If you’ve ever wondered whether you can keep surfing—or even start surfing—after 50, the answer is a resounding yes. Here at Surf Education Academy in La Jolla Shores, we see surfers in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s enjoying the lineup every single week.
You’ll find them catching glassy rights near Scripps Pier at dawn, gliding through mellow waist-high peelers on the inside sandbars, or taking long cruises down the line on a classic 9’6” log. And the best part? The community here is welcoming. Whether you’re a lifelong waterman or a total beginner, there’s a spot for you in the lineup.
Just head a few miles north to Tourmaline Surfing Park, home of the beloved “Old Man’s” break in Pacific Beach, and you’ll see what we mean. On any given morning, there’s a smiling crew of older surfers—some who’ve been surfing there since the ’60s—sharing waves, trading stories, and cheering each other on. La Jolla Shores has that same easygoing, encouraging vibe. It’s living proof that surfing truly is for every age and stage.
This guide is packed with expert tips, local insights, and motivation to help you—or someone you love—stay active, stay safe, and keep riding waves for decades to come.
Why Age Doesn’t Limit Surfing
One of the best-kept secrets in surf culture? The lineup is full of “silver surfers” who are still paddling out—and loving every minute of it. In La Jolla, it’s common to see a 20-year-old sharing waves with a 65-year-old who’s been surfing the Shores for decades.
In fact, many older surfers develop better wave-reading skills, a smoother style, and more patience than their younger counterparts. They’ve learned to wait for the right wave instead of chasing everything that moves—and when that perfect set comes, they’re often in the best position to snag it.
Surfing can be adapted to any fitness level and style. The key is knowing your body, choosing the right equipment, and respecting the conditions.
Health Benefits of Surfing for Older Adults
Surfing in your 50s and beyond is more than just a workout—it’s a full-body, full-mind health booster that’s hard to beat.
1. Cardiovascular Fitness
Paddling strengthens your heart, boosts lung capacity, and improves endurance. Even short sessions can give you a solid aerobic workout.
2. Muscle Strength & Bone Density
Duck diving, popping up, and riding waves keep your core, shoulders, and legs strong. Weight-bearing activity like surfing can help slow age-related bone density loss.
3. Balance & Coordination
Navigating waves trains your proprioception (your body’s sense of position), which reduces the risk of falls on land.
4. Mental Health Boost
The combination of saltwater, sunshine, and endorphins lowers stress, improves mood, and supports cognitive health.
5. Social Connection
Surfing fosters community. Whether you’re chatting between sets, laughing after a wipeout, or sharing post-surf coffee at The Shack on La Jolla Shores Drive, the friendships you form in the water often last a lifetime.
Essential Tips for Surfing Into Your 40s, 50s, and Beyond
1. Start with Your Health
Check in with your healthcare provider before starting or returning to surfing—especially if you’ve had previous injuries. Staying hydrated, eating nutrient-rich foods, and getting enough rest will set you up for success.
2. Pick the Right Board
A thicker, wider, high-volume board helps with paddling ease and stability. Many older surfers in La Jolla prefer funboards or longboards for their glide and forgiveness. At Old Man’s, you’ll see everything from vintage single-fins to modern epoxy logs.
3. Invest in a Proper Wetsuit
Water temps at La Jolla Shores can dip into the high 50s in winter. A well-fitted 4/3mm wetsuit will keep you warm and extend your sessions. For summer, a lighter 3/2mm or even a spring suit can keep you comfortable.
4. Take Professional Lessons
Even if you’ve surfed before, lessons can help fine-tune your technique, improve your wave positioning, and refresh your safety skills. At SEA, our instructors are trained to adapt lessons for different ages and fitness levels so you can surf smart and surf safe.
5. Prioritize Conditioning
A strong core, flexible shoulders, and leg endurance make a world of difference. Yoga, swimming, light resistance training, and balance exercises (like Indo Board drills) can keep you surf-ready.
6. Set Realistic Goals
Instead of chasing every set wave, aim for quality rides over quantity. Celebrate progress—like a smoother popup, a better cross-step, or a clean exit over the shoulder.
7. Protect Your Skin
Sun damage accumulates over time. Wear reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, or surf hats for added protection. Long-sleeve wetsuit tops are a great choice for summer.
Mindset, Motivation, and Community
Surfing is as much mental as it is physical—especially as we age. The most successful older surfers keep their expectations flexible and their stoke high.
In La Jolla, community is everything. The Shores lineup is family-friendly and welcoming. Finding a surf buddy or joining a local surf club keeps you motivated and connected. And if you want to blend surf with social life, nothing beats the post-session lineup at Old Man’s—where the conversations are as smooth as the waves.
Local La Jolla Tips for Older Surfers
- Timing is Everything – Early mornings at La Jolla Shores often bring lighter winds, friendlier conditions, and smaller crowds. It’s tough to beat some of the older locals to the water, they’ll pull up as soon as the La Jolla Shores gates open up at 5am.
- Know the Tides – Usually mid tide to higher tide is generally better for beginners and returning surfers at the Shores, while Old Man’s handles a variety of tides.
- Watch the Sandbars – Scripps Pier sandbars shift seasonally. Ask locals or lifeguards where the friendliest takeoff spots are. But, if you watch the crowd long enough, you will spot the OG La Jolla locals sitting at the right spot.
- Stay Ocean Aware – Learn how to spot rip currents and always surf near a lifeguard tower when possible. Or just watch some of the OG La Jolla local surfers, they will usually find the right areas to paddle out from.
FAQs About Surfing Over 50
Can I learn to surf at 50+ if I’ve never tried before?
Absolutely. With the right board, wetsuit, and instructor, you can start at any age. We’ve had first-time surfers in their 60s at SEA who are now regulars in the lineup.
What physical preparation helps most?
Swimming, core strength, and balance work. Yoga and mobility training help maintain flexibility for popups and turns.
Is surfing safe for people with old injuries?
Often, yes—with the right guidance. Our instructors can adjust your stance, recommend modified popups, and choose waves that work for your needs.
Conclusion: It’s Never Too Late to Catch Your Next Wave
Surfing over 50 isn’t about proving anything—it’s about living fully, staying fit, and enjoying the ocean for as long as you can. The waves at La Jolla Shores and Old Man’s don’t care about your birth year—they care that you show up with an open heart, a healthy respect for the ocean, and a willingness to paddle.
Whether it’s your first lesson or your thousandth wave, your surfing journey can still be full of progress, community, and joy.
Ready to get started?
Book your lesson today and join the growing tribe of SEA’s “Silver Surfers.” We’ll help you find your wave—at any age.
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