Surf Speed Metrics: How to Track & Improve Performance in the Water

Want to surf faster and perform better? Here's how to track your speed and improve it:

• Why Speed Matters: Surfing faster helps you catch waves earlier, pull off advanced manoeuvres, and score higher in competitions. Average speeds are around 3.7 km/h, but top surfers hit up to 33.4 km/h.
• Tools to Track Speed: Use GPS watches like the Rip Curl Search GPS 2 ($299.99 AUD) or the Apple Watch Ultra ($585.00 AUD). Budget-friendly options include mobile apps like Dawn Patrol (free) or Surfline Premium ($8.99–$77.99 AUD).
• Key Metrics: Measure average speed, top speed, and speed per wave. For example, Mick Fanning reached 39.1 km/h at the 2011 Quiksilver Pro.
• How to Train: Focus on sprint paddling, resistance training, and core stability exercises. Use HIIT protocols tailored to wave conditions.
• Gear Tips: Choose the right board and fins for your local surf. For example, quad fins work well in smaller surf, while larger fins suit powerful reef breaks.

Quick Comparison

Device/Tool	Price (AUD)	Features	Best For
Rip Curl Search GPS 2	$299.99	Wave counting, speed tracking	Dedicated surf tracking
Apple Watch Ultra	$585.00	Dual GPS, health tracking	All-round smartwatch users
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Surf	$299	Solar charging, detailed surf metrics	Long surf trips
Dawn Patrol App	Free	Wave tracking, Apple Watch compatible	Budget-conscious surfers
Surfline Premium	$8.99–$77.99	Wave analysis, session tracking	Comprehensive surf data
G-SHOCK G-Lide	$162	Tide graphs, basic tracking	Traditional watch enthusiasts

Start tracking your surf speed today and use the data to ride stronger, faster, and smarter.

How to Track Your Surf Speed

Speed Tracking Devices

If you're looking to track your surf speed, GPS Surf Watches are a great option for Australian surfers. Take the Rip Curl Search GPS 2, for example. This watch tracks your surf sessions, measures top speed and distance, and even counts your waves using GPS technology. At $299.99 AUD, it’s compact, lightweight, and includes real-time Surfline conditions. It has a 3.4 out of 5 rating from 78 reviews, with users appreciating its straightforward setup and wave tracking features [4].

"I've relied on Surfline's forecasts on tour for years, and now I count on Surfline Premium to score good waves here at home." – Owen Wright [2][6]

For those who want more versatility, Smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra ($585.00 AUD) offer dual-frequency GPS for accurate tracking and are water-resistant up to 100 metres [10]. Garmin watches, such as the Instinct 2 Solar Surf ($299) and the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar ($900), are also excellent choices. They can sync with your smartphone to provide tide data, track your waves, and record speed and distance [7][10].

Prefer a budget-friendly option? Mobile Apps like Dawn Patrol work seamlessly with an Apple Watch to count waves, track distance, and monitor water time. Big wave surfer Ridge Lenny clocked a top speed of 65.5 km/h (40.7 mph) at Jaws using this app [3]. The Surfline app is another solid choice, offering detailed wave analyses, including speed and ride length, with premium plans ranging from $8.99 to $77.99 [2].

For those who love a classic wristwatch feel, Specialised Tide Watches like the G‑SHOCK G-Lide series are worth considering. These watches provide tide information, basic speed tracking, and smartphone connectivity, making them a practical option for surfers [5].

Once you’ve chosen your device, it’s time to set it up and hit the waves.

Setup and Usage Guide

Getting Started begins with downloading the app or configuring your GPS watch. Before paddling out, make sure to select the surf activity profile. Garmin users can enhance their experience by downloading the Surfline Connect IQ app, which provides tide, wave height, wind conditions, and surf ratings for nearby breaks [7]. The Surf Tracker 2 Connect IQ data field offers in-depth stats, including the number of waves ridden, lefts versus rights, longest wave distance, and even details about your last wave [8]. Always check that your device is fully charged and has a strong GPS signal before heading into the water.

Customising Data Fields can make your surf tracking even more effective. Garmin watches, for instance, allow you to tweak the metrics displayed on your screen. You can monitor time, session duration, heart rate, paddle distance, temperature, compass readings, and surf-specific data. For more precise tracking, adjust the settings to record data every second [9].

After your surf session, Post-Session Care is essential. Rinse your device with fresh water to remove salt and sand, and sync your data as soon as possible [5].

With your device ready to go, you’ll be prepared to dive into your surf stats and uncover insights about your performance.

