7 Intermediate Surfing Habits Stopping You From Progressing | & How To Fix Them

These intermediate surfing mistakes will are having a big impact on how you surf and how fast you're progressing.
These 7 mistakes form a large chunk of what I talk about with my surf coaching clients and I can certainly explore them more in-depth in individual videos - let me know down below which one you'd like me to look at more!
Check out our brand new SURFER’S ROADMAP online program - thesurfersroadmap.com
Support the channel & make sure you grab a SmoothStar Surf Skate so you can follow along for the remainder of the series (USA customers should order from Australia with intl shipping) - smoothstar.com.au/?ref=3
NEW! MY PATREON PAGE - / kalesbroccoli
NEW! ULTIMATE SURFBOARD BUYING GUIDE - thesurfersroadmap.com
MY INSTAGRAM - bit.ly/kalesbroccoli
MY BOOKS - kalebrock.com.au/shop
SURF WITH ME - kalebrock.com.au/surf
THE LONGEVITY FILM - bit.ly/LongevityFilm
THE GUT MOVIE - bit.ly/GutMovie
SUNBUTTER SUNSCREEN 15% CODE 'BROCCOLI' - sunbutteroceans.com.au

[@sunglowz3753]

Let’s gooo BEST intermediate-advanced guide ON THE INTERNET PERIOD!!!

[@KalesBroccoli]

🤙🏽

[@PelicanCanCancan]

This perfectly spoke to me as well. You rock Kales..

[@andrescerv7]

1. surf in the upper half of the wave 2. eyes lead the way on turns (look back at the whitewater) 3. open the shoulders (eyes, head, and shoulders lead the turn) (hands act as pivot points) 4. coil, press, release (use your hips) 5. ride the best board (round and thick might be better) 6. slow down 7. think independently, don't follow the crowd

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks for tuning in legends! Keep shredding 🍌

[@itsmemario5645]

/ can you do a vid on a bunch of exercises to do on a surf skate

[@user-in4rj]

Jajaja me encanta tu pronunciación al decir número uno ❤️ saludos desde Cantabria, España

[@leocampbell9448]

Yeah!! 😎 🌊

[@simonharbig95]

I definitely fall into the trap of rushing, particularly when waiting in a busy line-up and a good wave finally comes my way, I am so excited to get surfing I simply mess up my pop-up and wipe out. So the other day I took your advice and had a peak at a break around the corner from the usual spot, the waves may not have been as good but I got a ton of waves and was really able to relax on the wave and enjoy my surfing, cheers 😊

[@PeterClaven]

I was gonna comment the same thing! Roll don't rush!

[@benmcqueen4560]

I watched this last night just before bed, it must have sunk in, as this morning's surf was epic. I remembered all your tips and my God it made such a difference, thanks Kale. This video really helped.

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@peradies7044]

Thanks kale! Been wondering why I couldn't generate speed for so long now, and now I realize it's because I stay in the lower half of the wave, much appreciated!

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽

[@haleytruslow7200]

Parts of this video have been playing in my head while I’ve been surfing lately. Glad I found you

[@KW-ov2dv]

Best surf-advice KZbin channel in the biz!

[@zimchughtai9154]

I've been watching your videos for a while now and can I just say you are an excellent teacher. You are positive. You go into detail on issues all surfers from intermediate to advance struggle with. You make it seem possible to advance within the mind while stuck on land. Sometimes you introduce exercises that can be done to improve the issues. Thank you for the amazing content.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thank you!

[@marckane4299]

You're a good mate for helping fellow man with skills. Wish you were in CA. I'd take a lesson

[@kennyb5537]

Thanks a lot for all your videos. I'm learning a lot watching them and my surfing has definitely improved thanks to you.

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽

[@taidriscoll1580]

thank you so much. I've been doing these to much and I'm going to practice these a whole lot more

[@KalesBroccoli]

🤙🏽

[@OleKristianFjelltun-Larsen]

Always good videos. Find them just as repetitive as I need to make me slowly remember it when I am in the water. After watching it over and over again I have had more improvement the last year than the 10 years before that. Now I instantly recognise mistakes I do when in the water.

[@KalesBroccoli]

That’s so good!!

[@ciaranwalters4658]

Mate, love the videos. Just binged on a load. Love how you talk of the cold though.... Come over for a surf in Ireland😕. Keep the vids coming my man. They are super helpful!

[@richardbaker2701]

This was exactly the tips I’ve been looking for. Love your work

[@alullay]

Your tips are making a huge difference in my surfing!! thank you so much! I am def getting into a skateboard to improve gaining speed.

[@krazeyhorse1]

So good bro keep up the great work !

