{"id":344897,"date":"2026-08-31T14:09:27","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T12:09:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/reading-waves-while-surfing-how-beginners-can-spot-the-right-wave\/"},"modified":"2026-10-22T16:42:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T14:42:18","slug":"reading-waves-while-surfing-how-beginners-can-spot-the-right-wave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/reading-waves-while-surfing-how-beginners-can-spot-the-right-wave\/","title":{"rendered":"Reading Waves While Surfing: How Beginners Can Spot the Right Wave"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki fs-wiki-design&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; 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global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/arbeiten-und-surfen-kueste.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Atlantic surf along the mountainous coast of Cofete, Fuerteventura.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Cofete \u2013 shared Surfwissen hero&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-hero-photo skip-lazy&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-hero-card-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Article breadcrumb&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-eyebrow&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/surfing-knowledge\/\">Surfing knowledge<\/a> \/ Reading waves &amp; surf conditions[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Article title&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reading_waves_while_surfing_how_beginners_can_spot_the_right_wave\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reading_waves_while_surfing_how_beginners_can_spot_the_right_wave\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#Reading_waves_while_surfing_how_beginners_can_spot_the_right_wave\"><\/span>Reading waves while surfing: how beginners can spot the right wave<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Existing article metadata&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-meta&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]FreshSurf Surfing Knowledge \u00b7 8-minute read[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;You are sitting on your surfboard, looking towards the horizon. A wave&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-hero-intro&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>You are sitting on your surfboard, looking towards the horizon. A wave approaches. Suddenly, two surfers next to you turn around and start paddling. You watch them go and think:<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Native WordPress search&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<form class=\"fs-wiki-search\" role=\"search\" method=\"get\" action=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/\"><label class=\"fs-wiki-sr-only\" for=\"fs-wiki-search-en\">Search FreshSurf<\/label><input id=\"fs-wiki-search-en\" type=\"search\" name=\"s\" placeholder=\"Search FreshSurf \u2026\"\/><button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Start search\">\u2192<\/button><\/form>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki fs-wiki-topics&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Surfwissen topic navigation&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<nav class=\"fs-wiki-topic-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/surfing-knowledge\/#waves\">Waves &amp; swell<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/surfing-knowledge\/#wind-tides\">Wind &amp; tides<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/surfing-knowledge\/#safety\">Safety<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/surfing-knowledge\/#reading\" aria-current=\"page\">Reading waves<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/surfing-knowledge\/#surf-abc\">Surfing ABC<\/a><\/nav>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki fs-wiki-body&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-toc-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Contents \u2013 desktop sidebar \/ mobile disclosure&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<details class=\"fs-wiki-toc\" open>\n<summary>In this article<\/summary>\n<nav aria-label=\"In this article\">\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#sw-7-abschnitt-1\">What does reading waves mean in surfing?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sw-7-abschnitt-2\">1. Find the peak: where does the wave start breaking?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sw-7-abschnitt-3\">2. Look for the open face \u2014 the shoulder<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sw-7-abschnitt-4\">3. Left or right? How to spot the direction<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sw-7-abschnitt-5\">4. Check your position before paddling harder<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sw-7-abschnitt-6\">5. Decide: should I take this wave?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sw-7-abschnitt-7\">The best wave-reading exercise starts on the beach<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sw-7-abschnitt-8\">Your five-question checklist for the next wave<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sw-7-abschnitt-9\">Frequently asked questions about reading waves<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sw-7-abschnitt-10\">Learning to read waves \u2014 step by step<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<\/details>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row fs-wiki-summary&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Overview heading&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-summary-title&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_essentials_at_a_glance\"><\/span>The essentials at a glance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Overview \u2013 existing article content&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Peak\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Peak\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#Peak\"><\/span>Peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The section where the wave starts breaking.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Overview \u2013 existing article content&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shoulder\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shoulder\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#Shoulder\"><\/span>Shoulder<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The open face beside the breaking section.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Overview \u2013 existing article content&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Remember: not every surfable wave is the right wave for you.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;What does reading waves mean in surfing? Reading waves means judging e&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sw-7-abschnitt-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_reading_waves_mean_in_surfing\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_reading_waves_mean_in_surfing\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#What_does_reading_waves_mean_in_surfing\"><\/span><strong>What does reading waves mean in surfing?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Reading waves means judging early where a wave will break, which way it will peel and whether you are in the right position to surf it safely.<\/p>\n<p>This is particularly important when moving from whitewater to your first unbroken waves.