How To Surf In CS:GO

Surfing in Counter-Strike Global Offensive basically involves racing to a finish line by gliding and jumping along specially designed ramps and surfaces while building speed and performing tricks. The goal is to move across the surf map as soon as possible.

Here are the key aspects you need to get familiar with to learn how to surf in CS:GO:

1. Movement and Navigation

To surf in CS:GO, you have to move precisely while maintaining a forward momentum. You’ll also need to understand how to move in relation to the surf ramps to avoid mistakes. 

Basically, you use the “A” and “D” keys to move left and right, then hold on to the “W” key to maintain forward speed.

2. Surf Maps

Of course, there are custom CS:GO maps that are specifically designed for surfing and they are called “surf maps”. These maps often have ramps, walls, and various obstacles that are designed to allow you to glide along them. 

You can easily find surfing maps through the Steam Workshop or by searching for community servers that host them. If you are using the Steam Workshop, subscribe to the map, and it will be automatically downloaded. 

For custom maps from other sources, you may need to manually download and place them in the maps folder in your CS directory. We will also teach you how to find surfing maps later in this guide.

3. Ramps

Ramps are the plane textures you glide on. They are placed at a certain angle way that allows you to continue sliding and speeding up.

3. Basic Technique

When starting a surf, you usually jump onto a ramp and align yourself so that you’re moving parallel to it. The goal is to stay on the ramp and use the angle to your advantage. You need to adjust your positioning and speed carefully to maintain balance and avoid falling off.

4. Practice

Surfing can be challenging at first because it requires precise control and timing. Many players practice how to surf on dedicated surf maps to improve their skills. Also note that there are different difficulty levels in surf maps, so you can start with easier ones and gradually progress to more complex courses.

5. Community and Servers

There are many community servers dedicated to surfing. These servers often have leaderboards, special maps, and a community of players who focus on surfing. Joining these servers can be a great way to practice and compete with others.

Finding surf servers is a simple task, as long as you follow the straightforward process below:

1. Launch CS:GO: Open the game and go to the main menu.
2. Access the Server Browser: Click on “Play,” then select “CS:GO Server Browser” from the list.
3. Use Third-Party Services: Alternatively, you can use third-party services for a curated list of surf servers. Just click and join!

If you’ve never used custom servers before, the game might display a warning that the gameplay could differ from the standard experience. Accept this notification to open the server search window.

1. Filter for Surf Servers: In the search bar, type “surf” to display all available surf servers.
2. Select a Server: Choose one with free slots and a ping that suits you.

And that’s it! You’re ready to start surfing on CS:GO.

To create your own surf server, you will need to enter some server commands into the CS:GO console to start surfing.

First, you choose the surf map you have downloaded and launch it in training mode, then enter these commands into the console:

1. Enable Cheats:

• “sv_cheats 1”

This CS:GO command will enable cheats and console commands, allowing you to set up and customize your CS:GO surfing experience.

2. Toggle Surf Mode:

• “sv_airaccelerate [value]”

This CS:GO command sets the air acceleration, which affects how quickly you can change direction in mid-air. Higher values make it easier to maneuver while surfing.

• “sv_gravity [value]”

This command allows you to adjust the gravity level. Lower values can make surfing easier by reducing the gravity pull.

3. Adjust Surf Settings:  

• “v_staminamax [value]”

This CS:GO command sets the maximum stamina for your character, which can be useful in some surf maps.

• “sv_staminajumpcost [value]”

This command adjusts the stamina cost per jump.

• “sv_autobunnyhopping 1” and “sv_enablebunnyhopping 1”

These commands turn on bunnyhopping.

4. Control Player Movement:

• “cl_showpos 1”

This command displays your current position, speed, and other stats on the screen, which can help in practicing and improving your surfing technique.

• “cl_showfps 1”

This command shows the frame rate, useful for ensuring smooth gameplay during surfing.

5. Practice and Training:

• “sv_noclip 1”

This enables no-clip mode, allowing you to fly through the map for practice or to get a better view of the surf paths.

• “noclip”

Toggles noclip mode on or off.

6. Custom Settings for Surf Maps:

• “sv_allow_votes 1”

This command allows players to vote on map changes or other server settings. Useful in community servers where you might want to change surf maps.

• “sv_maxspeed [value]”

This command sets the maximum speed a player can reach. Higher values can help in achieving faster speeds on surf maps.

7. Adjust Game Environment:

• “r_drawothermodels 2”

This command changes the rendering of other players to a wireframe view, which can reduce distractions and improve focus during surfing.