[@iamthedaneman]

Maybe you could cover stance, sprinter vs squat etc makes a phenomenal impact

[@surfistaloquita]

Great tips! Very relatable! Thanks for the awesome and helpful vid!!

[@davidyonek9118]

This was a really good one. The eye thing translates to auto racing, motorcycle racing, and wrestling. Thanks for a great tutorial.

[@WhatsUp491]

Great video! as always

[@harryb4852]

keep uploading kale your really helpful

[@KalesBroccoli]

💯

[@SmilefitCoUk]

The arms! It’s all about the arms! I did one thing Kale talked about in another video and did (what felt like) a searing top turn on my forehand! I was like 😮woah. This is the main thing that was holding me back from linking turns together with proper speed, power and flow on my forehand. Backhand wasn’t a problem. A bit of context, I’ve been a surfer for 25 years and done plenty of top turns before but seems I’ve fudged together my own way of managing which was hit and miss or a bit clunky. Game changer! Cheers Kale 🤠🤙

[@lecooljamsdance149]

So good! Super helpful thanks so much. Good to have the thought reassured that I should be on a board with a bit more volume. Permission to buy a new board...tick! :D Also great to hear you say we often know tips theoretically but putting them into practice is a different story. Great vids with the pauses and comparisons of technique. Thanks again!

[@aimlessimages831]

Mistake one is spot on for me. I watched video of myself in Nica, and saw that I missed barrel ops because of riding so low. Good stuff here.

[@frewuill]

I've been looking for guide like this over the past 10 years. Thank you!

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@matthewwetmore8526]

Another epic one Kale! Stoked on all your advice - it's for sure helped me and many others since I share a lot of your fundamental advice when I teach lessons for friends or part-time during the summer! I've personally been SO stoked on my surfing lately and I'm sure binge watching your videos has helped over the years! Haha yeww!!

[@KalesBroccoli]

That’s so good Matty!!! Love it bro !!

[@alc2979]

Great Vid mate. I need this

[@localloufermonte2007]

Awesome video!!! I’ve been really focused on progressing my surfing over the last 2 years and you basically just spoke to everything that I was kinda feeling that I was figuring out. All of these things have completely changed my surfing before the video. Now I can’t wait to put the specifics in and have one of the best sessions of my life!! I can’t wait to watch all the other videos!! You are really great at explaining the physicality of what’s happening!! Yewwwwww🤙🏼 🙏🏼

[@KalesBroccoli]

Awesome!! Thanks mate :)

[@Sardy540]

This video is excellent. Thanks mate!

[@unaic.2237]

You're a legend mate, keep it up and thanks!!!

[@Jackson--yf5me]

Love your vids mate

[@inFAMOUSBeatsGFx]

Awesome insight!! For me, rushing and opening up the back shoulder more on the backhand 🔥

[@KalesBroccoli]

Sick

[@alikajohnson9250]

I definitely need to work on just about everything you mentioned. 👍🤙🏽🏄‍♂️

[@KalesBroccoli]

We all do!

[@brendanhumphries3476]

Your videos are awesome man. Id take a session with you 100% if I'm ever in Australia... or if you're ever in North America...

[@sagifern4444]

Enlighting as always !!

[@danturner2737]

SO helpful thank you!!

[@goodcooks7732]

Thanks for sharing!!! I will keep liking and sharing

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thank you!!

[@chrismathews3629]

Hey man, I just wanted to seriously Thankyou. You’ve hugely improved my surfing (at least how it feels!!) in the last few sessions alone, before I used to take off and just gun down the line for a section, easpecially on my forehand. Now, I have your voice in the back of my head saying, ‘ match the speed of the wave’ .. and I’m surfing so much more smooth. Secondly, I’m really thinking about how my board feels, not how I feel on it. Trying to notice the nuances before I buy a new board soon, which will likely be an inferno. Thanks again man.

[@adriansrfr]

Awesome vids Kale!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks Aido!!

[@scottindosurferaustralia4833]

All great tips, my surfing definitely getting stuck! Rotating shoulders was the Gem 💎 for me, everything else I’m doing!! Good for my students!!!

[@nancyqiu5419]

Good video and it’s entertaining at the same time !

[@franrn3507]

Los mejores tutoriales de surf, y un tío tan majo con el que sin duda me iría de cañas. Great!

[@mattpearce7215]

Thanks Kal3 awesome as usual

[@mattpearce7215]

Hi

[@sashatruong1]

Thanks for the tips Kale. I'm definitely the first one where I get caught at the bottom of the wave and don't get in that power zone to pick up speed. I liked your tip about looking up at the lip as soon as I bottom turn, and following my hand. It helped and I'm trying do that more each time. My boyfriend really liked your tip about using the head and shoulders more on his turns. He was able to pick more speed and better complete his turns. Let us know how we can continue to support you. Gonna try to order your sunblock.

