What Surf Level Am I?
A Beginner to Advanced Surfer GuideUnderstand Where you Are, Unlock Where You're Going.
Every surfer progresses at a different pace. Your level is shaped by time in the water, access to quality waves, the coaching you receive, and the equipment you ride.
Understanding your surf level is the first step to improving your surfing.
Surf progression follows clear stages. Identifying where you are today makes it easier to understand what skills come next.
At Local Surf Maroc, we use a clear and structured progression framework to help surfers identify their current level and choose the coaching experience that fits them best.
Whether you are a Beginner learning the fundamentals in whitewater, an Improver catching your first green waves, or an Intermediate surfer refining turns and wave positioning, knowing your level allows us to match you with the right waves, techniques, and coaching approach.
This isn’t only about choosing the right surf coaching package. It’s about surfing safely, building confidence, and progressing with purpose.
Our team of experienced Moroccan surf coaches guides surfers through every stage of development, helping you surf in conditions that challenge you appropriately while building the skills needed for long-term progression.
Because in surfing, progress isn’t random — it’s structured.
Take the Surf Level Assessment
Surf Level Guide
Beginner Surfer
Score: 0 - 11
What is a Beginner Surfer?
A beginner surfer is someone learning the fundamental skills of surfing, usually riding whitewater waves while developing paddling, balance, and pop-up technique.
At this stage, the focus is building confidence in the ocean while learning how waves work and how to control the board.
Typical beginner surfer skills include:
• Paddling into whitewater waves
• Practicing a stable pop-up (standing up)
• Riding straight toward the beach
• Learning basic ocean awareness and safety
You may still be developing takeoff timing, balance consistency, and positioning in the water.
What you’ll begin learning next:
• Catching waves more consistently
• Controlling direction on the wave
• Understanding surf positioning and etiquette
• Preparing to catch your first green waves
Our Beginner Surf Coaching Package helps build these foundations through structured coaching, small groups, and clear progression goals.
Explore the Beginner Surf Coaching Package
Improver Surfer
Score: 12 - 21
What is an Improver Surfer?
An improver surfer is someone who has moved beyond beginner fundamentals and is starting to catch green waves (unbroken waves) while developing control and basic turning skills.
At this stage, surfers begin moving out of the whitewater and learning to position themselves for waves that have not yet broken.
Typical improver surfer skills include:
• Paddling into small green waves
• Angling the takeoff rather than riding straight
• Starting basic turns along the wave face
• Developing better wave positioning in the lineup
You may still be working on consistent wave selection, reading the lineup, and maintaining speed and control while riding the wave.
What you’ll begin learning next:
• Improving takeoff timing and positioning
• Linking turns along the wave face
• Generating speed down the line
• Understanding surf etiquette and lineup awareness
Our Improver Surf Coaching Package focuses on helping surfers transition from whitewater riding to confidently surfing green waves with more control and consistency.
Explore the Improver Surf Coaching Package
Intermediate
Surfer
Score: 22 - 32
What is an Intermediate Surfer?
An intermediate surfer is someone who can consistently catch and ride green waves, surf independently in the lineup, and is beginning to develop more controlled turns and better wave selection.
At this stage, surfers are comfortable paddling into waves, positioning themselves in the lineup, and riding down the line with increasing control.
Typical intermediate surfer skills include:
• Catching green waves consistently
• Angled takeoffs and riding along the wave face
• Performing basic bottom turns and trimming
• Understanding lineup positioning and surf etiquette
You may still be working on speed generation, linking turns, and reading waves more effectively.
What you’ll begin learning next:
• Stronger bottom turns and top turns
• Generating speed along the wave
• Improving wave selection and positioning
• Refining technique through video analysis and coaching feedback
Our Intermediate Surf Coaching Package focuses on helping surfers refine technique, improve wave reading, and surf with greater control and confidence.
👉 Explore the Intermediate Surf Coaching Package
Advanced Intermediate Surfer
Score: 33+
What is an Advanced Intermediate Surfer?
An advanced intermediate surfer is someone who can surf independently in a variety of conditions, perform controlled turns, and is working on refining maneuvers and improving overall technique.
At this level, surfers are confident in the lineup, comfortable in larger waves, and looking to develop more dynamic and precise surfing.
Typical advanced intermediate surfer skills include:
• Consistent bottom turns and top turns
• Generating speed down the line
• Reading waves and positioning effectively
• Surfing a wider range of wave conditions
You may still be working on timing, maneuver combinations, and improving the power and precision of your turns.
What you’ll begin learning next:
• More powerful and controlled maneuvers
• Linking turns with better flow and speed
• Advanced wave reading and positioning
• Refining technique through video analysis and detailed coaching feedback
Our Advanced Intermediate Surf Coaching Package helps surfers refine their technique, develop more dynamic maneuvers, and continue progressing toward higher-level surfing.
👉 Explore the Advanced Intermediate Surf Coaching Package
Why Knowing Your Surf Level Matters
Many surfers describe themselves as beginner, intermediate, or advanced — but those labels often mean different things to different people.
Without a clear understanding of your level, it’s easy to:
• surf waves that are too difficult
• develop bad habits
• plateau without knowing why
Understanding your surf level helps match you with the right waves, the right coaching approach, and the right progression pathway.
If you'd like to explore this topic in more detail, we explain it further in our article:
FAQ About Surf Levels
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Your surf level depends on what types of waves you can catch consistently and how much control you have while riding them. At Local Surf Maroc we categorize surfers into four levels: Beginner, Improver, Intermediate, and Advanced Intermediate. Our Surf Level Assessment helps you identify where you currently sit within this progression.
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A beginner surfer is someone learning the fundamentals of surfing. Beginners usually ride whitewater waves, practice standing up on the board, and build confidence in the ocean while developing paddling and balance skills.
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An improver surfer has moved beyond whitewater and is beginning to catch green waves (unbroken waves). At this stage surfers learn to angle their takeoff, ride along the wave face, and begin making basic turns.
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An intermediate surfer can catch green waves consistently and surf independently in the lineup. Intermediate surfers work on improving technique, generating speed on the wave, and refining their turns.
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An advanced intermediate surfer is comfortable surfing a variety of wave conditions and can perform controlled turns. At this stage surfers focus on refining maneuvers, improving power and flow, and developing more advanced technique.
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Knowing your surf level helps ensure you surf waves that match your ability. This improves safety, confidence, and progression, and allows coaches to provide guidance that is appropriate for your current stage of development.
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Yes. Morocco has many surf spots with gentle, consistent waves, which makes it an excellent place for beginner surfers to learn the fundamentals in safe conditions.
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The best way to find the right coaching package is to take our Surf Level Assessment. Once we understand your level and experience, we can recommend the most suitable coaching program for your progression.
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Not necessarily. Our Beginner Surf Coaching program is designed for people who are learning to surf for the first time or who want to strengthen their fundamentals before progressing further.
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Don’t worry. Our coaches assess surfers during the first sessions and can adjust coaching groups if necessary to make sure you are surfing in the right conditions for your level.
Still Not Sure About Your Surf Level?
Ready to Progress Your Surfing?
Local Surf Maroc is a small-group surf school in Tamraght focused on structured progression.
• Small coaching groups
• Video analysis
• Surf theory
• Personalized feedback
Book Your Surf Coaching Week
