5 Mistakes Beginners Make at Barbados Surf School (and How to Avoid Them)

When you walk into our Barbados Surf School, you can feel the excitement buzzing in the air. Boards lined up, salty breeze rolling in, and nervous smiles from first-time surfers—it’s a magical moment. But let’s be real: no matter how magical, there are some classic beginner mistakes we see again and again. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there (yes, even us at Dread or Dead). The good news? They’re easy to fix once you know what to look out for.

Here are the five biggest mistakes beginners make at Barbados Surf School—and how you can avoid them.

1. Standing Like a Flamingo (a.k.a. Wrong Stance)

One foot in front, one awkwardly pointing sideways, knees locked—it’s the beginner flamingo pose, and it doesn’t end well. At our Barbados Surf School, we always remind students to bend their knees, keep their feet shoulder-width apart, and face the wave with a relaxed, steady posture. Think “low and balanced,” not “stiff flamingo.”

Pro tip: Practice your surf stance on the beach first, and don’t rush it. A solid stance is the foundation of your surfing journey.

2. Looking Down Instead of Ahead

The number one phrase we repeat: “Where your eyes go, your body follows.” Beginners often stare straight at the board or their feet, and guess what? That’s exactly where they fall.

At Dread or Dead, we coach you to look where you want to go—straight ahead at the beach or down the line of the wave. Once you lift your head, your shoulders and balance follow naturally. It’s the easiest fix with the biggest payoff.

3. Paddling Too Late (or Not Enough)

You spot the wave, your heart races… and you paddle like you’re chasing a lazy turtle. Too late, and the wave slips right under you. Too slow, and you never catch it.

At our Barbados Surf School, we drill this into students: start paddling earlier than you think, and commit with strong, steady strokes. Your energy will pay off when the wave lifts you into the ride.

Pro tip: Pretend you’re racing your friend to the snack shack—give it all you’ve got!

4. Overthinking Balance

This one is big. Beginners sometimes freeze up, trying to calculate every move like they’re solving a math problem mid-wave. The result? Splash!

We tell our surfers at Dread or Dead: “Don’t fight the wave, flow with it.” Relax your shoulders, keep your arms loose, and let the board glide. Surfing is about rhythm, not rigidity.

5. Ignoring Surf Etiquette

Here’s a mistake that can really ruin the vibe: dropping in on someone else’s wave, not paddling out of the way, or forgetting to say a friendly “hey” to fellow surfers. Surfing is as much about community as it is about waves.

At our Barbados Surf School, we make sure every student understands the basics of surf etiquette—from waiting your turn to respecting locals. It keeps the lineup safe and the energy positive.