Lapoint CampsLearn to surf
An introduction to the best sport in the world
We’re here to help you pursue your surf dream, and we have gathered some useful information to get you started on this amazing journey! Get a glimpse into life at a surf school, learn interesting surf facts, check out different techniques, increase your understanding of the ocean and explore the best places to learn how to surf.
HOW TO SURF
Welcome to surf theory 101
Surfing is so much more than just standing on a board in water, it’s a way of connecting with nature and understanding how the ocean works. When learning how to surf, you must also learn how to be safe in the water and how to identify waves. Don’t worry, your instructor will guide you through it all. But until then, here are some surf theory to get you started:
Safety first
The most important part of surfing is that you have fun and feel safe in the water (and do your part in keeping others safe too!). There are some safety rules that you should follow when jumping into the water, such as always protecting your head when you fall off the board, keeping a good distance from the other surfers in the water and remaining calm when getting a wipeout.
Master your pop up
The first thing you will learn in your surf lesson is to do a pop-up, one of the most basic and fundamental parts of surfing. It’s the movement from when a surfer is lying down on the board to when he or she is standing up.
Read more about how to do a pop-up here.
VIDEO
HOW TO: Pop Up on a Surfboard | How to surf
Some tips from our surf coaches
Some key things to keep in mind while surfing, according to our coaches, are:
Use a reference point somewhere on land to see that you aren't getting caught in a current and are dragged to another spot in the water.
Observe before you enter the water: see where the more experienced surfers are surfing, where the currents might be and what the waves look like.
Don’t feel stressed to be surfing on a smaller board, staying on a bigger one allows you to catch more waves and have more fun!
Parts of the surfboard
Surfers refer to the different parts of the surfboard with their specific names, so it might be a good idea to keep the anatomy of the surfboard in mind. It’s not quite rocket science: the front of the board is called the nose, the back is called the tail and the sides are called the rails.
Types of waves and how to read them
☼ Left-hand wave:
If the wave is breaking to the left (psst! The wave is identified from the surfers perspective) that means that you’ll surf to the left.
☼ Right-hand wave:
In contrariety to the left-hand waves, you surf to the right on these waves.
☼ A-frame:
An A-frame wave, or a “split peak” as it's also called, is a wave where you can surf both left and right.
☼ Closeout:
This is what we call the waves that crash and close, which means that we can’t surf either left or right on them.
Parts of the wave
☼ Peak: the wave's highest point and the first part of the wave that breaks.
☼ Shoulder: also called “Face”, this is the part of the wave that hasn't broken yet and where it is less powerful.
☼ Pocket: where you want to catch the wave.
☼ Tube: also called “Barell”, a part of the wave with a cylinder-like form.
☼ White water: the white water is where beginner surfers learn the basics of the sport, this part of the wave has already broken and is less powerful.
☼ Impact zone: the most powerful part of the wave where it crashes into the flat water.
Why you should learn how to surf with Lapoint
After 15 years, 100.000 something thrilled guests and maybe about 1 million ridden waves, we know what real stoke looks like. We’ve shared our passion for surfing since 2005, and with certified instructors & customized courses at some of the world’s greatest surf destinations, we’re here to give you the best surf experience possible!
IMPROVE AT SURFING
The journey to the YEW!
To become a good surfer you need to connect with the ocean, learn the right techniques and find a good beginner surfboard that suits you. Understanding surf etiquette, surf lingo, tides and type of waves is also key for catching the perfect wave! We know that it can all seem a bit much, that’s why we have small groups, instructors that help each of you in the water, and personal feedback after each session.
We’ve all been there, and we can promise you that it gets more fun as you get better!
Why learning to surf will forever change your life
Surfing gives you an indescribable feeling of freedom, makes you connect with nature, shows you how to be fully present at the moment and gives you a true sense of belonging through a tight-knit community.
Not only that, but surfing is also scientifically proven to make you happier. Salty air triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, the happy hormones – making stoke a real thing!
VIDEO
How to become a better surfer!
THE SURF JOURNEY
How long does it take to learn how to surf?
Surfing can be challenging, but once you make it past the first hurdles, it just keeps on getting more fun! Our instructors are here to take you through the whole journey, from beginner to pro, intrigued to hooked! Here is the typical learning curve of surfing.
Individual feedback
No matter which of our surf camps you decide to visit, you’ll surf in small groups together with a professional surf coach. Surfing in smaller groups allows you to get as much time as possible with the instructor, get individual feedback and progress your surfing in the way that’s best for you.
Good things take time
One good thing to keep in mind while learning how to surf is to be prepared that it will take you some time to get good at it. It is one of those sports that will take a lifetime to become great at, so enjoy the magical ride there and have fun in the waves!
The right level for you
Surfing is a challenging sport, so it’s important that you start at the right level for yourself and work your way up. We have divided our surf classes into levels 1, level 2 and level 3 with different steps within each level. Which level fits you the best?
SURF CAMPS
Why should you learn how to surf at a surf camp?
It’s possible to learn to surf by yourself, but the best way to do it is by taking surf lessons at a surf camp! Sharing your surf journey, overcoming challenges and celebrating achievements with a group will make the surf experience so much more rewarding.
Also, if you have limited time and want to learn how to surf in one or two weeks, having an instructor is key. This will give your skills a boost, increase your knowledge about the ocean and make you progress faster.
VIDEO
House tour at Lapoint, Sri Lanka
From the heart
A message from the Lapoint Crew to aspiring surfers out there
From one surfer to another; our best advice is to never give up. Rather enjoy the ride, learn from your challenges, celebrate your achievements and have fun while you learn to surf! And one day, when you’re riding that perfect wave and can’t stop smiling, we can promise you that it will all be worth it.
Learning to surf can be challenging, but if you are persistent and passionate about it, the reward is big! It’s never too late to learn how to surf, and learning to surf after 30-40 is not uncommon. Once you start, it's easy to understand why so many people get hooked and immerse themselves in this world.
The lifestyle, the community, the stoke, the health benefits, the connection to nature and the sense of freedom make surfing so much more than just a sport. We will show you the best way to learn how to surf and make your surf holiday with us truly unforgettable. Let’s go!
Sustainability
The beach is our home. We are leaving it better than we found it.
We have made a commitment to our ocean, beaches and community. They are our playground, our home and our livelihood. We are going to leave them better than we found them. That means that all our employees, friends and guests helps out with recycling and taking other actions for the environment. Each week there are beach cleaning and recycling activities to ensure that our home stays the way it was supposed to be.