Surfast Download
Guides

Learn to read the ocean — and surf it

Plain-English guides to forecasts, technique, safety and gear. Written for beginners and improvers, free to read.

Reading the forecast

Swell, period, wind and tide — and how to tell a good day from a bad one.

How Do Tides Affect Surf? High, Low and Mid Tide Explained Tides change water depth over sandbars and reefs, which changes how waves break. Learn high vs low tide, rising vs falling, tidal range and your tide window. Read guide → How to Read a Surf Forecast (Beginner's Guide) Learn to read a surf forecast: swell height, period, direction, wind and tide, how they combine, and a 2-minute routine to decide if it's worth paddling out. Read guide → Offshore vs Onshore Wind: What Wind Is Best for Surfing? Offshore wind blows land to sea and grooms waves; onshore wind blows sea to land and makes chop. Learn wind speed limits, glassy surf and sea breeze timing. Read guide → Swell Period Explained: Why It Matters More Than Wave Height Swell period is the seconds between wave crests. Learn groundswell vs windswell, why a 14s 1m swell beats a 6s 1.5m swell, and what period ranges mean for surf. Read guide →

Technique

The fundamentals that get you up and riding.

How to Pop Up on a Surfboard: Step-by-Step for Beginners Learn to pop up on a surfboard: hands under your chest, chest up, one fluid move to your feet, eyes forward. Plus common mistakes and land drills to practice. Read guide →

Safety & etiquette

Rips, right of way, and staying out of trouble in the lineup.

Rip Currents: How to Spot Them and What to Do If Caught How to spot a rip current, what to do if one pulls you out (stay calm, don't fight it, swim parallel or float and signal), and how to help someone safely. Read guide → Surf Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules Every Surfer Should Know Surf etiquette explained: the surfer closest to the peak has priority, never drop in or snake, paddle out wide, hold onto your board, and respect the locals. Read guide →

Gear

Boards and wetsuits that make learning easier.

What Size Surfboard Should a Beginner Get? Length and Volume Guide Beginners should ride a long, high-volume board, usually a 7'6"-9' soft-top. See length and volume ranges by weight, board types, and when to size down. Read guide → What Wetsuit Thickness Do I Need? Water Temperature Chart Match wetsuit thickness to water temperature: boardshorts above 24°C (75°F), a 3/2 around 15-18°C (59-64°F), a 4/3 or 5/4 with boots and hood below that. Read guide →

Surf fitness

Training on land for paddle power, pop-ups and balance.

Best Exercises for Surfing: A Bodyweight Surf Fitness Plan Train for surfing at home with bodyweight exercises for paddling, pop-ups, balance, core and mobility, plus a simple 20-minute weekly plan you can start today. Read guide →

Put it into practice

Surfast reads the forecast for you — the best time to go today, and whether it suits your level.

Download on the App Store Android coming soon