How to Catch More Waves Surfing: 7 Common Mistakes That Might Be Holding You Back

You know that feeling when you paddle for a wave, almost catch it… and then it just rolls under you?

And you’re left floating there like... what just happened?

🙋‍♀️ Been there. A lot.

If you’ve ever wondered “Why am I not catching more waves surfing?” — especially as an advanced beginner or intermediate surfer — you’re not alone.

But after a recent Surf Société workshop with our mentor Paul Spooner, I realized: Most of us aren’t using our paddle power the way we think we are.

Here are 7 super common surf technique mistakes that might be killing your wave count — and what to do about it:

1. 📍 You’re not finding the right spot on the wave

The steepest part of the wave will give you the most push, the most energy. If you're too far out on the shoulder you may paddle your heart out but get no help from the wave. You also may be sitting in competition with surfers who are in a better position and deeper on the wave.

➡️ Work on getting closer to the power source — that’s where you'll find an easier paddle and the glide begins.

---

2. ⚡ You’re not matching your paddle speed to the wave speed

This tip changed everything for me. Paul said:

“Your board has to be moving at the same speed as the wave to take off smoothly.”

That means:

• You can’t just paddle hard randomly 🌀

• You can’t pop up the second you think the wave has arrived to you ⏱️

• You have to build your speed up to match the wave and sometimes that means sprinting at the right time to catch it.

💡 When you get this part of your paddle technique right, your takeoffs start to feel buttery smooth.

---

3. 🕒 You start paddling too late… or give up too early

If you start late or stop paddling before your board glides — you're missing your moment.

Start reading the horizon earlier, commit to your wave, and don’t give up. So many catchable waves are lost in this exact moment.

✨ Trust your timing. Start early. Don’t quit before the magic happens.

---

4. 🧱 You’re surfing the wrong board for your ability or for the surf conditions

Even if it’s “your favorite board,” or you just really want to step down to something smaller it might not be the right board for your current ability and the current conditions.

➡️ Small waves? You probably need more volume.

➡️ Feeling like you're paddling through molasses? Could be the wrong board for your current ability.

Choosing the right surfboard is one of the most overlooked surf tips for women.

The right board = more waves = faster progress.

---

5. 🛑 You're positioned too far back on the board and you're losing speed.

This is one of the most common mistakes — and one that kills your board speed.

When you’re too far back on your surfboard, your board drags and washes speed. It pushes water instead of planing on top of it.

Find the sweet spot where your board is planning on top of the surface of the water. Try experimenting with your placement by moving yourself up and down the board while you paddle. Look out for that glide feeling and you know you've found that spot!

---

6. 🧍‍♀️ You’re sitting in the wrong lineup

If you're surrounded by aggressive surfers and struggling to catch waves, the problem might not be your skills — it might be the crowd.

✨ Find your zone: inside section, edge of the pack, or a quieter peak.

This is one of those surf technique tips that isn’t about paddling — but will change your wave count. Choose a lineup that fits your current ability, and you'll catch more waves and build confidence.

---

7. 🚀 You only have one paddle speed

This was my biggest aha moment during our Surf Lab paddle technique workshop.

Most surfers paddle the same speed from start to finish — but catching waves requires gears, like running a race.

In our Catch More Waves with Varying Paddle Speeds workshop, we break down the 3 types of paddling and when to use them.

If you’re paddling the same pace the whole time, you’re likely missing the moment where your board should accelerate with the wave.

---

❓So… what do you think is holding you back?

Is it timing? Paddle speed? Board position?

Drop a comment below and tell me what you think your biggest wave-catching challenge is right now — I’d love to hear it. 💬

And if you’re tired of trying to figure it out on your own… come join us inside The Surf Société.

We break down technique like this every month with expert mentors, real surf clips, and a community of women who actually get it.

🎥 Full workshop replays

💬 Live Q&A with surf mentors

👯‍♀️ Support from a stoked, smart, surf-obsessed community

Ready to start catching more waves?

Try Surf Société FREE