Stop Drifting. Start Progressing.
Surfing without goals is like paddling out with no idea where the peak is. You might get lucky and find a wave, but most of the time, you’re just drifting, wondering why nothing’s happening.
A solid training plan gets you in the water, but meaningful goals give you direction. Without them, you’re just hoping for progress instead of actually making it happen.
Let’s talk about how setting the right goals can make you a better surfer—not just in performance, but in how you approach the ocean, training, and even life outside of the water. No fluff. No pointless motivational talk. Just real, actionable stuff that works.
Why Most Surfers Never Improve
Most surfers plateau because they don’t know what they’re working toward. They just show up, paddle out, and hope for the best. And look, that’s fine if you’re just out there to get wet. But if you actually want to get better, surf more consistently, or feel more in control of your progression, you need to define what success looks like for you.
Random Surfing = Random Results
Think about the last time you really improved at something. Did it happen by accident? Probably not.
If you’re serious about progressing, you need to set targets—otherwise, every session is just another paddle-around with no real purpose. Setting goals forces you to focus, track progress, and hold yourself accountable.
The bottom line? If you’re not setting goals, you’re not training.
How backYARD Redefines Goal-Setting
Most surfers only set performance goals. They want to land a turn, surf bigger waves, or get barreled. And that’s great—but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. At backYARD, we take a broader approach to goal-setting by focusing on the surfer’s relationship with surfing itself. This opens up a whole new way to progress.
Being a better surfer means different things for different people. Some want to charge heavier waves. Some want to surf with more flow and style. Others just want to build confidence or make the most of the time they have in the water.
That’s why your goals should be built around what you want to give and get from surfing—not just how well you perform. What do you want surfing to give you? More freedom? More control? A better connection with the ocean? Once you define that, you can set goals that actually matter to you.
At backYARD, we help surfers set goals that align with their personal connection to the sport—not just what looks impressive. Instead of focusing only on technical skills, we work on long-term progression and sustainable motivation.
Setting goals based only on performance can lead to frustration, especially when conditions, ability, or life circumstances get in the way. Instead, we encourage surfers to create a balanced mix of goals that keep them engaged in surfing no matter what stage they’re at. Some days, that might mean working on turns. Other days, it’s just about feeling good in the water and keeping the stoke alive.
This approach ensures that progress always feels meaningful, and surfing remains something you enjoy—not just something you try to “get better at.”
SMART Goals: Because “Surf More” Isn’t a Plan
You’ve probably heard of SMART goals before: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Sounds boring, but it’s what separates “I want to improve” from “I will surf at least 3x per week and land my first proper top turn within three months.”
Let’s break it down:
- Specific: Not just “get better,” but “improve my backhand cutbacks.”
- Measurable: Not just “surf more,” but “log 20 sessions this month.”
- Achievable: Not “get barreled every session,” but “practice deep takeoffs on steeper waves.”
- Relevant: Not “learn an air reverse” if you can’t bottom turn yet.
- Time-bound: Not “someday,” but “within the next two months.”
Setting goals like this keeps you from just drifting session after session, wondering why you’re not improving.
How to Actually Stick to Your Goals
It’s easy to write down goals. The hard part? Actually sticking to them. Here’s how to make sure you follow through:
- Write them down. If it’s not written, it doesn’t exist.
- Track progress. Use a surf log or journal. If you don’t track it, you won’t know if you’re improving.
- Get feedback. Film sessions, work with a coach, or surf with friends who push you.
- Check in regularly. Goals change. What made sense last month might need adjusting now. Stay flexible.
- Celebrate small wins. Progress takes time—acknowledge the steps along the way.
Get Clear, Get Focused, Get Better
If you’re just paddling out and hoping to improve, good luck. But if you want to actually make progress, stay motivated, and enjoy the process, set real goals. Not just for performance, but for how you approach every session, every wave, and every challenge in the water.
The ocean doesn’t hand out free progression. If you don’t set a direction, you’re just drifting.
Get clear on your goals. Then go chase them.