<\/p>\n<p>Your surfing does not begin at the take-off, but several seconds before:<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Observe \u2192 Assess \u2192 Position \u2192 Decide \u2192 Paddle \u2192 Take off&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-note&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Observe \u2192 Assess \u2192 Position \u2192 Decide \u2192 Paddle \u2192 Take off<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;If waves keep passing underneath your board, your paddling technique i&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>If waves keep passing underneath your board, your paddling technique is not necessarily the reason. You might simply be waiting in the wrong place.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Observe Assess Position Decide Paddle Take off&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Observe<\/li>\n<li>Assess<\/li>\n<li>Position<\/li>\n<li>Decide<\/li>\n<li>Paddle<\/li>\n<li>Take off<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Wellen-lesen-beim-Surfen-980&#215;544.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A surf student takes off on a small unbroken wave.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;A surf student takes off on a small unbroken wave.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;A surf student takes off on a small unbroken wave.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;That looked just like the last five. This is where an important step i&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>That looked just like the last five.<\/p>\n<p>This is where an important step in surfing begins: you are no longer just learning how to ride a wave, but which wave you want to catch \u2014 and where you need to be to catch it.<\/p>\n<p>At first, the ocean often seems chaotic. With a little practice, though, you begin to recognise patterns.<\/p>\n<p>Five questions help: Where will the wave break? Where will it stay open? Which way will it peel? Am I in the right position? And should I take this wave at all?<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;1. Find the peak: where does the wave start breaking? Watch a wave as &#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sw-7-abschnitt-2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Find_the_peak_where_does_the_wave_start_breaking\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Find_the_peak_where_does_the_wave_start_breaking\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#1_Find_the_peak_where_does_the_wave_start_breaking\"><\/span><strong>1. Find the peak: where does the wave start breaking?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Watch a wave as it travels towards the beach.<\/p>\n<p>Usually, the entire wave does not break at once. One section builds up more, becomes steeper and starts breaking first.<\/p>\n<p>This section is called the peak.<\/p>\n<p>It is crucial when choosing a wave because it shows you where the breaking part begins.<\/p>\n<p>Notice which section builds first and how the wave\u2019s shape changes.<\/p>\n<p>The highest point is not automatically the best place to start. What matters is where the wave is likely to break and whether you can paddle into it there in a controlled way.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Peak &amp; open face&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Peak &amp; open face<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/freshsurf-reading-waves-peak-shoulder-en-980&#215;700.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Diagram of the peak and open shoulder of a wave.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Diagram of the peak and open shoulder of a wave.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Diagram of the peak and open shoulder of a wave.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Schematic view. The peak starts to break; the open face lies beside it&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Schematic view. The peak starts to break; the open face lies beside it.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wellen-lesen-welle-980&#215;544.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;An open, hollow-breaking wave.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;An open, hollow-breaking wave.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;An open, hollow-breaking wave.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;2. Look for the open face \u2014 the shoulder Once you have spotted the pea&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sw-7-abschnitt-3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Look_for_the_open_face_%E2%80%94_the_shoulder\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Look_for_the_open_face_%E2%80%94_the_shoulder\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#2_Look_for_the_open_face_\u2014_the_shoulder\"><\/span><strong>2. Look for the open face \u2014 the shoulder<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once you have spotted the peak, look along the wave from there.<\/p>\n<p>The key question is: on which side does the wave stay open?<\/p>\n<p>This unbroken section next to the breaking part is often called the shoulder.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wellen-lesen-beim-surfen&#8211;980&#215;544.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Illustration of a surfer\u2019s position in front of a breaking wave.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Illustration of a surfer\u2019s position in front of a breaking wave.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Illustration of a surfer\u2019s position in front of a breaking wave.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;A wave can stay open to the left, to the right or in both directions. &#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>A wave can stay open to the left, to the right or in both directions.<\/p>\n<p>If a large section breaks almost simultaneously, it is called a closeout. This leaves very little face to surf sideways along.<\/p>\n<p>That is why looking only at wave size is not enough.<\/p>\n<p>Watch the shape of the whole wave and how it changes as it approaches the beach.<\/p>\n<p>You can learn more in our article about a wave\u2019s energy zones.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;3. Left or right? How to spot the direction Found the peak? Now look a&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sw-7-abschnitt-4\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Left_or_right_How_to_spot_the_direction\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Left_or_right_How_to_spot_the_direction\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#3_Left_or_right_How_to_spot_the_direction\"><\/span><strong>3. Left or right? How to spot the direction<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Found the peak? Now look along the wave from that point.<\/p>\n<p>The side where an open face remains shows you which direction you can surf.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Left and right are defined from the surfer\u2019s perspective facing the be&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-note&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Left and right are defined from the surfer\u2019s perspective facing the beach; viewed from the beach, they appear reversed.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Right-hand wave&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Right-hand_wave\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Right-hand_wave\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#Right-hand_wave\"><\/span>Right-hand wave<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/freshsurf-reading-waves-right-en-980&#215;700.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Top view of a right-hand wave, with the surfer facing the beach.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Top view of a right-hand wave, with the surfer facing the beach.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Top view of a right-hand wave, with the surfer facing the beach.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;From the peak, the surfer rides to the right \u2014 from their perspective &#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>From the peak, the surfer rides to the right \u2014 from their perspective facing the beach.