Your first time surfing: What to expect, what to pack & will you actually stand up your first time?

2 days ago

6 min read

Let me guess. You’ve saved way too many surf reels, maybe even looked at a trip or two, and then that little voice starts talking: “But what if I'm the worst one there?” Trust me, as a surf trip hostess, I've heard this one way too often! It's actually one of the little things that makes someone who is so excited and ready to do something new, actually hold herself back. On top of that, I know that voice way too well. I’ve had it before almost every big “yes” in my life, including my very first solo trip and my very first wave. So let’s talk about it honestly. This is what your first time surfing is really like, what to throw in your bag, and the question everyone secretly wants answered: will you actually stand up?

The nerves are normal (and they don’t mean you’re not ready)

Almost every girl who joins us tells me some version of the same thing: “I’m so excited, but also kind of terrified.” Both are allowed at the same time.

Maybe you’re worried about being the worst one in the water, or you haven’t done anything sporty in a while. Perhaps the ocean kind of freaks you out or maybe you’re travelling solo for the first time and surfing is just one of ten things you’re nervous about.

Here’s what I’ve seen over and over: the nerves are loudest the night before. Then you’re standing on the beach in a wetsuit with a group of girls who feel exactly the same, someone makes a joke, and suddenly it’s just… fun.

What your first surf day actually looks like

If you’re learning to surf with us in Ericeira, Portugal, your first day doesn’t start with you paddling out into big waves. Promise.

It starts on the sand. Before you even touch the water, our coaches (we work with top certified surf coaches in Ericeira, a small team called 'Surfin Ericeira'), walk you through the basics: how waves work, how to stay safe around other surfers and what the ocean is doing that day. Understanding the ocean makes everything feel less scary.

Surf theory on land before we head in the water!

Then you practise your pop up on land. That’s the move from lying on your board to standing up. You’ll do it on the sand until your body starts to remember it. It feels a little silly. Everyone does it. Nobody cares.

Then you head into the whitewater. This is the foamy, broken part of the wave closer to the shore. It’s where good beginner surf lessons start, because the waves are smaller and much more forgiving. Your coach is right there with you, and you get to try again and again and again. We also always tend to go during low tide so that you are able to stand up and walk with your board. The waves generally only get ankle to chest height (while you're standing straight).

Your first wave can look a little like this! :') With a big smile on your face!

Your board will be a big, soft one. A soft top surfboard is foam on top, wide and super stable, so it floats you easily, helps you catch waves and is way gentler if it bumps into you. I learned this the hard way, so if you want the full breakdown, read Surfboard Types for Beginners: Which One Should You Use?.

Will you actually stand up your first time?

Okay, the big one. The honest answer: maybe, and it doesn’t matter as much as you think.

Honestly speaking, so far all the girls we've hosted have stood up on their very first day at least once. Some girls are born with a natural balance talent and get the hang of it quickly, whilst others, including myself (during my first surf session), stood up once, felt like I was on top of the world, and fell off one second later! Most land somewhere in between: a wobbly half stand, a fall, a laugh, another try, and then one wave where everything just works and you feel like you’re flying.

What I can tell you for sure:

You will fall a lot. Falling is not failing, it’s literally the lesson. Me included.
Small groups make a real difference. On our 8-day trip, lessons run at a 1:4 or 1:5 coach-to-student ratio, so your coach actually sees what you’re doing and can tell you exactly what to change, instead of you guessing.
Seeing yourself helps. We do surf photo and video sessions plus a video analysis, and watching your own pop up back is when a lot suddenly makes sense.
The cheering helps too. There’s nothing like a lineup full of new girlfriends yelling “GO GO GO!” when you catch your first one.

So, how long does it take to learn to surf?

I get asked how long to learn to surf all the time, and I’ll be real with you: surfing is a lifelong thing. Nobody “finishes” learning it, the ocean changes every single day, and that’s part of why it’s so addictive.

But that doesn’t mean you need years to have fun. In a week of lessons, you can go from “where do I even put my feet?” to understanding the basics, catching whitewater waves and feeling so much more confident in the water.

Don’t rush it. When I started, I switched to a harder, smaller board way too early because I thought it would make me progress faster. Spoiler: it didn’t. Be patient with yourself, it pays off.

What to pack for surf camp (your surf trip packing list)

The “what do I even pack?” spiral is so real, so here’s my quick list of what to pack for surf camp. When you book with us, you’ll also get our ultimate packing list and Portugal travel guide, so you won’t have to figure it out alone.

For the water

2 or 3 swimsuits or bikinis that actually stay on (think sporty, secure fits, trust me on this one)
A surf top or rash vest if you like extra coverage
Hair ties, lots of them

Wetsuit for beginners, the quick version

On our trips, premium surfboard and wetsuit rental is included, so you don’t need to buy anything. My tips for your first wetsuit for beginners moment: it should feel snug, like a hug, not baggy, because loose means cold water gets in. And yes, getting into a wet wetsuit is a full workout. It’s a bonding moment.

Sun, skin and hair

Reef-friendly, water-resistant sunscreen or zinc (a high SPF for your face)
Leave in hair conditioner or detangle spray for your hair!
Lip balm with SPF
After-sun or aloe for your shoulders and face

Beach and town

A quick-dry towel
Flip flops and comfy walking shoes (Ericeira has lovely cobblestone streets)
A warm hoodie or jumper for after your session and for sunsets on the cliffs
Something cute for going out night, obviously

Little extras

Any personal meds, plus plasters for little scrapes

Why a small women’s surf trip is the easiest way to start

If you’re nervous, a small women’s surf trip takes so much pressure off. A good surf camp for beginners isn’t only about the waves, it’s about feeling safe enough to try, fall and try again.

That’s what we built LUNA SURF for. Our trips in Ericeira, Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve, mix real surf progression with everything around it: our own villa, breakfasts by our private chef, yoga, surfskate, sunset spots and so many laughs with the girls. If you’ve been googling “surf camp Portugal” and comparing options, my tip: look at the group size, the coaching ratio and the vibe. That’s what makes or breaks surfing for beginners.

From the first DM to your first wave, I’ve got you. Want to see the full week? Have a look at our 8-day Ericeira trip or our shorter Weekend Edition. Got questions first? Fill out the interest form and plan in a short 15-minute video call with me. No question is silly, promise.

And if you want more surf and solo travel tips, you’ll find them all on the blog.