Top Mistakes Beginners Make When Surfing in Tofino
Top Mistakes Beginners Make When Surfing in Tofino (And How I Learned to Avoid Them)
I came to Tofino thinking I was ready.
I’d surfed a few times before. I could pop up sometimes. I’d even caught a couple of decent waves back home. So when I booked my trip, I figured Tofino would just be the next level up.
Turns out, Tofino doesn’t care what you think you can do.
If you’re a beginner or early intermediate surfer learning to surf in Tofino, there’s a good chance you’ll make the same mistakes I did. Honestly, almost everyone does. Here’s what I learned the hard way, and how I finally started progressing.
Mistake #1: Thinking Small Waves Mean Easy Waves
From the beach, the waves looked manageable. Clean. Friendly. Not huge.
What I didn’t realize was how much power Tofino waves carry, especially in cold water. I paddled out confident, burned myself out fast, and spent way too much time getting worked in the wrong spot.
What changed:
Once I learned where to paddle out, where to sit, and when to rest, everything felt calmer. Surfing instantly became more fun instead of stressful. This alone made me realize why local surf lessons in Tofino are such a game changer.
Mistake #2: Riding the Wrong Board Because of Ego
I wanted to look like I belonged.
So I grabbed a board that was way too small for my skill level.
Bad call.
I missed waves, struggled to balance, and convinced myself I just “wasn’t good enough yet.”
Reality check:
The board was holding me back.
What changed:
Switching to a bigger, higher-volume board meant more waves, longer rides, and way more confidence. Nothing feels cooler than actually riding waves instead of wiping out stylishly.
Mistake #3: Rushing the Pop-Up
Every beginner knows this feeling.
You paddle hard.
The wave lifts you.
You panic.
You stand too fast.
You eat it.
Over and over.
What changed:
Slowing everything down. Once I stopped rushing and focused on timing, my pop-up felt smoother and way more controlled. Suddenly I wasn’t just standing, I was riding.
Mistake #4: Looking at My Feet Like They Owed Me Money
This one hurt my pride because it’s so obvious in hindsight.
Every time I stood up, I looked straight down. And every time, I fell.
What changed:
Looking where I wanted to go. As soon as I started looking down the line instead of at my feet, my balance improved instantly. It felt like unlocking a cheat code.
Mistake #5: Fighting the Ocean Instead of Reading It
I tried to muscle everything. Paddle harder. Push through whitewater. Force waves.
Tofino humbled me fast.
What changed:
Learning to relax and work with the ocean instead of against it. Once I understood timing, positioning, and when not to paddle, I finished sessions with energy left and a massive smile on my face.
Mistake #6: Thinking One Session Was Enough
I took a lesson, had fun, and thought I’d figured it out.
Then I went out on my own and felt lost again.
That’s when it clicked. Surfing progress doesn’t come from one good day. It comes from repetition, feedback, and confidence-building sessions that actually stack.
When It Finally Clicked
There was one wave that changed everything.
I paddled.
I waited.
I stood calmly.
I looked forward.
And I rode it clean.
That moment made every cold duck dive and wipeout worth it.
Working with Coastal Shred Academy helped me get there faster than I ever expected. The coaching felt relaxed, supportive, and built around actually surfing Tofino conditions, not just generic advice. I stopped guessing and started progressing.
If you’re a beginner or intermediate surfer looking for surf lessons in Tofino that actually help you improve, I’d recommend checking them out:
👉 https://coastalshredacademy.ca
You don’t have to be fearless.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You just need the right guidance and the willingness to learn.
Tofino will teach you the rest.