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Left-hand wave&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Left-hand_wave\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Left-hand_wave\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#Left-hand_wave\"><\/span>Left-hand wave<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/freshsurf-reading-waves-left-en-980&#215;700.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Top view of a left-hand wave, with the surfer facing the beach.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Top view of a left-hand wave, with the surfer facing the beach.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Top view of a left-hand wave, with the surfer facing the beach.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;From the peak, the surfer rides to the left \u2014 from their perspective f&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>From the peak, the surfer rides to the left \u2014 from their perspective facing the beach.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;When you watch a wave from the beach, this can seem confusing at first&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>When you watch a wave from the beach, this can seem confusing at first. You are facing the surfer, so the directions appear reversed.<\/p>\n<p>Start by focusing on the wave itself: where is the peak, and on which side does the face stay open?<\/p>\n<p>For your first unbroken waves, it helps to choose waves whose direction is clear early on and which do not close out too quickly.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;4. Check your position before paddling harder A promising wave approac&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sw-7-abschnitt-5\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Check_your_position_before_paddling_harder\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Check_your_position_before_paddling_harder\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#4_Check_your_position_before_paddling_harder\"><\/span><strong>4. Check your position before paddling harder<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A promising wave approaches. You turn your board and paddle hard \u2014 but it still passes underneath you.<\/p>\n<p>Your first thought may be: I need to paddle harder.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps. But check your position first.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Too far outside: the wave may not yet be steep enough to pick up your board.<\/li>\n<li>Too far inside: the wave may break before you can take off in control.<\/li>\n<li>Too far out on the shoulder: the wave may not give you enough push for the take-off.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The right starting position is where the wave develops enough push while still allowing you to paddle in and stand up in a controlled way.<\/p>\n<p>After missing a wave, ask yourself:<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wellen-lesen-lernen-anpaddeln-980&#215;544.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Three surfers marked with numbers 1, 2 and 3 illustrate different starting positions.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Three surfers marked with numbers 1, 2 and 3 illustrate different starting positions.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Three surfers marked with numbers 1, 2 and 3 illustrate different starting posit&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Where should I have been sitting for this wave to pick me up more easi&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-note&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Where should I have been sitting for this wave to pick me up more easily?<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Then look at where it actually broke. Even a missed wave becomes usefu&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Then look at where it actually broke. Even a missed wave becomes useful information for the next one.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Too far outside&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Too far outside<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/freshsurf-reading-waves-too-far-outside-en-980&#215;700.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Positioning diagram: too far outside.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Positioning diagram: too far outside.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Positioning diagram: too far outside.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;The wave may not yet be steep enough to pick up your board.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The wave may not yet be steep enough to pick up your board.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Too far inside&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Too far inside<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/freshsurf-reading-waves-too-far-inside-en-980&#215;700.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Positioning diagram: too far inside.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Positioning diagram: too far inside.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Positioning diagram: too far inside.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;The wave may break before you can take off in control.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The wave may break before you can take off in control.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Too far out on the shoulder&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Too far out on the shoulder<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/freshsurf-reading-waves-too-far-on-shoulder-en-980&#215;700.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Positioning diagram: too far out on the shoulder.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Positioning diagram: too far out on the shoulder.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Positioning diagram: too far out on the shoulder.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;The wave may not give you enough push for the take-off.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The wave may not give you enough push for the take-off.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Three possible positioning problems. The right position depends on the&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Three possible positioning problems. The right position depends on the wave, your board and your ability; this is not a map of a specific spot.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wellen-lesen-lernen-orientierungspunkte-980&#215;544.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A person on a board with marked landmarks on the beach.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;A person on a board with marked landmarks on the beach.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;A person on a board with marked landmarks on the beach.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Use landmarks on shore In the water, you can drift sideways without no&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_landmarks_on_shore\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_landmarks_on_shore\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#Use_landmarks_on_shore\"><\/span><strong>Use landmarks on shore<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In the water, you can drift sideways without noticing.<\/p>\n<p>Choose a clearly visible landmark on shore, such as a distinctive rock or building.<\/p>\n<p>Check regularly whether you are still sitting where you intended.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Important: landmarks help you notice changes in your position. They do&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-note&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Important: landmarks help you notice changes in your position. They do not tell you whether a current is safe.