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The Swell Report — Surf Guide

The Swell Report — Index

The completeSurf Guide

Everything you need to start surfing — from choosing the right board to reading the ocean. Technique, gear, conditions, and lesson planning in one place.

131 field guides6 sectionsUpdated 2026

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What the water is doing right now in 10 US surf towns, and the wetsuit each one calls for.

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// Start Here

New to all of this? Four essential reads.

01Start here

How to Learn to Surf

Read the guide →
02First lesson

What to Expect on Your First Lesson

Read the guide →
03Prices

How Much Do Surf Lessons Cost?

Read the guide →
04Gear

Best Beginner Surfboards 2026

Read the guide →

// 01 — learn

Learn to Surf

Techniques, skills, and everything you need to go from zero to riding waves.

  1. 01How to Learn to Surf
  2. 02What to Expect on Your First Lesson
  3. 03How to Pop Up on a Surfboard
  4. 04How to Read Waves
  5. 05How to Read a Surf Report
  6. 06Rip Currents: How to Stay Safe
  7. 07Surf Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
  8. 08How to Paddle on a Surfboard
  9. 09Ocean Safety for Surfers
  10. 10How to Duck Dive
  11. 11How to Turtle Roll
  12. 12Types of Surf Breaks Explained
  13. 13How to Get Better at Surfing
  14. 14Goofy vs Regular Footed
  15. 15How to Catch Green Waves
  16. 16Wipeout Safety & Breath Hold

// 02 — gear

Gear & Equipment

What to buy, what to wear, and how to take care of your equipment.

  1. 01Surfboard Types Explained
  2. 02Surfboard Size Chart
  3. 03Surfboard Volume Calculator
  4. 04What Surfboard Should You Ride? (Quiz)
  5. 05How to Wax a Surfboard
  6. 06What Wetsuit Do I Need?
  7. 07Wetsuit Thickness Chart
  8. 08What to Bring to Surf Lessons
  9. 09Best Beginner Surfboards 2026
  10. 10Foam vs Fiberglass Surfboard
  11. 11How Much Does a Surfboard Cost?
  12. 12Rash Guard vs Wetsuit
  13. 13Surf Leash Size Guide
  14. 14Do You Need Surf Booties?
  15. 15How to Store a Surfboard
  16. 16Best Wetsuits for Beginners 2026
  17. 17Best Surf Sunscreen 2026
  18. 18Best Surfboards Under $500
  19. 19Best Surfboard Travel Bags 2026
  20. 20Best Surf Watches 2026
  21. 21Best Surf Accessories Under $50
  22. 22Best Surfboard Fins for Beginners
  23. 23Best Surf Cameras 2026
  24. 24Best SUP Boards for Beginners 2026
  25. 25Best Surfboard Car Racks 2026
  26. 26Best Rash Guards for Surfing 2026
  27. 27Best Surf Helmets 2026
  28. 28Best Bodyboards for Beginners 2026
  29. 29Best Longboards for Beginners 2026
  30. 30Best Surf Traction Pads 2026
  31. 31Best Surf Changing Robes & Ponchos 2026
  32. 32Best Surf Wax 2026
  33. 33Best Surf Earplugs 2026
  34. 34Best Surf Backpacks 2026
  35. 35Best Surfboard Ding Repair Kits 2026
  36. 36Best Bodyboard Fins 2026
  37. 37Best Surfboard Storage Racks 2026
  38. 38Best Surf Gloves 2026
  39. 39Best Surf Hoods 2026
  40. 40Best Wetsuit Boots 2026
  41. 41How to Choose a Surfboard
  42. 42Wetsuit Size Chart
  43. 43Surfboard Fin Size Chart
  44. 44Surf Leash Size Chart
  45. 45Wetsuit Temperature Calculator
  46. 46Surfboard Anatomy & Parts Explained
  47. 47Surfboard Fin Selection & Setups
  48. 48Best Soft-Top Surfboards 2026
  49. 49Best Intermediate & Advanced Surfboards 2026
  50. 50Best Kids' Surfing Gear & Boards 2026
  51. 51Best Women's Wetsuits 2026
  52. 52Best Surf Sunglasses 2026

// 03 — lifestyle

Fitness & Lifestyle

For anyone curious about surfing — whether you're ready to start or just wondering.