Speed Tool Comparison

Device Type	Price Range (AUD)	Key Features	Water Resistance	Best For
Rip Curl Search GPS 2	$299.99	Wave counting, speed tracking, Surfline integration	100 m	Dedicated surf tracking
Apple Watch Ultra	$585.00	Dual-frequency GPS, health tracking	100 m	All-round smartwatch users
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Surf	$299	Solar charging, rugged design, detailed surf metrics	100 m	Long surf trips, durability
Dawn Patrol App	Free	Wave counting, session analysis, Apple Watch compatible	N/A	Budget-conscious surfers
Surfline Premium	$8.99–$77.99	Wave analysis, forecasting, session tracking	N/A	Comprehensive surf data
G‑SHOCK G-Lide	$162	Tide graphs, moon data, solar power	200 m	Traditional watch enthusiasts

When choosing a device, consider your local surf conditions. Western Australia's powerful reef breaks may call for a device with excellent GPS accuracy, while the East Coast’s diverse conditions might require a tool that adapts to varying wave types and sizes.

How to Read Your Speed Data

Key Speed Metrics Explained

To get the most out of your surf speed data, you need to focus on the metrics that matter. Average speed is a great starting point - it reflects how well you maintain momentum during your rides. By analysing this, you can gauge your overall efficiency and flow on the water. Interestingly, research indicates that paddling makes up about 42–54% of your total surf time[11].

Then there’s top speed, which highlights your peak moments - those times when you’re pushing your limits through critical manoeuvres like bottom turns or racing down the line. For instance, Mick Fanning hit a top speed of 39.1 km/h at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast in 2011, showcasing the speeds professional surfers can achieve in competition[13]. On the other hand, big wave surfer Benjamin Sanchis clocked an incredible 76.20 km/h during the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge in 2020, a testament to how wave size and style can influence speed[13].

Lastly, speed per wave offers a more granular look at your performance. This metric breaks down your speed on individual waves, helping you identify which rides gave you the best opportunities to generate speed. Analysing this data sharpens your ability to read waves and make the most of every session.

"Competitive surfing is not only about talented surfing. It's about the management of your opponent and the management of the waves." – Barton Lynch, 1988 World Champion[12]

By understanding these metrics, you’ll have a solid foundation for tracking and improving your surfing performance.

Monitoring Progress

To see how you’re improving, consistent tracking and analysis are key. Start by establishing a baseline - record your average speed, top speed, and speed per wave during your first few sessions in varying conditions. This gives you a benchmark to measure against as you progress.

Weekly and monthly comparisons can reveal valuable trends. For example, are you faster on your forehand or backhand? Do you perform better in certain wave sizes? Bede Durbidge highlights how this data can even help with equipment choices:

"I reckon it'll be really good for training, especially working with your shaper and trying different boards because you'll be able to tell which board goes faster."[13]

Condition-based analysis is another effective way to track progress. Break your data down by wave size - small (under 1 m), medium (1–2 m), and large (over 2 m). This allows you to spot improvements in specific conditions. Remember, Australian surf spots vary widely: the powerful reef breaks in Western Australia demand different skills compared to the beach breaks on the East Coast, and your speed data will reflect these differences.

Make use of your device’s companion app to customise your data views. If you’re working on tighter turns, focus on speed per wave. If your goal is endurance and efficiency, prioritise average speed and session duration.

Monthly progress reviews should combine hard numbers with personal observations. Big wave icon Kai Lenny points out that speed data can have broader applications:

"With these data, it is possible to develop water equipment adapted to simulate these conditions without being in the water."[13]

Set up alerts in your tracking app to notify you of personal bests. Celebrating these milestones can keep you motivated, but remember that improvement isn’t always a straight line. Some sessions might show slower speeds due to factors like wave conditions or equipment changes.

Finally, consider keeping a digital surf journal alongside your speed data. Use it to jot down notes about technique tweaks, board adjustments, or standout waves. This extra layer of insight helps you connect the dots and make more informed decisions about your training, ensuring your speed metrics translate into real progress in the water.

SearchGPS Watch: Join The Search - Rip Curl

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How to Improve Your Surf Speed

Now that you’ve got a handle on your speed data, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Boosting your surf speed comes down to a mix of targeted training, smart equipment choices, and proper planning. Even small improvements can make a noticeable difference when riding Australian waves. Let’s dive into how you can build strength and refine your technique to level up your performance.

Speed Training Exercises

Surfing speed starts with paddling efficiency. Maximal sprint paddling (MSP) might only account for 5% of your session, but it’s critical for catching waves and repositioning in the lineup. According to Dr. Jeremy Sheppard, competitive surfers should aim for an MSP of over 2.0 m/s[1].

