How to Improve Your Surfing Skills on the Oregon Coast 🌊

Joshua Moore
Sep 1
2 min read

The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful — and sometimes challenging — places to surf in the U.S. From consistent swells at Short Sands Beach to the raw energy of the Pacific, every session here can help you level up. If you’re ready to improve your surfing skills, here are some practical tips that work whether you’re a beginner or already catching green waves.

1. Surf Consistently in the Right Conditions

The more time you spend in the water, the faster you’ll improve. Beaches like Short Sands (Oswald West State Park) are great for beginners and intermediates. Pay attention to surf forecasts and pick days when the swell is small-to-medium and the wind is light — those are the easiest waves to learn on.

2. Learn to Read the Ocean

Surfing isn’t just about technique — it’s about timing and positioning. Before paddling out, watch the sets for a few minutes. Notice:

Where the waves are breaking.
How often the sets are coming in.
Where other surfers are sitting.

The more you understand the rhythm of the waves, the easier it is to be in the right spot at the right time.

3. Use the Right Gear

Oregon waters stay chilly all year. A 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit, boots, and sometimes gloves will keep you warm and comfortable. The better you feel in the water, the more energy you’ll have to focus on catching waves instead of just surviving the cold.

4. Practice the Fundamentals

Improving your surfing doesn’t mean you need to reinvent your style — it’s about refining the basics:

Paddle strong with long, smooth strokes.
Pop-up quickly and keep practicing it on land.
Look where you want to go — your body follows your eyes.
Stay low with bent knees for balance and control.

Even small improvements in these areas can change your surfing dramatically.

5. Get Feedback and Coaching

Surfing is one of those sports where you don’t always realize what you’re doing wrong. An instructor can spot things like foot placement, timing, or body position and give you immediate feedback. Surfing with friends also helps keep you motivated and safe.

At SurfLife Surf School, we focus on simple, personalized tips that help you progress faster — from paddling into waves with confidence to trimming down the line instead of just riding straight in.

Final Thoughts

Improving your surfing on the Oregon Coast is a mix of practice, knowledge, and patience. The more you understand the conditions, refine your basics, and get feedback, the faster you’ll see progress.

👉 Want to take the next step? Book a lesson with