5 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Beginner Surf Lesson in Barbados

When I signed up for my Beginner Surf Lessons Barbados package, I had visions of gracefully gliding across turquoise waves like a pro. Spoiler: it didn’t quite go that way. Instead, I got a crash course (literally) in patience, sunscreen, and the fine art of laughing at myself while falling headfirst into the ocean. Luckily, the team at Dread or Dead Surf Shop in Bridgetown had my back every splash of the way.

Here are the five things I wish I knew before my first surf lesson—so you can show up prepared, or at least prepared to laugh at yourself.

1. Popping Up Is Harder Than It Looks (and That’s Okay)

From the beach, popping up on the board looks like the simplest move in the world: hands down, feet up, stand tall. Easy, right? Wrong. My first few attempts looked more like yoga gone wrong.

But here’s the thing—every beginner struggles with the pop-up. The Dread or Dead instructors reminded me that it’s about muscle memory, not perfection. With a few pointers, I was actually standing on the board by the end of my first session. (Okay, wobbling like a baby giraffe counts as standing.)

👉 Takeaway: Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t nail it right away. It’s all part of learning, and wobbling makes for great vacation photos.

2. Sunscreen Is Not Optional

If you think one quick layer of sunscreen will survive an afternoon in the Caribbean, think again. I learned this the hard way when my shoulders went from golden tan to lobster red after my first Beginner Surf Lessons Barbados session.

The instructors at Dread or Dead had a good laugh at my expense (and kindly loaned me a rash guard the next day). Pro tip: apply sunscreen before class, reapply often, and wear protective gear if you’re fair-skinned like me. Your future self will thank you.

👉 Takeaway: Sunscreen isn’t just skincare—it’s survival in Barbados.

3. Falling Off Is Part of the Fun

Before my lesson, I was secretly terrified of wiping out. I had visions of getting smacked in the face by my board or swallowed by the sea. But here’s the surprising part: falling actually makes surfing more fun.

The instructors explained that surfing is about balance, not perfection. Every fall means you’re learning what doesn’t work. By my tenth tumble, I was laughing harder than I was paddling. And with Dread or Dead’s safety-first approach (they choose mellow, beginner-friendly waves), I realized there was nothing to fear.

👉 Takeaway: Falling off isn’t failure—it’s progress. Embrace the splash.

4. Surfboards Have Personalities

When I walked into the surf shop, I thought a board was just a board. Turns out, surfboards are like people—they come in all shapes, sizes, and vibes. Dread or Dead set me up with a big, friendly soft-top that practically begged me to succeed.

Smaller, thinner boards are for experienced surfers, but for beginners, bigger really is better. My “training wheels” board gave me stability and confidence. And the fact that Dread or Dead rents out high-quality boards meant I didn’t have to lug anything through the airport.

👉 Takeaway: Don’t stress about gear. The right board will make you look (and feel) like you know what you’re doing.

5. Surfing Builds Confidence You Didn’t Know You Had

I came to Barbados thinking surfing was just about riding waves. What I didn’t expect was the confidence boost that came with it. There’s something about standing up on a board—even for five seconds—that makes you feel unstoppable.

The instructors in Bridgetown had this way of celebrating every little win. Whether it was my first paddle out, my first wobbly ride, or even just my improved pop-up form, they made me feel like a pro in the making. By the end of my Beginner Surf Lessons Barbados week, I wasn’t just learning to surf—I was learning to trust myself.

👉 Takeaway: Surfing teaches you that success comes in small, joyful victories.