I have been surfing for maybe 5 months. I surf at least once a week. I usually surf a 7ft foamie and I can consistently catch waves (maybe 3ft) and pop up on them and I can move up and down the face of the wave by compressing and extending. I can also just about turn the board so it can cut back to the whitewater a bit.

Recently when I’ve been paddling out to the break I’ve been super tired paddling and my arms have felt weak. Surfing has felt like more physical effort, and I’ve been getting out of breath during surf sessions. Is it my fitness that is letting me down right now? How can I improve this? I really want to progress.

Also, I tried to ride a shorter board, I think it was a 6’7, with a little less volume than what i usually ride, and I really struggled to catch waves on it!

Some people can downsize boards and still be able to surf, just maybe not as well. I was missing a lot of waves as in they would go off without me. Is it my fitness / arm strength? I really want to keep progressing so I want to get my mojo back!

If anyone can offer insight or general progression tips for me at this stage I would appreciate it!