In the final instalment of our Four Pillars series, we explain our four levels of surfer - and why everyone can do with some coaching.
Words by Rachel Lingham & Ed Templeton | 3rd May '23
Wave Riding. The Soul Surfer Journey
Wave Riding is the intersection of surfer, craft and wave; which happens in a split second. This momentary, affective experience encapsulates the physical practice of surfing. There's a delicate balance between just enough challenge and not too much tension... and that's when we enter the flow state.
So how does this transfer over to how we teach at Soul & Surf then?
The Soul of Surfing programme delivers skills and techniques with our experienced coaches to set you up as an unconsciously able surfer across four different levels, i.e. you can surf without thinking about it.
Once you become an ‘integrated surfer’ – and by integrated we mean understanding more than just standing on a board – it’s time to move onto the next level.
Advanced coaching methods such as video analysis allow bespoke, actionable coaching at any level
The (cyclical) Soul Surfer Journey
The four levels of surfer - click 'more photos' to see some gorgeous illustrations from Coco Steigner
The journey to Conscious Awareness for the advanced surfer uses advanced coaching methods – eg - video analysis – providing a bespoke programme to develop their chosen discipline: longboarding or shortboarding.
Or adapting to different waves and equipment – soul surfers.
At this point you might be a better surfer than your coach - but remember, Kelly Slater has a surf coach.
For more info about our surf lessons, levels and ethos, head over to our Soul of Surfing page.
Everyone - beginner to advanced - needs to know this stuff
