Learning to surf after 40….get out there!
Keen to try surfing but worried that you're too late to give it a crack at 40, 50, 60 or beyond?
Nonsense!
Surfing is one of the few physical activities that anyone can try no matter what age you may be. Forget about the saying that you "Can't teach an old dog new tricks" and never mind anyone who tells you that "Surfing is a young person's game".
We're firm believers that age is just a number. And that it doesn't matter whether you're nudging retirement age… you can still give surfing a shake!
Read on to learn all about the benefits surfing brings to late-in-life learners or book a surf lesson with us today!
Can I learn to surf after 40?
Wondering whether you can learn to surf after 40? Absolutely, you can. When it comes to booking surfing lessons after 40, you only need to look at Go Surf students like Lisa for inspiration.
““I think surfing is one of the few sports where you can always progress. You can always get better. There’s always a new wave to ride, there’s always a new technique to learn, there’s always something that you can improve upon. And so for me, it’s just been this amazing journey of self-improvement and self-discovery, and I feel like I’ve learned so much about myself through the process of learning to surf.””
Lisa is a regular in our sessions. And with over five decades of life experience under her belt, she proves that age really is just a number. Lisa also tells us that she has heaps of friends and colleagues who want to give surfing a try. Maybe you’ve been thinking about learning to surf late in life too?
““Surfing has been a game-changer for me in my 50s. Not only does it keep me active and healthy, but it’s also a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life and connect with like-minded friends. There’s nothing quite like catching a wave and feeling the rush of the ocean beneath you. It’s never too late to start, and I can guarantee it’ll be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.””
Age and surfing: common misconceptions
Of course, we totally understand if you have some trepidation about picking up a board after 40. But if we can take away anything from Kell, it's that learning to surf after 40 is completely doable.
In our experience, learning to surf has little to do with age and everything to do with technique, determination and most importantly, fun! In fact, most of the objections we hear from people plus 40 have no basis in reality.
Here are a few of the most common misperceptions:
An older body can't handle the learn-to-surf process
Worried that learning a new physical activity will be too hard on your body? Don't worry, learning to surf is all about starting small and building up.
We'll begin by learning the fundamentals of surfing on land, then progress on to learning how to catch waves and pop up. Think about it like a leisurely swim or water aerobics... except you'll be paddling on a surfboard instead of simply treading water!
Of course, it helps to be in decent physical shape or have good cardio fitness, but we have Purf boards and the know-how to get everyone to their feet. Guaranteed!
Never too late to start the sport of the gods | Surfing!
Surfing is only for young people
While it's true that many kids, teenagers and young adults are learning to surf, learning the sport after 40 is becoming increasingly popular in recent years.
Along with our long-time student Kell, there are more and more people learning to surf at 40 or beyond each year with Go Surf. This is due to the fact that our boards are incredibly beginner-friendly and our teaching methods are tailored to the learning needs of each student, which ensures that learning to surf after 40 is as fun and safe as possible.
I can't find surf lessons for people in their 40s and beyond
Ok, we'll admit it... there aren't many surf schools in the world (let alone in Perth) that specialise in teaching mature-age students. But at Go Surf, it's one of our passions.
We understand that riding waves or taking a surf lesson at 40 and beyond is different from learning in your teens or twenties. That's why we employ age-appropriate techniques and board models to ensure learning the sport is as effortless as can be.
If that's not enough, we also run private single or group lessons that can be ideal for those who want a more personal learning experience with other surfers their own age.
Tips for learning to surf at 40 and beyond
Ready to grab a board and hit the waves? Hold up just a second and take a moment to read these tips. While anyone can get started surfing right away, some good advice is always appreciated!
Book with a reputable surf school: Professional instruction is crucial for learning to surf after 40 - make sure to book with a school that caters to your learning needs
Bring your friends along: Having friends learning to surf with you can make the learning experience a lot more enjoyable
Set realistic expectations: You may not be tearing up the waves like a pro straight away, but learning and having fun is an accomplishment in itself
Make sure you get in the ocean regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll get. You don’t even need 10,000 hours!
Don't be afraid of the ocean: We'll teach you all the ocean skills you need to feel safe and confident in the surf
Don't be too hard on yourself: Remember that learning to surf is a process and that it's OK if you don't get the hang of everything right away. Learn more about how long it takes to learn to surf here
Enjoy learning a new skill: After all, learning anything new is an awesome accomplishment... and learning something like surfing is badass!
Health benefits of learning to surf as an adult
If you're still wondering whether learning to surf after 40 is worth it, here are a few reasons why learning this awesome ocean sport will do you good.
For starters, learning a new physical activity has been scientifically proven to improve not just your physical health but also your mental well-being significantly.
As a water-based exercise, learning to surf targets various muscle groups through the hydrostatic resistance of water across your whole body, which makes it kinda like full-body workout. This benefits your balance, coordination and mobility. And the light aerobic capacity of learning to surf has even been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease.
In addition, learning how to read the ocean can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will it help increase your surfing skills, but it it's also transferable, which means you can go on to try paddleboarding, kayaking or any other ocean sport.
Finally, learning to surf can be very social. That's to say you will meet new people and forge fresh friendships with people who share your passion for new experiences.
It's also a fantastic way to strengthen bonds with the people you love in your life. And we've had plenty of families and close friend groups tell us that learning to surf with us was one of the most memorable experiences they ever had.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there's no age limit to surfing.
A person learning to surf at 40 shouldn't feel any more self-conscious than someone learning to surf at 15. And thanks to advancements in surfboards and coaching techniques, anyone can enjoy this exciting pastime and the healthy lifestyle that comes with it.
Success is more about attitude than anything else. And with a positive mindset, you can surf your very first wave at 40, 50, 60 or beyond!