One of the first steps to improving paddling speed is refining your technique. Many surfers unintentionally create drag with poor form - think head rolling, slouched posture, or inefficient arm placement. Instead, focus on keeping your chest high and maintaining a vertical elbow on entry to maximise power. Improving your stroke length and rate can also significantly boost paddling velocity[1].

Incorporate sprint paddling drills into your water sessions to mimic real surfing demands. Try maximum-effort sprints over 5–10 metres for acceleration and 15–20 metres to build top-end speed[1]. These drills are key for wave-catching and quick repositioning.

Strength training is another essential piece of the puzzle. By targeting neural adaptations, you can increase paddling power without bulking up. Include exercises across the load–velocity spectrum, from heavy compound lifts to explosive, lighter movements. This approach ensures your gym work translates directly into paddling performance[1].

To take it further, add resistance training to your routine. Use tools like resistance bands, bungees, or drag chutes during paddling sessions. Alternatively, try paddling with a low-volume board to increase drag and push your body to work harder[1].

Core stability is just as important for balance and manoeuvres. Strengthen your lower core with exercises like planks, side planks, Russian twists, leg raises, Swiss ball pikes, and knee tucks. These moves will help you maintain control and execute powerful turns on the wave[15].

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can also improve your ability to handle repeated sprint efforts during a session. Different protocols target specific needs:

Protocol	Purpose	Benefit
Short Intervals (SI)	Builds aerobic capacity for endurance paddling	Moderate improvement in repeat sprint ability[1]
Sprint Interval Training (SIT)	Boosts repeat sprint ability	Significant improvement in catching multiple waves[1]
Repeat High-Intensity Effort (RHIE)	Combines MSP, submaximal paddling, duck diving, and breath holding	Improves overall surf fitness[1]

Beach breaks often demand more frequent, shorter bursts of high-intensity paddling, while point breaks may require longer, steady paddling efforts. Tailor your training to suit the conditions you typically surf.

Equipment for Better Speed

Your gear plays a big role in how fast you can go. The right surfboard and fin setup can complement your improved fitness and technique, giving you an extra edge in the water.

When it comes to surfboards, understanding how volume, rocker, and outline affect speed is crucial. Higher-volume boards provide more paddle power and make it easier to catch waves - especially helpful in smaller Australian surf. However, too much volume can make the board feel sluggish when turning. Work with a local shaper who knows your home break to find the right balance.

Fins are another key factor. Dylan Perese from DP Surfboards highlights their importance:

"Fins have a huge impact on the feel, stability, drive and manoeuvrability of a surfboard. Fins can completely alter the way you experience surfing." [19]

Different fin setups offer distinct advantages. Twin fins are great for speed and sharp turns, while single fins excel at fast, straight-line surfing[16]. Thruster setups provide balanced stability and manoeuvrability, making them a solid choice for most surfers. Quad fins, on the other hand, can improve turning control and speed in smaller surf conditions[16].

Fin size and placement also matter. Smaller fins allow for quicker, more responsive turns, while larger fins provide better hold and drive, especially in powerful waves[17]. Experimenting with different configurations can help you find what works best for your style and the waves you surf[17].

Recent advancements in fin technology offer exciting possibilities. For instance, studies have shown that adding a grooved surface to fins can improve the lift-to-drag ratio by 11% - a change that surfers often feel in their performance[18].

The material of your fins also affects how they perform. Fibreglass fins offer excellent flex for powerful turns, while composite fins balance strength and affordability, making them ideal for those still refining their skills[17]. Whether you choose FCS or Futures systems often comes down to personal preference, as both allow for easy fin swapping to adapt to changing conditions[17].

Keep your local breaks in mind when selecting equipment. For example, the powerful reef breaks in Western Australia might call for larger, more driven fins, while the softer waves along the East Coast may benefit from a lighter, more responsive setup.

Creating Speed-Based Training Plans

Once you’ve analysed your speed metrics, use them to set clear training objectives. A structured, data-driven plan ensures steady progress and helps avoid plateaus. Your metrics offer valuable feedback to guide your decisions and track improvement over time.

Decide whether your focus is on wave-catching, top-line speed, or maintaining speed through turns. Each goal requires a unique training approach and measurement method[20].

Start by establishing baseline measurements like your current MSP, top speeds in various wave sizes, and your ability to maintain speed during manoeuvres. Align your training with Australia’s wave seasons - focus on refining technique and maintaining speed during the consistent winter swells, and build base fitness and explosive power during the smaller summer waves.

Real-time feedback is a game-changer. Track metrics like paddle stroke rate, distance per stroke, and recovery times between efforts[21]. This data lets you adjust intensity, rest periods, and technique as needed.

