Surf Tips How to Go From Beginner Intermediate to Intermediate Surfer

[@hunterhardenberg9116]

I’m an intermediate surfer. I switched fin templates on my Dominator 2 from a thruster to a quad. Noticed a huge difference in my ability to maintain speed, allowing me to try more top to bottom turns. Thanks Noel!

[@seabassjfr3647]

Stoked for Eli! He is ripping, nothing like being taught from an experienced Coach. He's transition on the SCIFI is unreal. Im proud to say that in my 1st year surfing at 30 yrs Ive score everything you've said on my surfboard transitions and carver skate practice. Im similar to Eli 5'6, 158 lbs and surf between 3 - 5 times a week. 1.Torq Funboard 7'6 @ 52.5lts 2. Hayden Shapes LOOT 6'2 @ 40.2 lts 3. Rusty Chupacabra (got it almost for free, so test was worth) 5'6 @ 30.5 lts Big fan of your channel Noel grateful for all your content and knowledge sharing yewhh. Hope to run into you out there soon. 🤘🤘

[@Cuisinenomade1]

This comes in such a good time! I followed your advice and i went down to a 6'2" 42L , groveller design, from a 7'6" 54L, now we'll see how it goes. I will put it in the water today for the first time! Thanks!

[@whoaitsjape]

Tip on the raked fin was a game changer! Just sized down to a 5'8" and found it a bit unstable. After the video I ran out and got a raked out dhd thruster setup and it made a huge difference. Was able to set my line and even do a few carves on the new board. Thanks Noel!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Excellent

[@hunterthomsen3843]

Killer video!! Trying to self-assess my ability and figure out my next board purchase has been so challenging, but this helped me clarify so much. Thank you!!

[@shannonyoung3465]

Chandler… “Nah, you’re not ready for that board yet.” 😂😆

[@ChadAtkinson]

your content is first class. always generous with your knowledge and experience

[@havanejp]

I keep coming back to this video, this is amazing content Noel!

[@morganwalstrom9900]

Noel, I really appreciate all this wisdom you have of surfing and for sharing it with the world. Truly do appreciate it!

[@LUIShtRUIZht]

Glad I found you, I mean there are lots of great Chanels but yours, it is so much insightful on the things people won't mention. thank you I Look forward to see your programs,

[@joesefr.7756]

Really informative video, I enjoyed learning about your reasoning behind your clients board choice. One surf coach I like advises against flat, wide groveler boards for intermediates as it promotes horizontal, flatter surfing rather than top to bottom surfing on rail, and develops bad habits. What are your thoughts on this? I've just picked up an oversized sci-fi 2.0 to progress me from my mid length, I can certainly feel the rocker encouraging me to take off on steeper sections!

[@chucks222]

Noel, thanks to you and Eli for great video and inspiring progression! I dropped my volume from low 40s to low 30s after watching your original patreon video on board sizing and it really transformed my surfing. There are so many details in surfing, but I really appreciate the way you keep emphasizing the right board (volume/rocker/outline), get your foot all the way back for turns, compress and extend and dial in your fins. I've found these to be the biggest factors and focusing on these has really improved my surfing and just made sessions a lot more fun. Looking forward to a intermediate to advanced-intermediate video in the near future. What are the next boards you'd recommend after comfortable on Seaside, Evo, Hypto Krypto, etc. but before trying for true HPSB like Kelly's FRK?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Stoked to hear our Surf Tips and board reviews helping you!! The next round of boards to progress are below. All of the boards listed below are more user friendly compared to most HPSB’s like the FRK. Phantom Dominator 2 Rocket Wide Uber Driver XL NB3 The Medina Inferno 72 Mashup Mini Ghost Pyzalien 2 These boards have less overall rocker compared to most HPSB’s… so they are faster paddle better, and quick get up n go speed.

[@williamrecord9261]

Thank you 🙏

[@williamrecord9261]

Thank you 🙏

[@williamrecord9261]

Thank you 🙏

[@stanshieh]

Hi, Noel, Thanks for the reviews and lessons. They are extremely helpful! We all know that your preferable volume is between 25~26L but what happens when you ride a 30L and 34L surfboard? Can you do a clip on oversized surfboard riding because not all of us have the ability to ride the right size board when we take wave counts, age,physical conditions etc. into consideration even if we are experienced surfers. Thanks !

[@TH-nc1gj]

I find volume litre values are not constant through board shapers. Say 33Lt in a particular Sharpeye model works for me, but not in a DHD, I’d need to bump it up a few litres.

[@boltup5566]

This kid is living the life of Rick kane. He will be surfing pipe in no time.