[@KalesBroccoli]

That’s awesome guys!! Stoked it’s helping. We’ve got some courses dropping soon which might help you take the next step or both my films will be online soon too!

[@kutakuta9658]

great !! need more details on every of these 7 mistakes !! TY !!

[@volkerflag6986]

I'm a German currently in Romania and your videos help me getting through the almost depression-inducing surf withdrawal I'm dealing with at the moment. I'm looking forward to implementing all your tips in the summer! (I hope the borders won't be closed anymore...)

[@KalesBroccoli]

Awesome! Some good home workouts for you here as well :)

[@JerseyDevil2]

Great video!

[@Sleepygal768]

Great tips and comparison! I need to open up my shoulders more and look back at the white wash when cutting back!

[@thibautmairesse1374]

Another great one mate! Keep it up 🤙🏻

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks Tibo!!!

[@js131353]

Very good information, thanks.

[@chillinwithjames]

Thx for the great video!

[@chenassaf43]

Just wanna show support! Absolutely great content!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks!

[@Sheepo91]

This video is awesome, thanks for the tips!

[@nathan.willson]

Great video Kale, my main misstakes are Rushing to get down the line and rushing through turns and compressing in my bottom turns. So awesome tips and I'm keen to practice this ASAP!

[@cameronsouchon1746]

This really changed my approach and mindset

[@carloseduardoanestesia]

Excelent tips!!! Thank you very much Kales!!! 👍🏻🏄‍♂️🤙🏻👊🏻

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks Carlos ! Kale

[@colt_ain7018]

The best surfing tutorials ✊ please continue 🏄

[@KalesBroccoli]

I gotchu 🙌🏽

[@germanchow1976]

Great! That's exactly what I am looking for.

[@jacquelineolivier6679]

From Redondo Beach Ca, thanks Kale - as just a regular surfer on a longer board 8-0 I really liked this video especially the part about cutting back by looking back to the whitewater and leading with shoulders.....highly recommend all of your videos!

[@antonioherrera4077]

Nice lesson!

[@miguelcastillo2509]

Hey mate, I’m a intermediate surfer in sunny QLD. I put in place a couple of your suggestions on this video last weekend. I noticed a big improvement on my performance - it was so good! In particular the rotation of my vision and look to where I want to go. I generated way more speed than ever before. I like your videos and will keep following you for more hints. Thanks legend!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks man that’s great!

[@adamlorden5666]

Man your videos are so sick, Helped me so much. Keep going!

[@bendezelak8203]

Got a smoothstar yesterday, absolute game changer 👍👍

[@KalesBroccoli]

Right!

[@bradaudet6699]

THAT is just an outstanding video!!! Onya Kales

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks brad Kale

[@BronzeF]

Great video Kale! Your guidance has been the foundations for my surfing education since starting in January! Would love a video on reading surf forecasts and beach conditions so I can start picking the best beach to go to before my hour long drive from Brissie to GC each week 😉 thanks legend 👊🏽

[@KalesBroccoli]

No worries man! Little difficult because this is unique to every area but I’ll look into something!

[@charlesmorrow8389]

Super logical and helpful!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks Charles!!!

[@sebastianvdm]

I think after watching this video something clicked in me, thank you so much! everything makes so much sense now!

[@AndySpecs]

Dude....you just rock! Love your vids and tips.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks Andrew!

[@rydeovashit]

Good tips. man getting better on yo vids

[@tomdaaussie9362]

the looking different directions tip is very helpful thanks

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽

[@jamesbrodey5658]

That has to be one of the best vids I’ve seen

[@Surfandmusicequipmentreviews]

great tips thanks

[@travismonahan7225]

You've changed my life!

[@samas4999]

This is gonna help my turns so freaking much! Thanks mann!!

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽

[@gilliamm.5732]

Excellent!

[@clayslewis8442]

Good tips 🤙🏻

[@CollinEvans]

I've been surfing for years and watching this was like having my eyes peeled back. Just felt like I was as good as I was going to get because of my "talent," not because there straight up was shit I didn't know about surfing biomechanics/physics.

[@theoverstoker3430]

I definitely need to support you somehow because my surfing has excelled from your vids!

[@KalesBroccoli]

That’s so awesome!!!

[@georgiowhitehorse]

So helpful! 🩵🙏🏼

[@jonynos16]

thanks for the help. i'm an intermidiate surfer just now starting to pop some airs, and i find myself commiting some of the mistakes you talk about. Mainly wanting the wave to adapt to my surfing tecnic instead of the opposite, i'm too energetic on the waves and not waiting makes me not have the speed i requier because i'm not surfing on the pocket. thanks for all your tips, i'll pay more attention to them,

[@CrayCraigie]

Incredibly helpful reinforcement for any surfer.

[@stephenberry6191]

Thanks Kale. I learn so much from all of your video tutorials. I have been guilty of doing of all mistakes. Rushing has been my number 1 continued mistake. From your previous videos I’ve been most successful when looking to the top of the wave after popping up & then looking back to the whitewater from top turns . I still need to concentrate on riding more in the top third of the wave. Practicing all the time now on the smoothstar is starting to gives me some flow, from head, arm, body rotation, with lifting & compressing movement.. Great work!! If possible some more smoothstar training drills; linking bottom turns, to top turns, to cutback, to foam re-entry would be fantastic, to know I’m training correctly. Really appreciate your work!! Besides buying your products, I’ll even watch more of the adds. Cheers

[@KalesBroccoli]

Oh Stephen mate that’s awesome!! So glad they’re helping and it sounds like you’re making some solid progress ! Sick! I’ve got a sweet SmoothStar vid coming next week!

[@Hm86926]

“A dozen or so waves in a row” lol maybe I should stop surfing at snappers rocks then

[@arthurgobert1581]

Hi Kale, I'm french and your techniques are very helpful for intermediates level. Thank you

[@KalesBroccoli]

Merci mec!

[@layogenic3]

Hi Kale this video has helped me so much. Still working on all of the tips but seen my surfing improve a lot in the past few months. Really enjoying the journey of learning. Keep up the hard work I really appreciate it. From the North east of England

[@KalesBroccoli]

That’s Wesome Luke !! Thank you for watching

[@amandataffinder6580]

Totally awesome!!!!! 😜🤩 thank you SO much!!!!!!! 🥳

[@KalesBroccoli]

🤙🏽

[@syrgant]

I will definitely be trying these exercises. Super helpful!

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽

[@jammyd33]

Guilty for surfing in the bottom half of the wave and wondering where the speed is! Thanks Kale. Going to focus on moving up and down the face to get my flow back in my next session. 👌

[@LibbySchumacherKnight]

That was fab thank you. For me the first one, surfing in top and bottom of wave. Just got in from an early morning surf worked on this and immediately noticed a difference. Oh plus the looking. Thanks heaps for the vids.

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽

[@diegopfister9815]

Hey Kales! Awesome videos!!! Really appreciate. Can you make a video of how to avoid closeouts? How to know which spot is going to be closing out beforehand? How sandbanks move and stuff... That would be great !!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Watch my “catch more waves” video :)

[@michaelwilson8760]

✊Kale, gr8 ! You mentioned torque a few times, and board selection, power to weight ratios, ive developed better mobility on a skateboard, but so much depends on proper board selection, after that the rest is easier, although not less dangerous ! Plus the other key tip ive heard is to get back up the wave asap, ie vertical re-entry, its the max use of the critical section. 👍

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽🤙🏽

[@patman4703]

Thanks Man! Watching form East Coast US. Can't wait to get back in the water and put some of this to work! All the best Bro!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Sick!! Good luck!

[@dylanyates4091]

Crazy how I didn't think I needed this video and now I'm super excited to try some of these tips next session. Although maybe I should calm down cause I definitely get too excited and rush my surfing hahahaha. Great video and thanks for the tips.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Sick!

[@montyrobertson2028]

Would love some more advanced explanation of higher level moves like airs, barrels, roundhouses, snaps and laybacks??? 🙏🏽🙏🏽love the videos👍👌

[@KalesBroccoli]

Definitely coming bru plus an online course with more focus on advanced stuff :) because 80-90% of surfers are intermediate that’s where most of my content is directed but also these fundamentals are incredibly important

[@aTribeCalledCasey]

Would love to hear insight about airs

[@lucysoldaccount9584]

This was extremely helpful🤙🏽

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽🍌

[@zjgvergara]

Based on experience, Looking back on turns works mostly when the wave is not too vertical yet.

[@JulianGarret]

Thank you kales beautiful 🤙 I have to put these good tips into practice🏄🏄🏄 🙏

[@callumbeattie4854]

Thanks from England !!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks from Australia!

[@chrisw3939]

Kales your words are priceless!!. You fixed my forehand surfing i am so stoked. Just had to make larger bottom turn and now i can do massive turns wooooohooo yeeeeewwwwwwwwww so stoked for ever thankful. Yeeew.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Epic!!

[@lukeswardstrom6588]

Great stuff bro thanks

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks for watching!!