Are you stuck on a plateau in your surfing? Find out why slowing down might be the fastest way to level up.

Many surfers struggle to break through to the next level because they skip the fundamentals. Whether you’re looking to smooth out your turns, learn wave reading, or unlock the secret to better shortboard performance, this episode with pro surfer turned coach Bud Freitas is packed with actionable insights to transform your surfing journey.

• Learn why starting on a longboard—or even a hybrid—can be a game-changer for your surfing fundamentals.

• Discover how to master wave reading and make better choices in the lineup.

• Get tips on finding the perfect board for your goals, whether you’re new to longboarding or looking to sharpen your shortboard skills.

Listen now to gain expert advice from Bud Freitas and take your surfing to the next level with proven techniques and insights!

Key Points

• Bud Freitas shares his experience of learning to surf by watching and studying the surfing style of local surfers like Adam Rapogol, focusing on their rail game and smooth turns.

• Bud emphasizes the importance of starting with a longboard or hybrid board to learn the fundamentals of surfing and understanding how a surfboard works before transitioning to a shortboard.

• Bud suggests that one of the biggest challenges for surfers is skipping the fundamental steps of learning on a longboard or hybrid board and jumping straight to a shortboard, leading to a lack of proper technique.

• Bud recommends that surfers struggling with their shortboard surfing should go back to riding a longboard or hybrid board to regain their flow and fundamentals before transitioning back to the shortboard.

• Bud discusses the importance of wave selection and reading waves, emphasizing that it's a personal preference and takes time and experience to develop.

• Bud shares his transition from being a professional surfer to becoming a surf coach, driven by his passion for helping others improve their surfing skills.

• Bud highlights the challenges faced by adult learners and the satisfaction he derives from seeing their progress and stoke, similar to coaching kids.

• Bud emphasizes the need for surfers to learn how to truly surf, rather than just jumping around on a surfboard, and recommends starting with a longboard or hybrid board to develop proper technique.

https://surfschoolsantacruz.com

Show Notes

For the passionate surfer—whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer—this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we’ll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we’re here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more—so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced.