4 reasons you're STUCK in the 'Beginner Phase"

This is one of those experiences in surfing that most of us never forget! In this video I discuss the main problems surfers have when trying to surf "down the line". Once this aspect of surfing clicks, you're hooked for life! Enjoy!
Brian James
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@longboard_sessions
Location: New Jersey, Longboard Surfing
Board: Clean Ocean Surfboards: 9'6" Chingona

[@SeanOzz]

Dude. This is such a well made entertaining video. Well done.

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!!

[@dwmueller76]

The “best friend with the face”montage cracked me up! Lol! So true though! Only takes a split second to get behind it and then it’s too late!

[@davidtross7426]

Really well done

[@jose3990]

@@LongboardSessionsinsanely good video easily the best shit I have seen in years

[@LongboardSessions]

@@jose3990 haha awesome!! Thank you!

[@mach5drms12]

from the perspective of someone who had to learn these tips the hard way, this is one of the best beginner surf videos ive seen on the internet

[@LongboardSessions]

wow thanks so much! I had to learn them the hard way as well haha

[@outtatime9746]

you put so much effort into your videos, and make it really entertaining, I’m so surprised you don’t have more subscribers, keep it up!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much! Yes, it is quite a bit of effort... but as long as some people enjoy the vids it's all worth it hehe

[@sirlancenotalot2765]

I agree with this. This guy has helped me more than anything else. I've been surfing a really long time and I've always sucked. A few mins of my life watching his videos has tranformed my surfing. I don't use Social Media but if I did I would be pushing this guy to everyone and anyone relevant.

[@jesusisking3814]

We all have sinned, and have broken God’s law (The Ten Commandments). Wrong doing deserves justice and must be punished (just like how a criminal has to pay for the crime they have committed) but God saved us from the eternal punishment of our sins by sending His Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for us, so that we may have everlasting life. Now for you to accept the free gift of grace, you must repent of your sins and put your faith in Jesus Christ and you will you be saved from eternal punishment, and be given everlasting life. By faith you will receive the Holy Spirit and He will transform your heart and clean you from the inside out. Turn away from sin, read Bible, pray for Jesus to reveal Himself to you and change you, seek to do what is right according to the Bible. Much love and God bless.

[@sloaiza81]

great analogy with the bike

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks!!

[@emisurfchannel2280]

So STOKED YEWWW.. I surfed on christmas day, woke up very early and nobody noticed🤣🤣

[@LongboardSessions]

haha very smart! That wouldn't have worked for me.. kids woke up at the crack of dawn haha

[@change8402]

Same here Nate, early morning

[@proREFbrder]

I learned everything I know in life from this video. 😆

[@LongboardSessions]

haha!!

[@sirlancenotalot2765]

I want to thank you. Sincerely. I’ve been “stuck” in beginner mode for years and years. That clip of you rising a bike made something click. I went out today and had my best surf ever. Longer rides, read waves better, even squeezed the last bit out of wave with a very rough nose walk. Thanks again! ❤

[@LongboardSessions]

Awesome!! so good to hear. Never know when something is gonna click hehe.. it's the best when it does

[@sirlancenotalot2765]

@@LongboardSessions Surfing is the only sport I know that you can’t really see what you are doing/not doing, and there’s no coaches etc. I didn’t know what I was doing wrong until now 👍👍

[@LongboardSessions]

It really is unique in that way. It makes 'getting it' that much better tho hehe

[@angelalu5260]

I'm a beginner and I've been having frustrating sessions recently because I find myself dropping to the flats all the time. So happy I came across this tutorial, will definitely start practicing these tips!!!

[@LongboardSessions]

Oh thats great! Yea it's frustrating.. but once you learn to stay high it changes everything!

[@pineurmothertm6752]

Hey! Any updates about your "flats" struggle ?

[@pe9833]

Same!!! I am so shit scared of the wall sometimes haha. Thanks for the tips 🙏

[@jackdoughty4238]

Great production effort on this video! Mixing humor with facts really get the point across. I recently had the epiphany of what happens when you look up and down the line rather than at your board or 2 feet in front of it. Expanding your vision out down the line is a game changer and adds soooo much fun to the surf!!! It is fascinating that your body just seems to know what to do when you relax and expand your vision. It just happens - almost too simple! Adding to your point about sending the correct messages to your brain/body , when you look up you send a natural signal to your brain/body that you want to get up. So your pop up becomes easy and fluid. Conversely, looking down at your board or close to it sends the opposite message making it more difficult to get up to your feet. Keep up the great work. Thanks for sharing. Cheers from down under 🙂

[@LWLHP]

Couldn't agree more but would include opening the shoulders to maintain the messages to the brain.

[@LongboardSessions]

Very well said Jack! What you experienced is exactly my point.. let that central nervous system go to work!

[@SeanLarkan]

Exceptionally well done and funnier than MOST comedians; bloody brilliant. Looks like the young fella has Dad’s touch too!

[@LongboardSessions]

haha thanks so much Sean! I dont know about funnier than comedians... but I'll take it haha

[@fishrider62]

I've been surfing probably longer than you've been alive, that being said it's always good to think about and refresh the skills that seem to come automatic. Your video's are entertaining and the waves were you surf always look so much fun! I'd love to surf there, except for the cold, couldn't handle that, lol

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much! Well said.. always good to go back to basics sometimes. The cold isn't that bad to be honest... but it can get brutal some days lol

[@kenreese51]

Of all the video tutorials I have watched over the last 4 years, yours are without doubt the best, most informative, humorous, hands down!! You also frequent the same beaches as we do. Something I would like a deep dive into is backside pop ups and surfing. Like you, I am goofy but regardless, many of us seem to have a mental or technical block with backside starting with the pop up! Thanks for all you do! I (we) get more out of your videos than any other. Maybe see you at Howell ave one day!

[@LongboardSessions]

Awesome thanks bro! Well the best piece of advice I could give with the backside pop up is make sure you're looking down the line. Also, practice popping up where your right hand immediatley goes to touch the wave face. This opens up your shoulders and makes backside a little easier

[@sirlancenotalot2765]

Man, I'm goofy and can pretty much ONLY surf backhanded. I find it really hard to surf front hand, I know this is weird. This effects my surfing as backhanded you have less visibility of the wave I find

[@noseridesnosedivessurfvlog8634]

You are a Genius buddy… laughed so hard… thank you for this one.

[@LongboardSessions]

haha thanks so much Adam! Such a fun one

[@geoffhenson792]

I went out this morning after six months of not surfing and I was terrible. I had put on weight, my arms were sore and my general aerobic fitness poor. I was exhausted after ten minutes. I didn't even catch a wave as my paddling power didn't exist. Waves were a perfect shape 2 to 3 feet.. Funny your video popped up. As I've watched this before, it reminded me to not give up, start eating better foods and work on my core strengths (push ups sits ups and stretching. Thank you again for this inspiring clip. Cheers

[@LongboardSessions]

Wow great to hear! Keep at it and you'll get right back into it. 6 months is a long time.. inactivity creeps up fast. Especially as we age hehe

[@GamingDemiurge]

A year ago as an absolute beginner I surf my first two green waves down the line. It was just luck. Because of it I change my job to get a remote position and move next to the beach. I've improved and surfed waves that I would not imagine. Still the road is long and I have a long way ahead of me. I cannot imagine what my surf will look like in the future.

[@LongboardSessions]

Excellent story. First time down the line and you uproot your life to chase it haha! Amazing

[@RobertoRicotta]

I appreciate the effort that you put on the video production, you’re a legend! Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks Roberto! Yes it was quite a lot of work.. but had a good time making it haha

[@Waxhead75]

Love the stop sticker idea!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks!! Let me know if you want to surf together at all in march

[@erichnagel6547]

Your editing is…. incredible. Well done sir

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!

[@viktordashkov2133]

Thank you so much for these tips! And the video is just so insanely well done!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much! You got it Victor

[@markmidgley2157]

Great vid. I loved it. First rode the line in Cornwall U.K. when I’d just hit 16 yrs old after riding broken waves for a few weeks. It was just as you described, and I was hooked! I still so vividly remember that first clean glassy hump of water pulling me along. Oh, forgot to say - that was 42 years ago. Treated myself to a beautiful new board just last summer Keep the faith. Again GREAT vid! Mark 👌

[@LongboardSessions]

Wow not bad after just a few weeks haha! I actually felt the power for the first time on a bodyboard when I was around 13. I just decided "I'm gonna try and go sideways on this wave" and my mind exploded haha. Thanks for the kind words!

[@duffymcclelland9682]

Great video! Instructional, funny and relatable. Keep the vibe alive!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks!! Will do🤙

[@philcusick3037]

I've heard all this before but you really put it together nicely and drove it home for me. always appreciate your info and humor ! thanks from NorCal!

[@LongboardSessions]

Great to hear Phil! Not sure how close you are to santa cruz, but i'll be there for the month of march if you're in the area.

[@scotnicos5383]

Your content is great, perfect balance of fun and....education! Keep going those subscriber no's are going to swell! All the best mate 🙌

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!!

[@gabrielnovaes6745]

I found your channel recently and instantly became a fan. Really funny and well edited videos with great tips! Cheers from Brazil 🏄

[@LongboardSessions]

Awesome thanks so much!! Great to hear

[@sshouser31]

Love it! A lot of funny moments in this one! Keep killing it buddy! 🙌🏼😎🙌🏼

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks bro! You had a great ep on the workforavocados pod!

[@sshouser31]

@@LongboardSessions Thanks buddy!

[@FAINING]

Very good advices!!! I'll share with friends that are beginning to get on the wave face. Love your videos

[@LongboardSessions]

haha sounds good! Thanks!

[@constanceegert269]

You have amazing videos! Love this one. So funny and informative. Thanks for posting.

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks Mom! This was a fun one to make. Liam came through clutch with recommending his octopus animal haha

[@dan_abrusci]

the production on these is great! the editing, sound design! good job man

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks Dan!!

[@shereedacosta8086]

Best video you’ve ever done and that’s saying something, cos I love all of your videos. So entertaining but also very helpful. Thank you 🙏

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!! This was a really fun one to create... although tons of work haha

[@GoofyJuice]

amazing production value and effort man along with some super helpful tips! keep it up!🤙🤙🤙

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much bro!

[@crispinbarker4286]

Another genius episode - loved it! Thank you so much

[@LongboardSessions]

haha thanks!! such a fun one

[@change8402]

Thanks for this insightful video mate. Always entertaining.

[@LongboardSessions]

You got it!

[@shaleykala2871]

you deserve much more recognition for this video!!! so well done!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much Shaley!!

[@chocolatebunny333]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful. Thanks for the great/entraining video!

[@LongboardSessions]

You got it!!

[@annawagner8837]

Thanks Dude! It was so nice to Watch and motivated me continue!

[@LongboardSessions]

Awesome, you got it!

[@caminodorient9361]

Awesome vid with heaps of clarity, so cool and helpful...

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!

[@curtnsheri]

Love the stop sign!! I need that!! 🛑 😆. Thank you!!

[@LongboardSessions]

haha nice!! get one!

[@rlinhares]

This is a great surfing channel. Thank you, man!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much! you got it

[@courtalton]

So informative and the analogies and video production made me super engaged the whole time!

[@LongboardSessions]

awesome thanks so much!

[@epicbucketlist]

I L-O-V-E how funny-easy-to-understand you make the 4 reasons I have been stuck in the Intermediate phase. You have just got a new follower! :)

[@LongboardSessions]

haha awesome!! Glad it's easy to follow along hehe

[@polinagss7]

Its amazing! Your way of explaining and giving information is so fun and memorable! Cant skip the video till the very end, this is so cool😁 Thank you and keep going!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much! Had tons of fun with this one.. can't wait to do the next crazy video haha

[@polinagss7]

@@LongboardSessions looking forward!

[@weestrom4517]

I found you last year when I was just starting to surf. Your videos are all so good! You're such a natural at teaching and talking to a camera haha keep it up!

[@LongboardSessions]

oh sweet! Thanks so much! Glad you enjoy

[@Kawika_stone]

Literally just got done stacking clips at a slab near where I live, I still love watching stuff like this though cause it reminds me to take a lot of stuff back to basics

[@LongboardSessions]

@@Kawika_stone It always helps to go back to basics in nearly every sport. Just doesn't seem fun sometimes haha!

[@lucaspalacios2941]

grate job! love this videos u got a spark thats makes information fun and learnable ! keep that energy ! saludos desde sudamerica Chile!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much Lucas!

[@jonathanruck302]

Once again so useful and entertaining, thank you 👌

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much! Had a blast making this one

[@annaboue]

love this video!!! So well made and funny, and amazing tips!!! Thank you so much :)))

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!!

[@zepapage6022]

:D Thank you! Great video. Really appreciate the first tip as I still look at my board like a noob!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much! You got it!

[@darrenberryman2434]

I enjoyed the video, I had my nephew watch it as he is just starting to surf. I also wished I had the video when I started all the years ago!

[@LongboardSessions]

haha awesome Darren, thanks!

[@markusschmidt-karaca8660]

exceptional how you make this entertaining while giving relevant and valuable insights

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!! haha that was the goal. Can't wait to do more vids like this

[@matthewscanlanttc732]

Hi - your videos are amazing, thank you so much. I find them engaging, entertaining and very informative. It must take you ages to do them, but I appreciate everyone as I find them so helpful. Thank you very much - outstanding work.

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!! Yes they do take me forever sometimes lol.. but it's all very fun

[@NordicSnowboarder]

Brilliantly explained. Thank you!

[@LongboardSessions]

You got it!

[@Jollywonnochka]

This is just brilliant and really accurate. Keep on, man

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!! Will do

[@TheUltimateWriterNZ]

Man you don’t MISS! Love your content so much 🤙

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much! Glad you like it😉

[@CarlosPeralta_UK]

Your storytelling skills are on point ! Well done ! Great gift !

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks Carlos!! Really appreciate it

[@drmindriot]

Haha, great video. Drew me in, entertained, and informed. Nicely done.

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much! Had lots of fun with this one hehe

[@carinahynes8202]

This video had me laughing and smiling the whole time. You're like the Bill Nye of surfing. I'm so excited to get out on the water and implement these tips! Thank you for putting your fun personality into your content and helping out the beginners!

[@LongboardSessions]

haha wow thanks so much!! Let me know how it goes for you

[@potolok1]

Love your editing, thank you for the video:)

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks! You got it

[@rhombinger]

Oh man....what a great video. So well done... 👍

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!!

[@Lucy-ll9gs]

I have been surfing for 4 years, and this thought me stuff I still didn’t know. Thank you! 🙏

[@LongboardSessions]

Glad I could help! Glad you enjoyed

[@captainamerica3531]

Aces. Perfecto. Ahhhh the joy of a high line and gliding along, or screaming along! Super video. Tnx for the edu, and reminders. And to top it off- local local scenery. Cheers from Avon and local points!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!! Nothing like down the line gliding haha

[@noahleimback7485]

dude this video was put together so well

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!!

[@tonyguadagno6917]

Awesome video on so many levels!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks Tony!!

[@nicolemoran4859]

finalllllly!!!!! a good video on some great tips for surfing!! i’m just getting into surfing but wanna know a little bit before i just go for it in the water…this video really helped! hopefully i come back with great news ahaha

[@LongboardSessions]

oh excellent!! thanks! Well I hope you have a good first session. Don't get discouraged if you don't.. surfing is tough. Worth the struggle tho hehe

[@bananapointtravel1400]

The best video about surf I have ever seen , tanks !

[@LongboardSessions]

you got it! Thanks!

[@barryginder498]

You are awesome Had my exhausted self laughing in the middle of the night and glued to the info/wisdom you’re offering. Headed to my first surfing effort this weekend! Wish me the best discovery of my true surfer self 😅

[@LongboardSessions]

haha awesome! Hope you have a good time. Surfing is hard tho.. so don't expect to be a pro from day 1! Enjoy it, let me know how it goes

[@johnsmith-oz5kj]

Your videos are entertaining and informative. You have a great talent!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much john!!

[@oliviercourtois8794]

Thank you ! I almost never comment video, but this is worth it. Great presentation! the footage you capture to explain your point is clear as day. Love everything about it. Braaavo!!!!!

[@LongboardSessions]

Awesome, great to hear Olivier! Glad you enjoyed

[@lylepipher8659]

What a great video!! I normally don’t “like” or comment but I really enjoyed it, so I had to say something. It was entertaining, helpful and I look forward to testing the tips. Thanks man! Cheers!

[@LongboardSessions]

haha thanks so much! Let me know how it goes!

[@robertfriso4688]

Really nice advice! And really funny! Thank you

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks, you got it!

[@SkylerMills]

Loved the vid! Just surfed for the first time yesterday. Had some success pop ups out there in the wash So much fun

[@LongboardSessions]

Oh awesome, great to hear!!

[@evgenydlyasin6135]

What an absolute gem of a video 👍 thank you very much

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks!! You got it

[@giuliaponzio2114]

Great video and great tips. Thank you very much ❤

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks!! You got it

[@leruazen]

So helpful and well made !!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks!!

[@NikandYas]

love it 👌🏽 thanks so much for all the tips mate

[@LongboardSessions]

You got it!

