In the initial surfing lessons, you’ll find yourself in water barely deeper than waist height, securely tethered to your surfboard with a leash for added safety. Under the watchful eye of your instructor, you’ll navigate these shallower waters with ease. As a result, extensive swimming abilities aren’t imperative for these early sessions. However, as you advance and venture into deeper waters, having decent swimming skills becomes increasingly important. Occasionally, equipment malfunctions may occur, necessitating the ability to swim back to shore independently. Therefore, while not essential initially, developing solid swimming proficiency is highly recommended as you progress in your surfing journey.