First-time surfing at Songjeong, Busan — Surfholic lesson and free-surfing experience sharing
Jufy
2 days ago
On this trip to Busan, I originally planned to keep things easy, like eating seafood, hopping between cafes, and enjoying ocean views. But while planning, I came across a surfing class at Songjeong Beach, and in the end I decided to challenge myself with my very first surfing experience.
I booked Surfholic’s “1-hour surfing lesson + free surfing” package. I used to think surfing was something only really skilled people could do, but after actually joining, I realized beginners can definitely experience the fun of it too.
When I arrived at the beach in Songjeong, the weather was perfect. Watching surfers out on the water, I couldn’t help worrying a little about whether I’d even be able to stand up later.
After I got my board, my first reaction was, “So surfboards are this big!” It was a bit heavier than I expected, but holding it while taking photos by the shore felt especially meaningful, after all, it was my first time ever standing on the beach as a “surfer.”
The class meeting point was inside the Surfholic shop.
It’s really close to the beach, so after checking in and changing, it only takes a short walk to get straight to the sand. The indoor space was more spacious than I expected, with surfboards lined up along the walls, the moment you step in, you can totally feel that beach vibe.
A lot of the students looked like they were trying it for the first time too, so my nerves instantly dropped by half.
Before we actually went into the water, the instructor taught us on the beach first.
I thought it would just be a quick explanation before heading out, but the instructor was super thorough, demonstrating everything step by step, from how to lie on the board and paddle to how to pop up.
Honestly, watching everyone lie on the sand and practice the motions together was pretty funny.
It looks easy when other people do it, but when it was my turn, I realized just the “standing up” motion isn’t that simple.
Once we were actually in the ocean, things were, of course, not as smooth as I imagined.
My first few tries were basically all failures, either the wave passed before I could stand up, or I’d stand and immediately lose my balance.
But since the waves weren’t too big, and the instructor stayed close by to help, even after falling into the water a bunch of times, I never felt scared.
The most memorable moment was when I finally managed to stand up once.
It only lasted a few seconds, and the next moment I fell straight into the sea, but that instant felt incredibly rewarding.
No wonder so many people keep paddling back out again and again even though they wipe out constantly.
What makes this package feel especially worth it to me is that after the lesson ends, you can keep surfing freely.
At the start of class, most of the time is spent getting used to the movements, and by the time you finally start to get the hang of it, the lesson is almost over.
Being able to stay in the water and keep practicing actually helped me improve faster afterward.
Compared to the chaos at the beginning, later on I had a better sense of when to paddle and when to stand up.
I was still far from truly “knowing how to surf,” but at least I wasn’t as flustered as I was at first.
Afterward, I went back to the shop to rest. Seeing rows of surfboards along the wall, I suddenly felt like I’d completed a challenge.
This Busan trip had tons of delicious food and plenty of attractions, but if I had to choose the one experience that left the biggest impression, it would probably be this surfing session.
Because what I brought home wasn’t just photos, it was the memory of trying something new for the first time.
If you happen to be going to Busan and want to plan something a little different from typical sightseeing, I really think the surfing class at Songjeong is worth trying.
Even if you’re a total beginner like me, there’s no need to worry too much, just come with a relaxed mindset and have fun.
Also, what I’d most recommend about Surfholic is how beginner-friendly it is for people with zero surfing experience. The instructor starts with the basics, safety, how to lie on the board, and how to pop up. So even if it’s your first time ever encountering surfing, you won’t feel nervous or lost. Once you get in the water, you’ll probably fail a lot at first, either you can’t stand up or you lose your balance and fall in, but with the instructor’s encouragement and guidance, you slowly start to get the hang of it. The moment you successfully stand on the board, you’ll truly feel a huge sense of accomplishment.
The waves at Songjeong Beach are relatively steady, and with a clean surrounding area and beautiful scenery, it’s a great spot for a first-time surfing experience. Even with just a few short hours, you can feel the unique appeal of ocean sports. For travelers who want to try something different, this isn’t just a simple water activity, it’s an unforgettable experience that lets you challenge yourself and create wonderful memories. If I get the chance to travel to Busan again in the future, I’d also love to go back to Songjeong and experience the joy of moving freely forward on the waves.
