How to Surf Bigger Waves With Confidence

Learning to surf bigger waves means different things to different surfers.

For one person, bigger waves might mean stepping up from two-foot waves to four-foot waves.

For another, it might mean paddling out on their first overhead day.

The size doesn’t matter as much as the feeling.

That moment when you look at the horizon and your body says:

“Am I ready for this?”

That’s what this article is really about.

Learning how to surf bigger waves isn’t just about technique.

It’s about confidence.

Breath control.

Preparation.

Learning to stay calm when a big set appears on the horizon.

Knowing your limits.

And slowly expanding your comfort zone without throwing yourself into conditions that completely overwhelm your nervous system.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to start surfing bigger waves with more confidence — using practical surf skills, breath training, mindset tools and preparation strategies that work whether “bigger” means three foot or eight foot.

Jump to Section

• Managing Surfing Anxiety
• The Biggest Confidence Boost I Ever Found
• How Surf Apnea Training Builds Confidence
• Transitioning to Bigger Waves
• Choosing the Right Equipment for Bigger Waves
• Mastering Bigger Wave Techniques
• Preparing Yourself for Bigger Waves
• Managing Stress in Bigger Surf
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

The Biggest Confidence Boost I Ever Found

For years, I thought confidence in bigger waves came from surfing bigger waves.

Then I had a bad wipeout in Indonesia.

The experience shook me more than I wanted to admit. Afterwards, I found myself thinking about hold-downs, bigger sets and what would happen if things went wrong again.

Like many surfers, I realised my surfing ability and my confidence weren’t always at the same level.

That experience is what led me to surf apnea training.

At first, I wasn’t interested in teaching it.

I simply wanted to feel more comfortable in the ocean myself.

I wanted to know that if I got caught inside, held underwater, or found myself in a stressful situation, I had the tools to stay calm.

What surprised me wasn’t how much longer I could hold my breath.

It was how much calmer I became.

I recovered faster after wipeouts.

I stopped panicking when bigger sets appeared on the horizon.

I felt more in control, even when conditions were pushing me outside my comfort zone.

The ocean hadn’t changed.

My relationship with it had.

Looking back, I realised many of the fears I carried weren’t really about the waves at all. They were old thought patterns that surfaced whenever I felt challenged, uncertain, or out of control.

That experience eventually led me to complete my surf apnea instructor training because I realised so many beginner and intermediate surfers were struggling with exactly the same thing.

Not because they lacked ability.

Because they lacked confidence.

I see a very similar pattern with people learning to surf later in life. The challenge is often less about physical ability and more about confidence, self-belief and managing fear.

Whether you’re preparing for your first four-foot day or your first overhead wave, the mental process is often very similar.

Confidence isn’t the absence of fear.

It’s knowing you have the tools to handle fear when it shows up.

For me, surf apnea training became one of those tools.

Many surfers assume confidence comes from eliminating fear completely. In reality, much of our suffering comes from attachment to outcomes, performance and how we think we should be surfing. The more I learned to let go of those expectations, the more relaxed and confident I became in the water.

Managing Surfing Anxiety: Overcoming Fear of Bigger Waves

Pic of Winkipop, next to Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia. Such a fast, fun wave, one spot that forced me to face my fear of bigger waves.

Expanding Your Comfort Zone Gradually:

The comfort zone theory in surfing suggests that you should gradually push your boundaries. Start by surfing waves slightly larger than what you’re used to and incrementally increase the size as your confidence grows.

This gradual approach helps your mind and body adapt to new challenges without overwhelming fear.

If you regularly find yourself hesitating at the last second or pulling back on waves , you may be dealing with a confidence issue rather than a skill issue.

Creating a Positive Feedback Loop:

Fear in surfing is often a result of a negative feedback loop between your mind, body, and breath. To break this cycle, focus on creating a positive loop.

For instance, when you visualise successfully navigating a big wave or handling a wipeout calmly, you send reassuring signals to your brain. This visualisation helps reduce panic and maintain a clear head while surfing.

Many surfers assume bigger waves are the problem, when in reality they’re carrying the memory of a previous bad wipeout.

Thanks to Apnea Survival Australia for the image.

Breath Control Techniques:

Your breath is a powerful tool to regulate your body’s response to stress. Practice deep, controlled breathing exercises regularly on land and while waiting for waves in the water.

Deep breathing helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. This practice can be beneficial when paddling out and preparing to face larger waves.