Adapt your training based on trends in your metrics. If you see consistent improvement, gradually increase intensity or volume. If progress stalls, consider adding recovery time or shifting your focus.

Body composition is another factor to monitor. Reducing excess body fat can improve your power-to-weight ratio, giving you an extra boost in speed[1]. Track these changes alongside your speed metrics to see how they impact your overall performance.

Tailor your training to Australian conditions. Combine drills for short, intense efforts at beach breaks with sustained paddling sessions for point breaks. This variety ensures you’re prepared for the diverse waves you’ll encounter.

Finally, turn your data into actionable strategies[21]. Understanding what your metrics mean and how they relate to your surfing performance can help you make meaningful improvements in both speed and overall ability on the waves.

Building Speed Metrics into Your Training

Once you've tracked your speed data, the next step is turning those numbers into actionable training insights. Speed metrics aren't just stats - they can shape your approach to training and help you achieve measurable progress. By weaving these metrics into your overall surfing development plan, you create a framework for continuous improvement. The key is to set clear, attainable speed goals that transform raw data into real results.

Setting Speed Goals

Start by evaluating your current paddling performance and how you handle waves. This self-assessment forms the foundation for setting realistic and meaningful targets.

As Thea Neal from Women + Waves explains:

"The key to making real progress in surfing is setting healthy, achievable goals that challenge but don't overwhelm us." [14]

Focus on creating SMART goals - ones that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. For instance, instead of vaguely aiming to "paddle faster", you could set a goal to increase your maximum sustainable paddling speed (MSP) from 1.5 m/s to 1.7 m/s within three months. For competitive surfers, Dr. Jeremy Sheppard suggests aiming for an MSP of over 2.0 m/s [1].

Breaking down long-term goals into smaller milestones can make progress more manageable. If your ultimate goal is to catch more waves in crowded lineups, start with monthly objectives like improving your 10-metre sprint time, boosting your stroke rate, or shortening recovery periods between paddle bursts. Tracking a variety of speed metrics - such as peak speed, acceleration, and consistency during turns - provides a well-rounded view of your progress.

Seasonal conditions should also influence your goals. In winter, when swells are more powerful, focus on maintaining speed in tougher conditions. During summer, when waves are smaller, work on acceleration and quick repositioning. Regularly review your goals - if you're consistently exceeding them, it might be time to push further. On the flip side, if progress slows, reassess your approach. Keep in mind that speed is just one piece of the puzzle. It works hand-in-hand with skills like technique and wave reading.

Once you've set clear goals, consider seeking professional guidance to refine your training.

Getting Professional Help

While tracking your own progress is valuable, a qualified coach or trainer can take your performance to the next level. With expertise across areas like sports medicine, strength training, and even sports psychology, coaches can tailor strategies to your needs and help you prevent injuries [24].

Coaches also offer multi-sensory feedback, combining verbal guidance with visual tools like video analysis to pinpoint inefficiencies in your paddling technique [22]. This approach creates a supportive environment where you can safely experiment with new methods [22].

By helping you set SMART goals and structure your training, professional coaches ensure that your speed improvements are gradual and sustainable [24]. As former Major League Baseball Manager Joe Torre wisely said:

"Communication is the key to trust, and trust is the key to teamwork in any group endeavour, be it in sports, business, or family." [24]

Look for coaches who stay updated with the latest research and offer personalised wave coaching. This ensures that gains in paddling speed translate directly to better performance in the water [23]. Professional coaching doesn’t just enhance speed - it ties seamlessly into your broader surfing skill set, helping you become a more complete surfer.

Conclusion

Focusing on surf speed can completely reshape how you approach surfing. By weaving speed metrics into your training, you open the door to catching steeper waves, sharpening your manoeuvres, and gaining a competitive edge in crowded lineups [1]. The stats back it up: faster surfers consistently perform better in competitions [1].

Thanks to modern technology, tools like GPS, motion sensors, and AI-driven insights now make it easier than ever to track progress with precision [26][27].

Interestingly, while sprint paddling only accounts for about 5% of your time in the water, these powerful bursts often distinguish good surfers from great ones [1]. Surf researcher Olly Farley puts it best:

"Those who are fitter, stronger, and more powerful will dominate the lineup when surfing. So if surfers want to improve their fitness, catch more waves, or last longer in the water, we can prescribe recommendations for training." [25]

Speed training delivers tangible results. Whether you're striving to hit Dr. Sheppard's recommended 2.0 m/s sustainable paddling speed [1] or simply aiming to catch more waves, the data provides a clear roadmap. This structured, measurable approach complements other strategies like refining your technique and upgrading your gear.

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