditions, safety, etiquette and travel.

Learn to Surf with Surfer Joe

This DVD includes parts 1 and 2 and is in English. A simple beginner surf instruction DVD for getting the basics down before heading out and discovering that paddling is half the sport.

Roxy Surf, Now

A short surf movie, but it has some useful tips for learning to surf. Good for beginners who want something lighter and more visual than reading another instruction manual.

Schmidt Learn To Surf & Ocean Safety DVD

A step-by-step guide to surfing and ocean safety, hosted by legendary California big-wave rider Richard Schmidt. Good for beginners because ocean safety matters just as much as standing up.

A Surfer’s Guide for Flexibility & Conditioning

Rick McAvoy’s book focuses on stretching and strengthening the muscle groups surfers actually use. It covers flexibility, balance, timing, agility, core strength and overall conditioning. Useful if you want to avoid the usual back problems, pulled muscles and old-surfer noises.

Force of Nature: Mind, Body, Soul

Laird Hamilton’s book is about fitness, training, nutrition, mind, body and surfing. It is not about chasing trophies as much as staying strong, capable and connected to what you do. Gabrielle Reece, Dave Kalama and others also contribute ideas.

Yoga for Surfers

Whether you are new to surfing, a seasoned surfer, or somewhere in between, yoga can help your surfing and your body. Peggy Hall, Rochelle Ballard and Taylor Knox show surf-specific moves designed to improve flexibility and help prevent injuries.

Fit to Surf

A surf-specific fitness guide for surfers of all levels. It helps build strength and endurance, increase balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of injury. Useful if you want your body to hold up to more paddling and less complaining.