[@polishwolish]

Noel, fantastic content as always. You surf too well you make all the boards look great. I want to downsize from a takayama scorpion 6’8 to a proper short board. I am in good shape, intermediate, 175lbs and cannot decide between mashup, phantom, gremlin… I surf beach breaks, 2-6 ft. I think 36 litres is about right but not too sure…

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The Mashup is best in 1-4’ surf… it might struggle a bit in 5-6’ Beachies. I recommend the Phantom at roughly 34-36L.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The Mashup is best in 1-4’ surf… it might struggle a bit in 5-6’ Beachies. I recommend the Phantom at roughly 34-36L.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The Mashup is best in 1-4’ surf… it might struggle a bit in 5-6’ Beachies. I recommend the Phantom at roughly 34-36L.

[@peterc6613]

Why is the intro so post apocalyptic?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I wanted to do to get your attention. I also thought the music went pretty good to the surfing.

[@mfaxel552]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Maybe do a shorter and less dramatic intro

[@ryanlowe988]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 love the intro 😎🤙🏼

[@simonsarmiento96]

Super dope intro man

[@alikajohnson9250]

He ripped those waves like a horror movie

[@nyril4422]

Hi Noel ! Do you think a CI Happy Everyday 6’ (34L) is a good step up from a Midstrength 6’8 (40L) or is it too performance oriented ? I’m 6’1 165lbs in good shape, starting to work on cutbacks and more top to bottom lines Thanks 😎

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@nyril4422 I think that’s a great idea for you.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@nyril4422 Maybe go 6’2” on the HE

[@nyril4422]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks for the answer 👌

[@nyril4422]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 ok ! Thanks a lot

[@-redgemstone-5902]

Amazing video 🔥

[@lillitettrc90]

Hi Noel! Thanks for this great video! What would be the recommended volume range for about 135lbs / 5’6 guy? For the record I’m quite athletic, doing a lot of running and surfing 1-2 times a week. I’m right into this level zone and am worried about going down in volume. I currently ride a 5’9 BV2 at 30L and a 6’6 mid Length at 35L. According to your formula, what would be my range? 25-27L?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@lillitettrc90 Here are some volume ranges for your weight at different skill levels. Pro/Exp = 21-23L Advanced = 23-25L Intermediate = 26-28L Beg/Inter = 30-32L You can go down a bit if you feel like your 30L board turns to slow for you. Maybe try a 28-30L Pisces or RNF 96

[@lillitettrc90]

@ thanks for taking to time to respond! Really appreciated. I’ll take note of that, thanks Noel!

[@kristianissberner147]

Great video are you able to put in the link how much you charge for video coaching? Sorry just found it thanks

[@jessedanzig570]

Any tips for how to get the back foot planted further back on the board? I struggle with that.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Cut a back foot traction pad on and cut it in half. When you feel the pad under your back foot then make a turn.

[@ryanallen6443]

It can also be because you are popping up with your hands too far forward

[@whoaitsjape]

I got a yoga mat, placed my surfboard next to it, then put painters tape across two spots on the mat: where my hands are when I pop up, and where the middle of my pad was. Then I practiced my pop up slowly and consistently, making sure my front foot landed on the front tape (where your hands/chest were) and my back foot landing on the back tape (where your tail pad theoretically is). This helped heaps as I had the problem of my back foot landing in front of my pad when popping up. Hope that helps!

[@troynichols9788]

Love the channel. Great vid - thx for posting. Question ... I started learning to surf @ 49 yrs old and I'm now 51. I surfed the 8' Costco special for a bit, and then jumped down to the 7' "Log" from Catch Surf. My pop ups are starting to feel solid / consistent and I find myself wanting to do more on the wave. Do you think bumping down to a 6'8" Seaside is a big enough bump?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Sounds perfect

[@troynichols9788]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 thx brother, much appreciated. My two sons got me into surfing and I'm absolutely hooked. Would love to talk to you about virtual coaching. I think you could take all three of us to the next level. Not sure how to do a private DM through KZbin? I'll search on Instagram for you

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@troynichols9788 I responded to you on Insta. You can get started here… surfnshow.com/pages/video-coaching

[@chrisbarnard1232]

Hey Noel - great review!! I'm an intermediate and have a 5'7 Seaside 33.7 L and a 5'9 DHD Phoenix 33.1 L, which are awesome for 2-5' days. However would like board that has a little more length/stability when the days get a bit bigger/heavy. Which board model you recommend that would suit this? Was thinking something about my height at 6'0 and similar liters (I am 180 lbs). Want to make sure plenty forgiving for the intermediate surf in me. Not sure if a Mini Ghost Round Tail or Phantom 'type' of board make sense, also open to a Fishbeard type outline as well...

