Surf Wise Level 3 Beginner Surfer

Overview

Beginner Level 3 identifies the moment you shift from riding straight in white‑water to beginning real wave‑riding skills. You’re still a beginner, but now you’re starting to interact with the wave

It’s where you stop being pushed by the wave and start surfing the wave. It shows you’ve built enough foundation to begin shaping your ride, choosing your direction.

Aim

Ride a broken or green wave on an angle (trimming) in surf up to 1 ½ ft.

Locations and Conditions

  • Gentle breaking waves of white water less than 1 ½ feet (½ metre)

  • Sandy beach and ocean floor with even gradient (no rocks or reef)

  • Water depth of chest deep or less

  • Free from rocks

  • Free from rips and currents

  • No dumping shore break

  • Wind less than 20 kilometres per hour (approx. 12.5 miles per hour)

Equipment

  • Beginner softboard with soft fin

  • Leash

Knowledge & Skills

  • Surf Safety

  • Swim 50 metres

  • Able to tread water for 5 minutes

Surfing Environment

  • Identify surfing hazards

  • Identify suitable weather conditions for surfing

  • Identify the types of waves suitable for surfing

  • Choose a safe surfing location

  • Identify how to look after the surfing environment

Equipment

  • Choose a beginners surfboard

  • Wax, care, carry and store your board

  • Identify types of wetsuits and surf clothing, when to wear these

Surfing Skills

  • Choose a safe place to enter the water

  • Negotiate small waves using a variety of techniques

  • Paddle the board in trim

  • Turn the surfboard in a sitting position

  • Use safe wipe-out and dismount techniques

  • Identify correct surfing etiquette (drop in rule, snaking, good surfing ethics)

Surfing Manoeuvres

  • Ride a broken or green wave on an angle (trimming)

  • Perform small turns

Level 3 Beginner Surfer

The Surf Wise Level 3 Beginner Course

Duration:
5 sessions (1- 2 hrs each session) + practice
Plus Practice: From Level 2 Beginner Surfer, an additional 10-20 hours practice to acquire Level 3 Beginner surfer skills.

Resources
ASI Learn to Surf for Beginners manual
ASI Learn to Surf for Level 3 Beginners student workbook or logbook

Certificate Issued
ASI Level 3 Beginner Surfer Participation Certificate

Delivered by: ASI Accredited Surf Schools.  Find Schools