At surf spots—just like in many areas of life—there are distinct personalities or archetypes, easily recognizable by the way they ride waves. Surfers, depending on their stance and approach to the sport, fall into different categories. With a touch of humor and playing with some classic surf stereotypes, let’s take a look at the different types of surfers. Ready to analyze yourself? Let’s find out how you surf!

Types of surfers: do you see yourself among them?

Goofy surfers

If you’ve been surfing for a while, you probably already know the term Goofy. Goofy surfers naturally place their right foot forward and left foot back on the board. The name comes from the Disney short Hawaiian Holiday, where the character Goofy (a clumsy, awkward figure) has a chaotic surf experience full of wipeouts. The term also reflects the old stigma against being left-handed.

Regular in surfing: what it means

Another common surf stance is Regular—and it has nothing to do with skill level. If you naturally place your left foot forward and right foot back on the board, you’re a Regular. This is the most common stance among surfers.

Switchfoot: the rarest type of surfer

Switchfoot surfers are like the ambidextrous of the wave world. They can adapt their stance to suit the situation, placing either foot forward without needing much practice. It’s a natural talent. If you find yourself switching feet instinctively, you might be one of them!

The enthusiastic beginner

Have you just started surfing but already feel like it’s the best way to spend your time? The enthusiastic beginner has just discovered surfing and is completely hooked. They charge at every wave, regardless of rules or etiquette. Outside the water, they watch surf videos, hang out in surf shops, talk non-stop about surfing, and dream about it too. Everything revolves around surfing!

Pro surfer: is that you?

The pro surfer dreams of going professional and competing around the globe. They surf with as much dedication as they observe others, constantly comparing and refining their technique. Competitive and determined, they’ll practice the same move for hours until it’s perfect—even if that means sacrificing fun for intense training.

The soul surfer who enjoys every wave

This type of surfer simply loves surfing without obsessing over a specific style or training for advanced moves. They enjoy experimenting with different boards and ride waves just for the joy of it. They’re not chasing goals or perfection—they’re chasing good vibes. Does this sound like you?

The big wave rider: size matters

If there’s a spot with bigger waves, why settle for smaller ones—even if it’s closer? The big wave surfer wants everything large: waves, boards, and beaches. If it’s not massive, it’s not worth it. Adrenaline is their fuel, and they dream of riding the giants at Nazaré. In the meantime, they’re hunting for the biggest swells, even if they spend more time wiping out than standing up. Familiar?

The “drop-in” surfer

If you snake waves, drop in without hesitation, and pretend not to hear complaints… like it or not, you’re a drop-in surfer. This surfer paddles for everything and doesn’t give a second thought to priority or who’s already on the wave. They squeeze into every spot and feel no remorse. “If others aren’t fast enough, that’s their problem,” they think.

The poser

You can spot them from afar by their style and top-of-the-line gear: flashy, expensive boards and brand-name surfwear—even the underwear! They usually talk and post more than they actually surf, and their favorite move is showing off their high-performance boards to their buddies.

The veteran

With a confident, sometimes grumpy look and always a story to tell. Their experience speaks volumes—so does their attitude toward beginners. They know all the local spots and countless places they’ve surfed over the years. They love reminiscing about the good old days, when hardly anyone surfed and people gave you weird looks just for carrying a board. The barrel is their go-to move.

Did you see yourself in any of these profiles? If you want to better understand your surf personality, improve your technique, and have fun tackling new challenges, check out our intermediate surf courses in Fuerteventura at surfintrip.com. We’ll tell you who you really are!