[@ODL957]

As always thank you for a great video

[@rockhurstu]

Thanks, great video and appreciate so many of your vids and advice, and particularly appreciate your fin thoughts. Would love your thoughts on what you’d recommend to beg/intermediate surfers re: smaller waves. Best to keep to the 7’ on the slop days or invest in a groveler? Would be cool to see a groveler comparison from your perspective.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Get a large pivot set of fins. You can get mine….. surfnshow.com/products/momentum-series-ms-p-thruster-pivot-template You can also get the FCSII Large Reactors. Futures P8

[@ludoviclange6284]

Great video as always. I'd like to know what you think: I'm 160 lbs low intermediate level surfer and I currently ride a torq fish 6'3 36 liters o' beach breaks from 3 to 6' waves. Do you think a chilli bv2 6' (33L) would suits me or should I take another board. Thanks a lot for all your work. ❤

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Maybe consider the RNF 96 roughly 34-36L

[@ludoviclange6284]

Thank you 🙏🙏

[@ko.-g.9632]

Hey Noel great video! Thanks I'm currently riding a Pescador from solid at 7'4 (49,6l) and was thinking of getting the new sweet potato at 6' 49l. I'm looking to get something more nimble but keep the volume as I surf 1-3Ft wave 80% of the time here in new england. do you things this could be a good next step (I'm 5'9 190lbs, intermediate)

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Yes

[@samuelmok6946]

Noel, thank you once again fro an incredible video. I was just wondering would you recommend a black baron for this stage and if no, why not? Many thanks and once again an awesome video and learnt a lot many thanks :))

[@samuelmok6946]

Becasue I am in a very similar situation to you student Eli and I am also 5'10 and 155lbs and I'm currently riding a 5'9 black baron with 33.6L volume and it feels fine and feel like I have progressed but I just don;t know if a thruster is better than a twinny as of stability but would love to hear your input many thanks

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The BB will work but a Twinny is not ideal for stability… especially for backside surfing. I highly recommend and board that you can run a Twin+Trailer like The RNF 96, CA Twin, Astro POP, Ultra Joe, Gremlin. The stabilizer will help with traction when you need it. The 96 is the most versatile out of these boards… you can ride it as a pure Twin Fin too.

[@samuelmok6946]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 AHHH that's such a bummer as I recent;y just bought the black baron hyfi 2.0. I tried it for a few sessions and it paddles well but again when it comes to bigger surf, it loses the control slightly but other than that it is still an amazing board. Many thanks for your opinion and help once again but yeah well since I already bought it I might as well give it a shred. Love your videos once again and many thanks :))

[@0045dmoore]

Noel, Thank you! I need help choosing fins. I am 5'9 162lbs skill level lower intermediate. I have been of the water for a few years, had to sale my board to relocate. At any rate. I spoke with the Surf Station and was set up with an "OG Flyer Spine-Tek" Dims: Stock, and will only be surfing in St. Augustine, FL. Is this the right board for me? What would be the best FIN match for me with this board? Thank you so much! Cheers!

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I think that board is fin in fun 3-5’ surf. I suggest my Raked Thruster set. Check them out here… surfnshow.com/products/surf-n-show-thruster-rakes The board I would have put you on is the Lost RNF 96. Super fun board and very versatile and easy to surf in 1-6’ surf.. these fins are best for that board…. surfnshow.com/products/twin-fins-p-twin-1

[@jameschen3138]

Would a rocket wide 34L be a good option for a 5’6 160lbs low intermediate surfer. Surfing 2-6ft variable waves?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Yes that sounds like a good board for you

[@dallas5007]

Very helpful 🤙

[@havanejp]

Thanks for the video! Would you recommend the Torq Pod Mod for this beginner-intermediate level or the level above that? (Or would you not recommend it at all compared to the board you’ve listed)

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The Torq Pid Mod is great. I highly recommend it for a beginner/intermediate surfer. Just make sure you have a good amount of volume so you can catch waves easily and have fun.

[@havanejp]

Thank you! I was considering 40L initially but following your formula for 150lbs, the 35L version seems to be a better fit

[@rtttl8939]

Hi I am lower internediate surfer (6,1 ft and 155lbs) usually surfing small waves. I want to buy mashup in 5’9. Do you think it’s a good idea?. At the moment I surf on 6,10 55l soft funboard.

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

If you get a Mashup then you need a lot of volume. Not sure a 5’9” is ideal for you.

[@rtttl8939]

⁠@@surfnshowreviews7777so wchich size (or other board and size) would you recommend ?

[@CooperStandring]

How do you know what board to pick though theres so many to pick from?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

That’s why I review surfboards. Check out our website www.surfnshow.com

[@seanjeon1801]

hi noel . i have a question. I am currently riding a Disco Cheater 5'.8" /28.6L. I want to size down, which size is better? I bought the Inferno 72 - 5'8"/26.6L, but the volume is little low for me, so it seems little difficult control. So I'm thinking of buying a Rocketwide Squash tail - 27.6L, so please recommend a board size. im 5ft 8.5in(174cm) and 150lbs, i usually surf wavegarden pool in korea. I want to change the board for a more aggressive surf and pivot turn than disco cheater. Rocketwide Squash tail 1. 5'6", 19 1/4", 2 3/8" -27.6L 2. 5'7" , 19 0", 2 3/8" - 27.6L 3. pyzel red tiger 5'9" , 19 1/8", 2 5/16"- 27.5L which size and board is better for me on wave pool?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

I say get the 5’7” RW Squash Tail.

