How to Surf with Style: Finding Your Unique Flow

29 May 2025

Surfing isn't just about catching waves—it's about doing it with flair, with confidence, and most importantly, with your own unique style. There’s a reason why some surfers stand out in the lineup. It’s not just their skill; it's the way they move, the rhythm they find with the water, and the undeniable swag they bring to each ride.

If you’re ready to ditch the robotic approach and truly flow with the ocean, you're in the right place. This is your ultimate guide to surfing with style. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned shredder, these tips will help you unlock your signature groove on the waves.

🏄‍♂️ What Does It Mean to Surf with Style?

Before we dive in (pun totally intended), let's get one thing straight: surfing with style isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being authentic.

Style in surfing is a mix of fluidity, effortless movement, and a deep connection with the ocean. Think of icons like Gerry Lopez, Craig Anderson, or Steph Gilmore. They don’t just ride waves; they flow with them, making every turn look like a work of art.

And the best part? Style is unique to you. There's no one right way to surf, but there’s a wrong way—and that’s trying to imitate someone else instead of letting your own rhythm emerge.

🌊 Finding YOUR Flow: Key Elements of Style

So, how do you go from awkward and stiff to smooth and stylish? Let’s break it down.

1. Relax and Let It Happen

If you’re tense, your movements will be stiff, and trust me, the ocean will expose it. The key is to relax into the wave. When you’re paddling, breathing deeply, and staying loose, everything starts to feel more natural.

Try this: Next time you paddle out, take a moment to just sit on your board. Feel the ocean moving beneath you. Let go of any pressure to perform, and just be. The more comfortable you are in the water, the smoother your style will become.

2. Master the Basics (Because Style Without Skill is Just Flailing)

Wanna look good on a wave? First, you need to handle the fundamentals like a boss. That means:

- Perfecting your pop-up – No hesitation, no wobbles, just clean, crisp movement.
- Balancing like a pro – Keep your stance solid yet flexible. No rigid robot legs!
- Reading the wave – Style isn’t just in your moves; it’s in knowing when to make them.

Without solid fundamentals, all the style in the world won’t save you from looking like an enthusiastic, flopping fish.

3. Loosen Up That Stance

Want to spot a beginner from a mile away? Look at their stance. A stiff, locked-in posture screams newbie. Instead, bend those knees, stay low, and move fluidly.

Think of your board as a dance floor. Would you dance with locked knees and stiff arms? Nope. So don’t surf like that either.

4. Use Your Arms Wisely

Ever noticed how stylish surfers move their arms? They don’t wave them around like they’re swatting flies. Instead, they use them to balance, direct movement, and maintain flow.

Keep your hands relaxed and poised. Let them follow your movement naturally rather than flailing around like you're conducting an invisible orchestra.

5. Speed is Your Best Friend

Here’s a secret: speed = style.

The faster you go, the smoother your turns, carves, and cutbacks will be. If you’re dragging and stalling, your movements will look choppy and forced.

So, how do you generate speed? Stay high on the wave, use the wave’s energy efficiently, and avoid unnecessary movements that kill your momentum.

6. Commit to Every Move (Hesitation Kills Style)

Half-assing a turn looks awkward. Hesitating before a drop-in looks unsure. The best surfers commit fully to every maneuver.

Want to snap a turn? Do it with confidence. About to hit that section? Go all in. The more you trust yourself, the more effortless your surfing will appear.

7. Find Inspiration (But Don’t Copy)

It’s totally fine to take notes from legendary surfers. Watch how they move, how they transition, how they make everything look so damn smooth. But here’s the golden rule: don’t copy.

Instead, take inspiration and mold it into something that feels natural to you. Your style should be a combination of what inspires you and what feels good on your board.

8. Choose the Right Board for Your Vibe

Newsflash: Your surfboard affects your style.

A shortboard forces a snappy, aggressive approach, while a longboard encourages laid-back, graceful movement. Want to draw long, smooth lines? A mid-length board might be your best friend.

Pick a board that complements your natural movement, rather than forcing yourself into a style that doesn’t suit you.

9. Wave Selection is Everything

You can’t showcase style on a wave that’s closing out, too choppy, or forces you to rush every move. Choosing the right wave gives you the runway to surf with confidence and grace.

Look for waves that allow good speed, clean lines, and enough time to put some flair into your ride. This is where experience comes in—reading the ocean is an art in itself.

10. Have Fun (Because Nothing Looks Cooler Than Pure Joy)

At the end of the day, surfing is about vibes. The most stylish surfers aren’t the ones overthinking every move; they’re the ones clearly having the time of their lives.

Relax, smile, and enjoy the ride. Nothing looks better on a surfer than pure, unfiltered stoke.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Own Your Surfing Identity

Style isn’t something you force—it’s something that naturally evolves as you grow more comfortable with the ocean and yourself.

The best surfers in the water aren’t trying to be someone else. They’re riding their own way, feeling their own rhythm, and owning their unique flow.

So next time you hit the waves, stop worrying about looking cool. Just surf with confidence, embrace your vibe, and let your personal style shine through.

Now get out there and shred!