First-Time Surfer and the Confidence Myth

The first time I tried to surf, I got completely washed. Like—ocean-up-the-nose, hair-in-my-eyes, board-flying up in the air, washed. I surfaced laughing, a little dazed, and very aware of how ridiculous I probably looked.

But here’s what I know now: that is surfing—especially when you’re just starting.

There’s this unspoken expectation that you’ll somehow be good at surfing right away. That your first session will be soft-focus and cinematic, maybe a quick pop-up and a cruise down the line. In reality? You’re clumsy. You’re figuring out how to carry a board without tripping over. You’re getting knocked around in the whitewash while other women sitting next to you in the lineup, the  lady sliders—seem to make it look effortless.

And in that space, we don’t necessarily have egos to bruise. What we do have is fear. The fear of feeling silly. Of looking out of place. Of being the only one out there who doesn’t get it.

But here’s the thing: you are exactly where you’re meant to be.

Learning to surf is messy. Your ribs and your arms get sore. You question your wetsuit choice. You’ll leave the beach with seaweed in your hair, sand in your everything, and maybe a creeping doubt: What if this just isn’t for me?

And then... something shifts.

You paddle out a little further than last time. You catch half a wave. You notice the ocean feels different today—slower, or maybe more alive. And you start trusting your body, even if it still feels awkward. You stop worrying if people are watching, and start watching the sets roll in. You start noticing you.

That’s confidence. Not fearlessness. Not mastery. Just quiet persistence.

To help you on your way, the CURL team have put together a free board guide right here—zero jargon, all real talk. It’s built for new-to-surfing ladies who want to find a board that actually supports their journey, not complicates it.

And if you’re after even more support, we’ve got a coaching app launching soon, made for the adult learner: from pop-up technique to paddle strength to that mental block that hits right before you stand. You can join the waitlist here.

Learning to surf won’t always feel good. But it will be worth it.

Keep showing up.