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;If you cannot assess the conditions, choose a more suitable spot or en&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-note&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>If you cannot assess the conditions, choose a more suitable spot or enter the water with professional guidance.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row fs-wiki-split&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wellen-lesen-lernen-anfaenger-welle-480&#215;267.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A surfer rides the open shoulder of a wave.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;A surfer rides the open shoulder of a wave.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;A surfer rides the open shoulder of a wave.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;5. Decide: should I take this wave? A good wave decision starts before&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sw-7-abschnitt-6\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Decide_should_I_take_this_wave\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Decide_should_I_take_this_wave\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#5_Decide_should_I_take_this_wave\"><\/span><strong>5. Decide: should I take this wave?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A good wave decision starts before you begin paddling.<\/p>\n<p>Do not just ask: can I catch this wave?<\/p>\n<p>Also ask: should I take it?<\/p>\n<p>Let a wave pass if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>someone already has priority or is riding it,<\/li>\n<li>you are clearly out of position,<\/li>\n<li>you cannot confidently identify its direction,<\/li>\n<li>you could endanger others,<\/li>\n<li>the wave exceeds your ability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For your first unbroken waves, conditions that leave you time to observe, paddle in and stand up are ideal.<\/p>\n<p>The biggest or steepest wave is therefore not automatically the best wave to learn on.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row fs-wiki-split&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;The best wave-reading exercise starts on the beach You do not need to &#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sw-7-abschnitt-7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_best_wave-reading_exercise_starts_on_the_beach\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_best_wave-reading_exercise_starts_on_the_beach\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#The_best_wave-reading_exercise_starts_on_the_beach\"><\/span><strong>The best wave-reading exercise starts on the beach<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You do not need to be in the water to practise reading waves.<\/p>\n<p>Before your next session, take a few minutes to watch the ocean.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wellen-lesen-lernen-uebung-480&#215;267.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A person watches the waves from a rocky shore.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;A person watches the waves from a rocky shore.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;A person watches the waves from a rocky shore.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Your exercise: predict five waves From the beach, pick five individual&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_exercise_predict_five_waves\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_exercise_predict_five_waves\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#Your_exercise_predict_five_waves\"><\/span><strong>Your exercise: predict five waves<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>From the beach, pick five individual waves.<\/p>\n<p>Decide as early as possible:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Peak: where will the wave break first?<\/li>\n<li>Shoulder: where will the face stay open?<\/li>\n<li>Direction: will it peel left, peel right or close out?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Then watch what actually happens.<\/p>\n<p>Did you judge the peak correctly? Did the wave stay open longer than expected? Or did it close out sooner?<\/p>\n<p>This comparison is exactly what trains your wave reading:<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;What do I expect? \u2192 What actually happens?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-note&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>What do I expect? \u2192 What actually happens?<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Also watch where other surfers sit and how they paddle into the line-u&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Also watch where other surfers sit and how they paddle into the line-up. This can give you clues about the spot.<\/p>\n<p>Their position is not, however, proof that an area is suitable for beginners or safe.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row fs-wiki-split&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Your five-question checklist for the next wave Check the wave Where wi&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sw-7-abschnitt-8\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_five-question_checklist_for_the_next_wave\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_five-question_checklist_for_the_next_wave\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#Your_five-question_checklist_for_the_next_wave\"><\/span><strong>Your five-question checklist for the next wave<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Check the wave<\/p>\n<p>Where will the wave break first?<\/p>\n<p>Where will an open face remain?<\/p>\n<p>Which direction will the wave peel?<\/p>\n<p>Am I in the right position?<\/p>\n<p>Is the wave safe for me and others?<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wellen-lesen-lernen-achtung-480&#215;267.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A person watches the line-up with symbols illustrating conditions and hazards.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;A person watches the line-up with symbols illustrating conditions and hazards.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;A person watches the line-up with symbols illustrating conditions and hazards.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Frequently asked questions about reading waves&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sw-7-abschnitt-9\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions_about_reading_waves\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions_about_reading_waves\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#Frequently_asked_questions_about_reading_waves\"><\/span><strong>Frequently asked questions about reading waves<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-faq&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;FAQ \u2013 EN&#8221;][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; title=&#8221;How do I recognise a good wave for surfing?&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Look at the peak, the open face, the direction and your position. Beginners benefit from waves that allow enough time to paddle in and take off in control.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; title=&#8221;How do I recognise where a wave will break?&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Watch which section builds up more and becomes steeper. This may be where the wave breaks first. Follow its development, because its shape can change.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; title=&#8221;What is the peak in surfing?&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The peak is the section where a wave starts breaking. It helps you judge a suitable starting position and possible directions.