How to Surf in CS:GO: Complete Beginners Guide to Surfing Maps
Surfing in CS:GO is a unique movement technique that allows players to glide smoothly across specially designed maps. I'll show you how to master this skill step by step.
To start surfing, you'll need to:
1. Connect to a surf server 2. Enable console commands 3. Learn the basic controls 4. Practice proper movement techniques
First, enable the developer console in CS:GO by going to Game Settings and setting "Enable Developer Console" to "Yes". You can now access it by pressing the tilde (~) key.
To find surf servers, open the community server browser and search for "surf" in the tags. Look for servers with "beginner" or "easy" in their names when you're starting out.
Basic surfing controls:
- Hold A or D while on a ramp (never press both) - Don't press W (forward) while surfing - Use your mouse to control direction - Keep your crosshair parallel to the ramp - Maintain a steady angle while sliding
The fundamental concept is to surf on angled surfaces by holding the opposite directional key. If the ramp tilts left, hold D. If it tilts right, hold A. This creates a gliding effect that maintains your momentum.
Common beginner mistakes to avoid:
- Pressing W while surfing - Using both A and D simultaneously - Moving your mouse too drastically - Looking down or up instead of parallel to the ramp - Jumping unnecessarily
Start with these beginner-friendly maps:
- surf_beginner - surf_easier - surf_utopia - surf_mesa
To improve your skills:
1. Practice maintaining consistent speed 2. Learn to transition between ramps smoothly 3. Master the art of air strafing 4. Start with easier maps before progressing 5. Watch experienced surfers and learn their techniques
For air strafing (moving between ramps), synchronize your mouse movement with the A/D keys. Move your mouse left while holding A, or right while holding D, to maintain momentum in the air.
Remember that surfing takes time to master. Start with simple maps and gradually work your way up to more challenging ones. With consistent practice, you'll begin to develop muscle memory for the required movements.
Advanced tips:
- Use lower mouse sensitivity for better control - Learn the optimal angles for different ramp types - Practice maintaining speed through multiple ramps - Master the timing of transitions between surfaces - Learn to recover from mistakes without falling
The key to becoming proficient at surfing is patience and regular practice. Focus on smooth movements and consistent angles before attempting complex routes or speed runs.