[@seanjeon1801]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 ok i will try 5’7” RW Squash Tail. Thank you for your comments. You are my surfing teacher👍

[@jonahhex9620]

I started out on a HPSB as a teen in Venice, CA. and it hindered my progression

[@KPSoccaplaya1]

Would a 6’ rocket redux (37.2L) be another board that could help when transitioning down from a 7’ board

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Yes… how tall are you and how much do you weigh?

[@KPSoccaplaya1]

Surf n Show Reviews 5’8” and 180

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@KPSoccaplaya1 Maybe go bigger… like 40L

[@KPSoccaplaya1]

Surf n Show Reviews ok thank you! And I’m guessing obviously if I dropped also down to 175 that also would make the 37L a bit more feasible

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@KPSoccaplaya1 Yes… dropping weight will help you ride a little less volume

[@AdrianIrizarry]

HEY NOEL! Im going to buy your pivot 2 + 1 fin set. Im going to ride the fins on my hypto to adapt to the faster and looser feel. After that, im between the lost californian twin and the lost rnf96 as a one board quiver. 1-5ft waves. Which one would u recommend. Pro and cons of each! Thanks noel

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

RNF 96 is more versatile and shreds overhead surf. The CA Twin might grovel a little better but the 96 offers more performance in the pocket

[@AdrianIrizarry]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 ok perfect

[@sameasther4537]

I noticed the Inferno 72 isn't in that list. Is there a reason why?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

The I72 works too

[@joedirt8625]

Nice work.

[@middleagedshred]

good stuff man

[@sanalsimonchalakkal4416]

Top video 👌🏾

[@leonleon8715]

JJF by Pyzel Funformance review please.

[@averyc8915]

Do you think the lost hydra be a good intermediate board add as well? It’s personally help me a lot

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Yes…

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

For smaller waves

[@znxyy933]

Great video- super helpful as I’m looking at buying a new Seaside. I’m 5’8, 160 lbs- what size board in liters would you suggest?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Get similar volume to your HPSB or your Daily Driver. Somewhere like 30-32L.

[@znxyy933]

Thanks- also looking at a JS Sub Xero model. Would this be a good model for the lower level intermediate?

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@znxyy933 yes

[@znxyy933]

Great-thanks!

[@maxmonterumisi]

Great explanation.

[@andrescurls29]

I'm going to send this to my friend who keeps telling me he feels he's hit a wall in surfing, and I keep saying "its time for a smaller board!" He rides 40L and my cousin/I who are the same size ride 30L or lower haha. Great video and information as always!

[@rickdeckart8768]

Excellente vidéo. Cheers

[@fsilveira01]

Noel, this is just incredible. You combine knowledgeand competence to share the message. I have gone through this that you brought on your message. I'm 5.9" and 155lbs making a move from the hypto (35l) to the DHD 3DV (32l), hoping I will address the exact same issues you highlight on your video - getting from that low level intermediate to more top to bottom surfing. Any thoughts? Well done! 🤙

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

Dropping 3L can be tough at first. If you bought the 3DV already give it a shred.

[@fsilveira01]

@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks for the reply. Not bought the 3DV yet, do you have a different view on the approach I should take? Thanks

[@surfnshowreviews7777]

@@fsilveira01 If you want a board with a performance outline and Carrie’s good speed and easier to shred then check out the Rocket Wide Squash Tail or Dominator 2. I suggest 33-34L. These two boards will be a lot more maneuverable and responsive compared to your HK at 35L. Going down 2L to 33L will give you what you are looking for.

[@fsilveira01]

Thank you, noted here. I will definitely take your advice to my board shop over the weekend. I'm more inclined to the dominator and they come in 5.10 33l or 5.11 33.9l. I'm coming from a 34.7l Hypto. I might drop it to 33l and see how that goes. Again, thank you so much and keep up the great work.

[@fsilveira01]

Interesting fact. I rocked up to my local shop and they had a barely used JS Black Box 3 (6.0 with 34.6L). I ended up grabbing it. It hope the board shape will help with the move to more top to bottom surfing. Let's see how it goes...

[@payton2232]

This intro is wack it was better before but the video is super interesting.

[@atenrok]

155lb @5'10" seems like anorexic for a guy... 😯 I'm 5'10" athletic build, and and that weight was unimaginable even in my *teenth...

[@migsy3302]

The most horrible intro ever in surfing history brother. WTH????