  1. 01Is Surfing Hard?
  2. 02How Long Does It Take to Learn?
  3. 03Surf Workout: Get Fit for Surfing
  4. 04What Muscles Does Surfing Work?
  5. 05Surf Terms: 57 Slang Words Explained
  6. 06Women's Surf Lessons Guide
  7. 07Kids Surf Lessons: A Parent's Guide
  8. 08Can You Surf If You Can't Swim?
  9. 09Best Age to Start Surfing
  10. 10Surfing vs Bodyboarding
  11. 11How to Overcome Fear of Surfing
  12. 12Surfing Over 40: Can You Still Learn?
  13. 13Who Invented Surfing? History Explained
  14. 14Is Surfing a Good Workout?
  15. 15Common Surfing Injuries: Prevention & Treatment
  16. 16Surfing & Mental Health Benefits
  17. 17Surfing for Seniors: Never Too Late
  18. 18Surfing vs Paddleboarding (SUP)
  19. 19Best Surfing Movies of All Time
  20. 20Best Surf Movies for Beginners
  21. 21Best Surf Documentaries of All Time
  22. 22Surf's Up (2007): Facts & Film Guide
  23. 23Surfing and Sharks: Real Risk & Safety
  24. 24Surfing with Glasses or Bad Eyesight
  25. 25What Is a Barrel in Surfing?

// 04 — conditions

Conditions & Timing

When to surf, what the forecast means, and how to read the ocean.

  1. 01Best Time of Day to Surf
  2. 02Surfing in Winter
  3. 03What Size Waves for Beginners?
  4. 04Onshore vs Offshore Wind
  5. 05Can You Surf in the Rain?
  6. 06What Tide Is Best for Surfing?
  7. 07How Cold Is Too Cold to Surf?
  8. 08How to Surf Small Waves
  9. 09Best Surf Conditions for Beginners
  10. 10Swell Period Chart
  11. 11What Is a Set Wave?

// 05 — planning

Planning Your Lessons

Everything you need to book the right lesson at the right price.

  1. 01How Much Do Surf Lessons Cost?
  2. 02Private vs Group Surf Lessons
  3. 03Surf Camps vs Surf Lessons
  4. 04How to Choose a Surf School
  5. 05Surf Lessons vs Self-Teaching
  6. 06Are Surf Lessons Worth It?
  7. 07Booking Surf Lessons While Traveling
  8. 08Questions to Ask Before a Surf Lesson
  9. 09How Much to Tip Surf Instructors
  10. 10Surf Lesson Gift Certificates & Gift Ideas

// 06 — travel

Surf Travel & Destinations

Where to surf in the USA, how to plan a trip, and what to pack.

  1. 01Best US States to Learn to Surf
  2. 02Complete Surf Trip Packing List
  3. 03Best Surf Spots for Beginners in the USA
  4. 04Surfing in California: Complete Guide
  5. 05Surfing in Hawaii: Complete Guide
  6. 06Surfing in Florida: Complete Guide
  7. 07Surfing in North Carolina: OBX & Wrightsville
  8. 08Surfing in New Jersey: Asbury Park to Cape May
  9. 09Surfing in Texas: Port Aransas & Gulf Coast Guide
  10. 10Surfing in New York: Rockaway, Long Beach & Montauk
  11. 11Surfing in Maryland: Ocean City Guide
  12. 12Surfing in Massachusetts: Cape Cod Guide
  13. 13Surfing in Oregon: Cannon Beach Guide
  14. 14Surfing in Rhode Island: Narragansett Guide
  15. 15Surfing in South Carolina: Folly Beach Guide
  16. 16Surfing in Virginia: Virginia Beach Guide
  17. 17Surfing in Washington: Westport Guide

// Ready to paddle out?

Book Your First Lesson

Browse surf schools by location, with Google ratings and what past students said, and find your instructor.

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