Visualisation and Mental Rehearsal:

Spend time visualising different scenarios you might encounter in big-wave surfing. Imagine yourself getting caught inside on a big set, and picture yourself staying calm and composed when getting held underwater.

This mental rehearsal can prepare you mentally and emotionally for real-life situations, reducing panic and fear when they actually occur.

Physical Preparedness and Training:

Being physically prepared can significantly reduce fear. Engage in regular fitness and conditioning exercises that are specific to surfing. Strong swimming skills, for instance, can boost your confidence in handling big waves and potential wipeouts.

Mindfulness and Present Moment Focus:

Practice mindfulness to stay present and focused. Mindfulness can be achieved through meditation, yoga, or quiet time in nature. Being in the present moment helps reduce anxiety about future waves or past wipeouts.

Learning from Each Experience:

Every time you have surfed, take time to reflect on your experiences. What did you learn? How did you handle fear? This reflection turns each surfing session into a learning experience, gradually building your confidence and reducing fear.

How Surf Apnea Training Builds Confidence

One of the biggest misconceptions about surf apnea training is that it’s all about holding your breath for longer.

In reality, most surfers aren’t trying to become freedivers.

They’re trying to feel calmer when things don’t go according to plan.

Surf apnea training helps you understand how your body responds under stress and teaches you practical techniques for staying calm when your heart rate spikes.

For surfers, this can mean:

• Feeling more comfortable when caught inside by a larger set.
• Recovering faster after a wipeout.
• Reducing panic during hold-downs.
• Building confidence in bigger surf.
• Learning to trust yourself when conditions become challenging.

The goal isn’t to eliminate fear completely.

The goal is to develop the skills and confidence to make better decisions when fear shows up.

For many surfers, that’s where the biggest transformation happens.

Continue Learning

If confidence in bigger surf is something you’re working on, these guides may help:

• Mastering CO₂ Tables: A Surfer’s Secret Weapon

• Surf Apnea Training Programs for Surfers

• Why Women Feel Intimidated in the Surf Lineup

• Best Exercises for Older Surfers

Transitioning to Bigger Waves

One of the biggest mistakes surfers make when trying to surf bigger waves is progressing too quickly.

Confidence isn’t built by jumping from comfortable conditions into waves that completely overwhelm you.

It’s built gradually.

For one surfer, that might mean moving from two-foot waves to four-foot waves.

For another, it might mean paddling out on their first overhead day.

The process is the same.

Small steps.

Repeated exposure.

Learning to trust your skills.

Building confidence through experience.

Every time you successfully surf conditions that feel slightly outside your comfort zone, your nervous system learns that you can handle more than you thought.

That’s where real confidence comes from.

Not from forcing yourself into conditions you’re not ready for.

But from consistently expanding your comfort zone one session at a time.

Choosing the Right Equipment for Bigger Waves

Image courtesy of ZigZag

As waves get bigger, your equipment starts to matter more.

That doesn’t mean you need to rush out and buy a giant gun or specialist big-wave board. For most surfers, “bigger waves” simply means conditions that are larger, steeper or more powerful than what they normally surf.

In many cases, the right board is simply one that gives you enough paddle power and confidence to get into waves early.

A little extra volume can make a huge difference when you’re stepping up into larger surf. Catching waves earlier often means less late drops, less hesitation and a more controlled take-off.

Your leash becomes more important too. A quality leash in good condition is one of the cheapest pieces of safety equipment you can own. Many surfers spend time thinking about boards and wetsuits but forget that a snapped leash can turn a manageable situation into a long swim. As you start surfing bigger, more powerful waves, make sure your leash is strong enough for the conditions and at least as long as your board.

If you’re surfing in colder water, a properly fitted wetsuit can also improve confidence and performance by helping you stay warm and focused for longer sessions.

Outside of surfing itself, many surfers find that training tools such as swim fins, low-volume masks and structured breath-training exercises help them become more comfortable in moving water. While these won’t magically make you surf bigger waves, they can improve your ocean confidence and help prepare you for more challenging conditions.

The best equipment is the equipment that allows you to paddle out feeling prepared, confident and ready to enjoy the session.

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to move into a step-up board, I’ll be putting together a detailed guide on choosing the right step-up surfboard for intermediate surfers.

Mastering Bigger Wave Techniques

As waves get bigger and more powerful, the fundamentals become even more important.

