12 Surf Goals for This Summer (For Every Skill Level)
Summer’s upon us, and that usually means more time in the water. Whether you're still figuring out how to time your paddle-outs or you're hunting for clean rail turns on a shoulder-high runner, summer is the perfect season to set a few focused surf goals.
Progress in surfing isn't always obvious, but tracking specific improvements—big or small—can keep things interesting, help you stay motivated, and push your skills forward. Below are 12 surf goals you can take on this summer, with something for everyone from beginners to seasoned surfers.
1. Log 30 Surf Sessions by the End of Summer
All Skill Levels
A simple but effective goal: aim to get in the water 30 times before the season ends. That’s about two or three sessions a week. It’s not about wave count or performance—it’s about consistency. The more often you paddle out, the more natural everything becomes: reading the lineup, paddling efficiently, reacting under pressure.
If you do not have a longboard, our Ultimate Longboard or Classic Noserider are perfect options!
2. Try a Different Board
Intermediate & Up — or Curious Beginners
Switching up your board can be a game-changer. If you’re always riding a shortboard, try a midlength or longboard. If you’re on foamies or logs, try something with twin fins or less volume. Even a few sessions on a new shape can change how you approach waves and highlight parts of your surfing that need work—or are stronger than you thought.
Try something with a different feel—like the Retro Fish from Degree 33 Surfboards. It’s fast, loose, and great for summer surf. Longboarders or midlength riders might enjoy the Easy Rider, a stable, confidence-boosting fish shaped midlength that handles just about anything.
3. Dial in Your Pop-Up
Beginners
Still struggling to get up cleanly? This summer is a great time to tighten up your pop-up. Practice on land, film yourself, and focus on smooth, one-step motion. A better pop-up leads to more successful takeoffs and helps avoid bad habits that are harder to break later on.
A new board might also aid you in dialing in your pop up. Check out our soft deck, ultra user friendly options such as the Ultimate longboard (Hybrid Epoxy Soft) or our Perfect Foamie.
4. Surf a New Spot
All Levels (With Caution)
Surfing the same break all the time is comfortable—but not always helpful for growth. Make it a goal to surf at least one new spot this summer. You’ll improve your adaptability and get better at reading different types of waves. Do your homework first: understand the break, tide sensitivity, and local crowd dynamic.
5. Catch a Clean Green Wave
Beginners to Low Intermediates
If you’ve been sticking to the whitewater, make it a point to paddle into a clean, unbroken wave this summer. It's a major milestone. Focus on positioning, timing, and staying calm on the takeoff. If you're already catching green waves, push to hold a better line or angle down the face.
6. Take a Lesson (or Give One)
All Skill Levels
A good lesson—whether it’s your first or your fiftieth—can fast-track progress. Coaches catch things you miss, from body positioning to wave choice. If you're more experienced, consider teaching a friend or family member. Explaining the basics to someone else can sharpen your own understanding.
By the way, we offer lessons! Give us a call at (800) 920-2363 to set up your lesson if you are in the San Diego area.
7. Get Comfortable with Duck Dives or Turtle Rolls
Intermediate Level
If getting out to the lineup leaves you drained, your technique probably needs work. Shortboarders should aim to clean up their duck dives—angle, timing, and body position make all the difference. If you are on too long of a board, check out a board like the ATV or RocketFish.
Longboarders should master the turtle roll to get through heavier sets without losing ground.
8. Start a Surf-Focused Training Routine
All Levels
You don’t need to hit the gym five days a week, but some basic mobility, strength, and endurance work can make your sessions more productive and less tiring. Think paddle endurance, core strength, shoulder mobility, and balance. Even a 15-minute daily routine can help.
Suggested tools: yoga mat, resistance bands, balance board, foam roller.
9. Brush Up on Surf Etiquette
Everyone, Always
The basics matter: right of way, not dropping in, not paddling through someone’s line, knowing when to hold your ground and when to yield. Summer crowds make this even more important. Make it a personal goal to surf with awareness and courtesy—and lead by example.
10. Plan a Day Trip Based on a Forecast
All Levels
Find a small summer swell window, check the forecast, and chase it. Whether it’s an early dawn patrol down the coast or a full weekend getaway, surfing unfamiliar conditions keeps things interesting and helps build your forecasting skills.
Bring a backup board, snacks, and a good playlist.
11. Work on One Specific Skill
Tailored to Your Current Level
Choose something specific—turns, positioning, trimming, paddling form—and commit to it for the next few sessions. The smaller and more focused the goal, the easier it is to track progress. If you’re unsure where to start, ask someone to film you or give feedback after a session.
Be sure to check out our other guides related to this! We offer tons of free resources catered to help you learn new tricks.
12. Be Consistent, Not Perfect
All Levels
Improvement doesn’t happen from one good session. It comes from showing up regularly—even when the waves are mediocre, or you’re tired, or the wind is wrong. Make consistency the main goal this summer. Everything else will follow.
Wrapping Up
Surfing isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, patience, and time in the water. These goals aren’t about proving anything; they’re just tools to help you enjoy the process a little more, stretch your limits, and keep things interesting through the summer months.
Whether you meet every goal or just a few, you’ll come out of the season a stronger, more aware, and more confident surfer.
Now check the forecast and go get it.
If you need a new board to help you perform these goals, give us a call at (800) 920 - 2363 or email at surf@degree33.com.
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