Have you ever watched another surfer seemingly appear out of nowhere, paddle straight to the perfect spot, and catch the wave of the day, leaving you wondering, how did they know? If you're a woman surfer striving to improve your skills and catch more waves, you know how frustrating it can be to feel like you're missing out on this "insider" knowledge.
In an episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady, our women's surfing podcast, we uncover the secrets to reading the break—a crucial surfing skill that helps you identify where and when waves will form, giving you the best chance to catch the wave of the day. And the best part? It only takes ten extra minutes of your time!
What is "Reading the Break" in Surfing?
Learning how to read the break is a fundamental skill for anyone looking to catch more waves, stay safe in the lineup, and surf better. Reading the break simply means observing the ocean conditions—such as wave size, swell direction, tides, and winds—before you paddle out. Spending just ten minutes to analyze these factors can make a huge difference in how many waves you catch and how enjoyable your session is.
Surf Smarter with Our 8-Point Checklist
The key to reading the break effectively lies in understanding what to look for. That's why we've created an 8-point checklist to help you make the most of those ten minutes and ensure you're in the right spot to catch more waves. Here’s a quick overview of what’s included:
Waves: Examine the wave size and shape to understand if it's suitable for your skill level.
Swell: Pay attention to the swell direction, size, and frequency of sets to determine the best location in the lineup.
Tides: Is the tide coming in or going out? This affects how waves break and can change conditions quickly.
Winds: Are the conditions glassy, onshore, or offshore? Wind plays a big role in wave quality.
Currents: Identify rip currents, undertows, and use them to help with paddling in or out.
People: Observe other surfers—who’s catching the best waves, and who’s struggling? This can help you learn faster.
Dangers: Are there rocks, sea life, or other hazards? Understanding potential dangers helps keep you safe.
Sets: Watch how often sets are coming in and adjust your position accordingly.
Why Reading the Break is Important for Women Surfers
If you started surfing later in life or never had a family member show you the ropes, you might feel like this essential surfing knowledge is out of reach. But here’s the truth—you deserve access to the same information that will help you catch more waves and have fun doing it. Learning how to read the break isn't just about catching more waves; it's about building a relationship with the ocean, understanding the conditions, and feeling more connected to your surroundings.
Take Your Surfing to the Next Level: The "Read the Break" Lesson
If you’re serious about becoming a better surfer and want to take full advantage of every session, our "How to Read the Break + Your 8-Point Checklist" lesson is exactly what you need. This video series is specifically designed for women surfers who want to surf smarter and catch more waves in every session.
For just $17, you get:
A step-by-step video tutorial on how to read the break effectively, covering each of the 8 points.
Practical examples to help you identify key elements at your local break.
Lifetime access to guide you in developing your own 10-minute break-reading ritual.
How to Start Catching More Waves Today
You have two options to access this powerful lesson:
Join Surf Société Membership: Become part of our unique digital women's surf community. Our membership includes all lessons, special events, and a supportive community of surf sisters who are all here to help you surf better and live happier.
Purchase the Lesson Separately: If you’re not quite ready to join the membership, you can still get full access to this essential lesson for just $17.
Ready to start catching more waves? Get the "Read the Break" Lesson for just $17!
Develop a Connection with the Ocean
Taking just ten minutes to read the break can completely transform your surfing experience. Not only will you be in the right spot at the right time to catch more waves, but you’ll also build a stronger connection with the ocean and gain a deeper understanding of the surf break.
Investing ten minutes before every surf session is a small price to pay for better results and a more enjoyable time in the water. And for just $17, you can learn exactly what you need to turn those ten minutes into your most powerful tool as a surfer.
Final Thoughts: Surf Smarter, Catch More Waves
Don't leave your surf sessions to chance. By learning how to read the break, you'll gain the knowledge and skills you need to confidently position yourself, catch more waves, and stay safe in the lineup. Whether you choose to join our Surf Société membership or purchase the "Read the Break" lesson, you’ll have all the tools you need to surf better and live happier.
Comments