You don’t need advanced manoeuvres to start surfing bigger waves. Most surfers make the biggest gains by improving their paddling, positioning, take-offs and ocean awareness.

Paddling Into Bigger Waves

One of the biggest challenges surfers face when stepping up into larger surf is generating enough speed to get into waves early.

Building paddling fitness through surfing, swimming and surf-specific strength training can make a huge difference to both confidence and wave count.

Timing is equally important. Watch for the wave’s peak, commit early and use strong, deep paddle strokes to match the speed of the wave.

The earlier you can enter a wave, the more control you’ll have during the take-off.

If you’re looking to improve your paddling power, check out my guide to surf paddling fitness and endurance.

Perfecting Your Positioning

Positioning becomes increasingly important as conditions get larger.

Before paddling out, spend time watching the ocean. Look for where waves are consistently breaking, identify channels and pay attention to where experienced surfers are sitting.

The right position is often a moving target, so stay flexible and be prepared to adjust.

One of the best ways to improve wave judgement and timing is through body surfing. It teaches you how waves behave and helps develop confidence in moving water. If you’d like to get started, check out my guide to bodysurfing with a hand plane.

Committing to the Take-Off

As waves become steeper and more powerful, hesitation becomes one of your biggest enemies.

A committed paddle and confident take-off often make the difference between a successful ride and a wipeout.

Practice quick pop-ups and focus on getting to your feet smoothly. As you stand, keep your eyes looking down the line rather than at your feet and stay low through your legs to maintain balance and control.

Handling the Drop

The drop is often the most intimidating part of surfing bigger waves.

The best way to improve is through gradual exposure. Spend time surfing slightly larger waves than you’re comfortable with rather than making huge jumps in wave size.

Keep your feet planted firmly, your knees slightly bent and your body relaxed. Looking where you want to go rather than where you don’t want to go can dramatically improve your confidence and positioning.

Riding Bigger Waves

Once you’re on the wave, focus on staying relaxed and making smooth, controlled movements.

Most surfers are surprised to learn that bigger waves often provide more time to set a rail and establish control than smaller, faster beach break waves.

Use subtle weight shifts to guide the board, stay aware of changing sections and keep your eyes focused on your intended line.

Remember, surfing bigger waves isn’t about eliminating fear.

It’s about building the skills, confidence and ocean awareness needed to make good decisions when conditions push you outside your comfort zone.

Not all surf fears come from bigger waves. For many surfers, uncertainty about what lies beneath the surface creates just as much anxiety. I explore this in Fear Of Sharks While Surfing.

Preparation for Bigger Waves

Mark Mathews riding Ours. Image by Sean Doherty Dec 9, 2017

As waves get bigger, preparation becomes increasingly important.

The good news is you don’t need to be an elite athlete to start surfing larger waves. Most surfers see huge improvements simply by building fitness, developing ocean knowledge and improving their confidence under pressure.

Build Surf-Specific Fitness

Paddling fitness is often the first thing surfers notice when conditions get larger.

Strong shoulders, a stable core and good cardiovascular fitness allow you to paddle into waves earlier, recover faster between sets and stay relaxed when conditions become challenging.

Swimming, surfing regularly, strength training and surf-specific exercises can all help prepare your body for bigger surf.

If you’d like to improve your paddling endurance and surfing fitness, check out my guide to the best exercises for surfers.

Develop Your Ocean Awareness

Many surfers focus entirely on fitness while overlooking one of the most valuable skills in surfing: understanding the ocean.

Learning how swell direction, tides, wind and local conditions affect a break can dramatically improve both confidence and safety.

If you’re still learning how to interpret conditions, my guide on reading surf reports and predicting surf conditions is a great place to start.

The better you understand the ocean, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter when conditions get larger.

Learning to read waves through body surfing with a hand plane is one of the most underrated ways to build ocean confidence.

Train Your Mind as Well as Your Body

Confidence in bigger surf isn’t built through fitness alone.

Many surfers find that controlled stress exposure can help them become more comfortable in challenging situations.

Cold water immersion, surf apnea training, breath-hold exercises and gradual exposure to larger surf can all help build resilience and confidence over time.

The goal isn’t to eliminate fear completely.

The goal is to stay calm enough to make good decisions when fear shows up.

Prioritise Safety

As you push your comfort zone, make safety part of your preparation.

Understand local conditions, know where the channels are, surf with others when possible and make sure your equipment is in good condition.

Basic first aid, CPR knowledge and an understanding of surf rescue principles are valuable skills for every surfer, regardless of the size of the waves they’re riding.