8. Server-Specific Commands

• “mp_restartgame 1”

This command restarts the game after a delay of 1 second. It is useful for quickly applying new settings or starting a new round in a practice server.

• “bot_kick 1”

Bots interfering in your game can be annoying. This command removes all bots from your game.

With these surf console commands, you will be able to race on different surf maps in CS:GO without any problems.

In this section, you’ll find some of the best and most popular surf maps. We also include links from which you can easily download some of them.

Here are eight classic maps you should get familiar with:

1. surf_beginner

• Description: A beginner-friendly map that introduces new CS:GO surfers to the basics of surfing. It features simple ramps and straightforward challenges.
• Map Type: Beginner
• Download Link: surf_beginner

2. surf_utopia

• Description: This surf map is known for its beautiful design and well-constructed ramps, this map offers a blend of smooth surfing and visually appealing environments.
• Map Type: Intermediate to Advanced
• Download Link: surf_utopia

3. surf_kenny

• Description: This popular map has various challenging surf sections and creative ramp designs. It’s named after a well-known CS:GO player.
• Map Type: Intermediate to Advanced
• Download Link: surf_kenny

4. surf_ski_2

• Description: This is a classic surf map with a long, winding path that’s great for practicing speed and control. It’s a staple in the surfing community.
• Map Type: Intermediate to Advanced
• Download Link: surf_ski_2

5. surf_elevate

• Description: This is a more complex surf map. It features intricate ramps and advanced surfing techniques, making it a challenging map for experienced surfers.
• Map Type: Advanced
• Download Link: surf_elevate

6. surf_ninja

• Description: A visually appealing map with various ramps and obstacles inspired by a ninja theme. It provides a mix of challenges and aesthetics.
• Map Type: Intermediate to Advanced
• Download Link: surf_ninja

7. surf_mesa

• Description: This surf map is known for its smooth, flowing ramps and open design, this map is great for practicing long, continuous surf runs.
• Map Type: Intermediate
• Download Link: surf_mesa

8. surf_cliff

• Description: This surf map offers a mix of challenging ramps and scenic views. This map is known for its vertical drops and complex surf paths.
• Map Type: Advanced
• Download Link: surf_cliff

We provide you with some tips on how to surf CS:GO better:

• Master the basics, such as moving up a ramp. Understanding the fundamentals of CS movement allows you to accurately assess the situation and make informed decisions. While aimlessly racing around the ramp might seem fun at first, it quickly becomes monotonous and makes completing the course more challenging.

• Consider lowering your mouse sensitivity. Surfing doesn’t involve sharp flicks or rapid turns but rather requires smooth, controlled movements. With lower sensitivity, you’ll achieve greater precision and fluidity, which is crucial for effective surfing.

• Finally, remember that practice is essential. While theoretical knowledge is valuable, consistent practice is what truly develops your ability. It can be repetitive and time-consuming, but the upside is that frequent online surfing allows you to interact with other players and enjoy the process.

If you’re looking for how to play CS:GO surf effectively, here are some common mistakes you need to avoid:

Over-steering: Avoid over-correcting your movement with the mouse. Small, controlled movements are often better.

Hitting the Ceiling: Be aware of the map’s geometry to avoid hitting the ceiling or walls, which can slow you down.

Not Reading the Map: Familiarize yourself with the map layout. Knowing where ramps and obstacles are will help you plan your movements better.

Surfing serves as a thrilling alternative mode to the usual shooting in Counter Strike Global Offensive. Whether you’re trying to sharpen your movement or navigation skills, following the steps and tips in this guide will set you on the path to becoming a master surfer.

Remember, with frequent practice, training and dedication, your surfing skills are bound to improve and you may just become a global champion.

Here are some frequently asked questions with detailed answers to further clarify the process of surfing in CS:GO;

• Do I need special settings or configurations for surfing?

No! There are no mandatory settings for surfing in CS:GO. However, many surfers adjust their sensitivity and key bindings to improve their control and comfort. Some players also recommend disabling the “Auto Jump” option in the settings for better precision.

• What are the best surf maps for beginners?

Surf maps vary widely, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. They can range from simple ramps to complex courses with various obstacles and challenges. We recommend surf_beginner, surf_utopia, and surf_mesa for beginners as these maps feature simple to intermediate courses.

• Can surfing improve my overall gameplay in CSGO?

Surfing can help improve your movement skills, reaction times, and spatial awareness, which can be beneficial in regular gameplay. However, it is a specialized skill that may not directly impact your competitive play.

• Is surfing in CSGO considered a cheat or exploit?

No! Surfing is a legitimate part of the game’s mechanics and is not considered cheating. It is a well-known and accepted practice within the community and is supported by custom maps and servers.