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; title=&#8221;What is the shoulder of a wave?&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The shoulder is the open face next to the breaking section. You can ride sideways along it.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; title=&#8221;How can I tell whether a wave peels left or right?&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Find the peak and look at which side the face stays open on. The direction is named from the surfer\u2019s perspective facing the beach.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; title=&#8221;Why am I not catching waves despite paddling hard?&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Your position is one possible reason. If you sit too far outside or too far out on the shoulder, you may not get enough push. Your paddling technique can also play a part.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; title=&#8221;What is the best way to practise reading waves?&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Watch waves from the beach, predict where they will break and which way they will peel, and compare your prediction with what actually happens.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; title=&#8221;How long does it take to learn to read waves?&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>There is no fixed timeframe. The skill develops through experience, regular observation and conscious review of your attempts.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; title=&#8221;When should I let a wave pass?&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>When someone has priority, you could endanger others, the wave exceeds your ability or you cannot confidently assess the situation.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wellen-lesen-lernen-checkliste-980&#215;544.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A surfer lying on her board watches an approaching wave and other surfers.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;A surfer lying on her board watches an approaching wave and other surfers.&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;A surfer lying on her board watches an approaching wave and other surfers.&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-image&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Learning to read waves \u2014 step by step You do not learn to read waves s&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sw-7-abschnitt-10\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learning_to_read_waves_%E2%80%94_step_by_step\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learning_to_read_waves_%E2%80%94_step_by_step\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#Learning_to_read_waves_\u2014_step_by_step\"><\/span><strong>Learning to read waves \u2014 step by step<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You do not learn to read waves simply by taking off as often as possible.<\/p>\n<p>You learn by watching, trying and understanding why a wave worked \u2014 or did not.<\/p>\n<p>Start by recognising the peak and the open face. Then watch the direction, adjust your position and make a conscious choice about which wave to take.<\/p>\n<p>If you would like structured guidance for your first unbroken waves, find out more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/surf-lessons-fuerteventura\/\">surf lessons for beginners on Fuerteventura<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes your next really good wave begins simply by looking carefully a few seconds earlier.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-content-row&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Sources &amp; further reading NOAA: waves and coastal effects Explore surf&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources_further_reading\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources_further_reading\" ez-toc-data-id=\"#Sources_further_reading\"><\/span>Sources &amp; further reading<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.noaa.gov\/jetstream\/ocean\/waves\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NOAA: waves and coastal effects<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/surfing-knowledge\/\">Explore surfing knowledge \u2192<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/abc-of-surfing\/\">Look up surfing terms \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;FreshSurf Surfing Knowledge Publisher: FreshSurf Cotillo S.L.El Cotill&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<strong>FreshSurf Surfing Knowledge<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Publisher: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/impressum\/\">FreshSurf Cotillo S.L.<\/a><br \/>El Cotillo, Fuerteventura<\/p>\n<p>Questions or feedback about this article: <a href=\"mailto:office@freshsurf.de\">office@freshsurf.de<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki fs-wiki-related&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Related knowledge articles&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;Open Sans|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_articles_to_keep_learning\"><\/span>Related articles to keep learning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; module_class=&#8221;fs-wiki-related-cards&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1180px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Wellen-lesen-beim-Surfen-980&#215;544.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A surf student takes off on a small unbroken wave.&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/how-to-read-and-understand-a-surf-forecast\/&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Related article image&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Related article link&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/how-to-read-and-understand-a-surf-forecast\/\">Surf forecast \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243;][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wellen-lesen-lernen-orientierungspunkte-980&#215;544.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A person on a board with marked landmarks on the beach.&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/currents-why-we-should-not-underestimate-them\/&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Related article image&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Related article link&#8221; module_class=&#8221;&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Rubik|300|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#111111&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#21616e&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/currents-why-we-should-not-underestimate-them\/\">Currents \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How do you know which wave to catch? Learn to read the peak, the open face of the wave, the direction of the ride, and your position\u2014step by step for beginner surfers. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":344873,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[31973],"tags":[32021,32019,32020,32018],"class_list":["post-344897","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-surfing-worldwide-en","tag-gruene-wellen","tag-surfanfaenger","tag-surfen-lernen","tag-wellen-lesen"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344897","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=344897"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344897\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":351115,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344897\/revisions\/351115"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/344873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=344897"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=344897"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=344897"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}