How to Surf in CS:GO - Complete Beginner's Guide to Movement
Surfing in CS:GO is a unique movement technique that lets you glide across specially designed maps using curved surfaces. I'll show you exactly how to start surfing and improve your skills.
Basic Controls for Surfing:
1. Hold the A key to surf left-sided ramps 2. Hold the D key to surf right-sided ramps 3. Keep your mouse steady and parallel to the ramp 4. Don't press W while surfing 5. Use air strafing (A/D + mouse movement) between ramps
To start surfing, you'll need to join a surf server. Open CS:GO, click "Play," then "Community Server Browser," and search for "surf" in the tags. Look for beginner-friendly servers like "surf_beginner" or "surf_easy."
Essential Settings for Surfing:
1. Set cl_forwardspeed to 999999 2. Set cl_sidespeed to 999999 3. Disable mouse acceleration 4. Use a relatively low mouse sensitivity 5. Set air_acceleration to 150 (on private servers)
The basic surfing technique involves pressing against the ramp without falling off. When you approach a ramp, imagine your character leaning into it. Don't fight the slope - work with it to maintain speed and control.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid:
1. Pressing W while surfing 2. Looking straight ahead instead of parallel to the ramp 3. Making sudden mouse movements 4. Overcompensating when losing balance 5. Not maintaining consistent speed
Practice is crucial for improvement. Start with easier maps like surf_beginner, surf_mesa, or surf_utopia. These maps feature wider ramps and forgiving layouts perfect for learning the basics.
Advanced Techniques:
1. Pre-strafing before ramps to gain speed 2. Using air strafing to make tight turns 3. Maintaining momentum through multiple ramps 4. Performing surf transfers between different surfaces 5. Managing speed control for precise landings
Remember that surfing takes time to master. Focus on staying on the ramp and maintaining constant speed before attempting complex movements. With practice, you'll develop muscle memory and better understand the physics of surfing in CS:GO.
For the best learning experience, I recommend spending at least 30 minutes daily on surf maps. Start with the basics, and gradually progress to more challenging maps as your skills improve.
Finally, joining a surfing community can significantly accelerate your learning. Many experienced surfers are willing to share tips and techniques with newcomers. Don't hesitate to ask for advice in server chat.