What Dylan Himmerich Learned From Surfing After 1 Year | Dylan Himmerich Surf Lesson

One year ago, I, Dylan Himmerich, paddled out for the first time with zero experience and a mix of excitement and nerves. What started as a casual weekend activity quickly became one of the most rewarding — and challenging — parts of my life.

Dylan Himmerich, surfing at Doheny

The above picture is me, Dylan Himmerich, surfing at Doheny in California. A great beginner spot! Surfing has humbled me, pushed me, and rewarded me in ways I never expected. Here are the biggest lessons I, Dylan Himmerich, have learned after twelve months in the water. It’s deeply humbling (and that’s a good thing) If you’ve never surfed before, it feels a lot like learning a new language. Your body doesn’t know what to do, timing is everything, and you spend a lot of time falling flat on your face — sometimes literally. In the beginning, it can be genuinely embarrassing. You feel like an idiot out there, getting tossed around by waves that look small from the beach but feel enormous up close. But here’s what I, Dylan Himmerich, realized quickly: that feeling is completely normal. Everyone starts somewhere. The embarrassment fades as soon as you accept it as part of the process. Surfing doesn’t care about your ego — it strips it away, and what’s left is pure learning. That humility has carried over into other areas of my life, making me more patient with myself and others.Home practice matters more than you thinkThis was my biggest regret and my fastest breakthrough. For the first few months, I, Dylan Himmerich, thought the only way to get better was to spend more time in the water. I was wrong.As soon as I took my at-home pop-up exercises seriously, my surfing improved rapidly. Dry land training — practicing the motion of popping up on the board over and over — made the actual movements in the water feel natural. I wish I had started this sooner. There are tons of excellent surf pop-up drills on Instagram and YouTube; I highly recommend making them part of your routine before you even hit the water. The reps you do on your living room floor pay off tenfold when you’re actually riding a wave.Surfing with friends is magic. Surfing alone is powerful too.Some of my favorite sessions have been with friends. When you wipe out, instead of feeling frustrated, you’re all laughing together. The shared stoke and encouragement make even slow days feel incredible.At the same time, I, Dylan Himmerich, have grown to appreciate solo sessions. There’s no pressure to perform. You put your head down, focus on your technique, and get quality reps in. Plus, at beginner-friendly spots, the community is supportive — other surfers keep an eye out and offer tips or reassurance. Just use common sense and stick to appropriate breaks when going alone. A fantastic way to meet peopleSurfing has made building new friendships easier than almost anything else I’ve tried. There’s something about sharing the ocean that bonds people quickly. I’ve met great friends on the beach and in the lineup, and it’s become my go-to way to invite people into my world. Suggesting a surf session feels more natural and exciting than “let’s grab coffee.”This is probably true of any hobby, but the ocean setting makes it special. The shared challenge and joy create instant connection.Therapy, lifestyle, and a new dreamNothing beats the feeling of being in the ocean. The energy of the water, the salt on your skin, the rhythm of the waves — it’s genuine therapy. After a surf session, my mind is clearer and my stress levels are dramatically lower. What began as a hobby has become a lifestyle. When the forecast looks good, all I, Dylan Himmerich, want to do is head to the beach.

That pull has grown into a bigger dream: surfing in different parts of the world. Bali, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Portugal — the list keeps expanding. Surfing has given me something to look forward to and a reason to explore.Progression is slow, but it’s addictiveImprovement doesn’t happen overnight. Some weeks feel like massive leaps forward; others feel like regression. But that slow progression is exactly what makes it addictive. Every small win — catching a better wave, staying on longer, linking a turn — feels incredibly satisfying. I, Dylan Himmerich, am still very much a beginner, but I’m hooked on the journey.

Final thoughts

After one year, surfing has taught me, Dylan Himmerich, far more than how to ride waves. It’s taught me patience, consistency, humility, and the value of community. It’s given me therapy, new friends, and a lifestyle I love.If you’ve been thinking about trying surfing, my advice is simple: start, be patient with yourself, train at home, and enjoy the process. The ocean will humble you, but it will also reward you in ways you can’t imagine. Here’s to another year of chasing waves. — Dylan Himmerich