The most confident surfers aren’t always the bravest.

They’re often the most prepared.

Managing Stress in Bigger Surf

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that confidence in bigger waves isn’t just about surfing ability.

It’s about how you respond when things don’t go according to plan.

When a larger set appears on the horizon, you get caught inside, or a wipeout lasts longer than expected, your body’s stress response can take over very quickly.

Learning how to manage that response is one of the most valuable skills a surfer can develop.

Surf apnea training, breath-hold exercises and CO₂ tolerance training can all help surfers become more comfortable under pressure. These techniques teach you how to stay calmer when your heart rate rises, reduce panic and recover more effectively after difficult situations in the water.

While no training can completely eliminate fear, it can help you build trust in your ability to handle challenging conditions.

If you’d like to continue building your confidence in the water, start with CO₂ tolerance training, surf apnea training and my guide to overcoming negative thought patterns while surfing.

The Biggest Mistake Surfers Make When Learning Bigger Waves

Most surfers don’t get held back by fear.

They get held back by trying to skip steps.

I see surfers jump from comfortable shoulder-high waves straight into conditions that are well outside their comfort zone.

Confidence rarely works that way.

The surfers who become comfortable in bigger waves usually build their confidence gradually.

A little bigger.

A little steeper.

A little more powerful.

Over time, your nervous system learns that you can handle it.

The goal isn’t to eliminate fear.

It’s to build enough trust in your skills, fitness and decision-making that fear stops controlling your surfing.

Building Confidence One Session at a Time

The surfers who become comfortable in bigger waves aren’t usually the most fearless.

They’re the ones who keep showing up.

They continue building their fitness.

They improve their ocean knowledge.

They learn from wipeouts instead of being defined by them.

Most importantly, they gradually expand their comfort zone instead of trying to skip steps.

If you’re serious about progressing, focus on small wins.

Catch one wave that feels slightly bigger than usual.

Practice staying calm when a larger set approaches.

Improve your paddling fitness.

Work on your breath control.

Over time, these small improvements compound into confidence.

Final Thoughts

Learning to surf bigger waves isn’t about becoming fearless.

It’s about becoming prepared.

The combination of fitness, ocean awareness, surf skills and breath control can dramatically change the way you experience larger surf.

Whether you’re stepping up from two-foot waves to four-foot waves or preparing for your first overhead day, the process is often the same.

Build confidence gradually.

Respect the ocean.

Trust your preparation.

And remember that every surfer you’ve ever admired started exactly where you are now.

If you’d like to continue building your confidence in the water, I recommend starting with my guides on CO₂ Tolerance Training.

Breath training becomes especially valuable before surf travel.

👉 Read: How to Prepare for Your First Surf Trip

Related Reading

• Surf Apnea Training for Surfers
• CO₂ Tables for Surfers
• Why Negative Thoughts Get Worse While Surfing
• Why Women Feel Intimidated in the Surf Lineup
• Am I Too Old to Learn to Surf?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to feel confident in bigger waves?

Everyone progresses at a different rate. Factors such as surfing experience, fitness, ocean knowledge and confidence all play a role. For some surfers, a few months of consistent exposure to slightly larger surf can make a huge difference. The key is gradual progression rather than trying to jump too far outside your comfort zone.

What’s the biggest mistake surfers make when stepping up into larger waves?

Most surfers try to progress too quickly. Confidence is built through repeated positive experiences. Surfing waves that are slightly bigger than you’re comfortable with allows your skills and confidence to grow together.

Does breath training help with bigger waves?

Yes. Breath training can improve confidence, reduce panic and help surfers stay calmer under pressure. While it won’t magically make you surf bigger waves, many surfers find that surf apnea training and CO₂ tolerance work improve their comfort level when conditions become challenging.

How can I improve my confidence in bigger surf?

Confidence usually comes from preparation. Improving your paddling fitness, ocean awareness, breath control and wave-reading skills can all help you feel more comfortable when conditions get larger.

Do I need a different surfboard for bigger waves?

Not always. Many surfers benefit from a board with slightly more paddle power or volume when stepping up into larger surf. The goal is to catch waves earlier and enter them with more control rather than surfing the smallest board possible.

Is surf apnea training safe?

When taught correctly and practised with proper supervision, surf apnea training can be a valuable tool for surfers. Always follow safety guidelines and avoid breath-hold training alone in the water.