Getting started
How often should I surf to actually improve?
Twice a week is the minimum for real progress. Anything less and you re-learn every time.
Surf skill is perishable. Two sessions per week is the floor for consistent improvement. Three or four is where things click. If you can't get in the water that often, supplement with skateboarding, swimming, and pop-up practice on land. And watch surf video with intent, not just for stoke.