[@mountainssea9642]

really well made video with some great humor.

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!

[@Catfishpie4eva]

Thank you so much. Great tips

[@LongboardSessions]

You got it!

[@juanpaguerrero613]

One of the best videos I’ve seen on teaching surfing ❤👏👏👏 wish I had seen this years before 😂

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!

[@lior4706]

love the vid man , sick vibe, much Appreciate

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!!

[@KathreneVanK-ts3xb]

Such a good and funny video. Cheers, mate

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!!

[@Onyersel88]

just started surfing and found this video very informative and hilarious too. Excellent , Welldone.

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks Natalie! Glad it helped!

[@Nina94771]

Great video, funny and helpful!🎉🎉

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks!!

[@leoteixeira1]

Amazing! Greetings from Brazil!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!!

[@thomascapelli277]

What a awesome video 😍 so funny and very useful instructions, thanks for this

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks Thomas! You got it

[@timmcdowell3097]

Awesome video and will be taking the lessons to the local spot today.

[@LongboardSessions]

Nice, good luck!

[@reynoldlambert]

Awesome video bud, funny yet very intellectual. Keep it up!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks Rey! Will do

[@PBYClub]

beginner surfer here, think these tips will really help! especially with my pop up

[@LongboardSessions]

Oh yea for sure! One of the biggest things with the pop up is looking at your board instead of where you want to go. It's huge

[@MrNoyazz]

Nicely explained, now im strugling to take big waves....

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks! Bigger waves are typically easier in many ways. Much more intimidating though which makes us mess up lol

[@katiesheehy5461]

Great video. Just surfed for the first time and you made me want to go more! so funny🤣

[@LongboardSessions]

Well that's great to hear!! Get after it

[@kylesharbrough1817]

Cinematic masterpiece

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much kyle!

[@nahiku8521]

this editing is so FUNNY and info is great, Good shit

[@LongboardSessions]

haha Thanks so much!

[@Jamesk6127]

Brilliantly made video man 🏄‍♂️

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!!

[@raphaelkaran2376]

Thanks for the great tips.

[@LongboardSessions]

You got it!!

[@kwnortherner]

Angling the board at take off and looking down the line during pop up were the two biggest things that helped me as a beginner.

[@LongboardSessions]

Yes! The two most important aspects of surfing in the beginning

[@nancyauren6353]

I got more out of this video than I could ever have imagined! HUGE thanks for the scene about standing next to a wall and looking down - not down - to the END of it. Make friends with The Face❣️❣️ 😂 I got so much out of my sessions after seeing that!! Riding down the Line is SUCH a HOOT!! I’m dying to do those little “hook turns”, “L-turns” whatever they’re called - that first thing you do right after the pop up to stay high on the wave. I have to get used to that height and speed. I’ll let you know when i get there! 😃 Thank you so much for your videos!!❤

[@LongboardSessions]

Wow so glad it helped! Well if you're starting to head down the line then you're well on your way to messing with all sorts of turns hehe. Let me know how you progress!

[@strat1227]

Had my first "moment" a couple of weeks ago and have been struggling to reproduce it, I bet focusing on these tips next session will get me there! Thanks bud

[@LongboardSessions]

Oh awesome! yes you can't go wrong with these. Work on them one at a time or if you have the brain for it, all at the same time.

[@adamwakelin9367]

Went surfing today and used this tips, completely changed my game! Thank you dude!

[@LongboardSessions]

oh that's great to hear!! Glad they helped

[@ChilkoNZ]

Haha love the Christmas bit - living in New Zealand our summer Christmas tradition is to go for a family surf :)

[@LongboardSessions]

Wow that's quite a family tradition! We are thinking of moving much closer to the beach soon.. so maybe we can make it a tradition as well hehe

[@thecarlangasbar]

Excellent video!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks Carlo!!

[@Guycanha]

Thanks for the great tips. Can't wait to get back in the water . . .

[@LongboardSessions]

You got it! Go get it

[@allrightchadillac]

Thanks for the great videos!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks, you got it!

[@skyeleone6581]

I’ve watched many how to surf videos and this one is most excellent. Dude you contain an “ unbearable lightness of being”. You clearly take the art of surfing seriously-I like your style-but you don’t take yourself seriously. Very Zen. And entertaining. Bravo!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks so much!! Yes, cant take yourself too seriously haha! Glad you enjoyed