Surfing isn’t something you’re likely to just “pick up,” but plenty of people have it on their bucket list. For some, the challenge in setting out to learn lies in not knowing whether or not you’re even going to be good at it. There can often even be a fear of failure.
Surfing is one of the most complex sports out there and a wonderful way to relax, work out, and meet great people. If you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to catching your first waves all by yourself and, perhaps, find a lifelong passion!
Don’t Learn to Surf All by Yourself
No matter how easy you think it looks, never, ever approach surfing by yourself. Either get an experienced friend to teach you or go to a surf camp in order to avoid injuring yourself and others, or even putting your life in danger.
Find a Good Teacher
If you decide to take some surf lessons, research the teacher in advance. Make sure they are experienced and have good reviews. Sometimes, a good teacher won’t just teach you how to surf, but they’ll inspire you and help you love surfing.
Find a Suitable Place
Using a beach that is appropriate for beginning surfers is crucial to your surfing success. Learn to surf on a beach known for good, steady waves and the whole learning process will be smoother. Tackle small waves before you attempt larger ones. Even though you may feel ready, unless your teacher says you’re ready, you’re not. Trust me, you’ll be upgrading your surf spot in no time with the right amount of dedication.
Warm Up and Warm up The Body
Once you’re at the beach, don’t rush in the water. Spend some time on the beach and do your stretching. Check your leash, you board and also take a moment to watch the waves. Keep your eye on the other surfers and see what they do. This isn’t a habit that will stop once you’ve graduated past the beginner ranks.
Use a Big Surfboard
This is one of the best beginner surfing tips you could ever follow. Some people are tempted to jump on smaller, shorter boards as quick as possible. A large board will help you develop better fundamental mechanics and you’ll catch a lot more waves in the early stages.
Always Use a Surf Leash
This is more of a safety requirement rather than a tip. It will take you a while to get used to it and it might get in your way a few times, but a surf leash can potentially save your life, so make sure you are never without one!
Don’t be Afraid
We know that learning new stuff can be quite overwhelming, but take a few deep breaths, even do some light meditation, and center yourself. Remember that this is something you want to do and something that you will most likely enjoy doing for a long time.
Bend at The Knees
When you’re on the wave, it is imperative that you bend your knees and not your back. If you bend your back, you’ll not just lose your balance mush easier but trust me, it’s not a good look in surfing’s style book.
While in the water, you need to keep moving your feet. Shuffle them, move them around, while swimming or on the board. Just don’t let them dangle away as if they weren’t attached to your body. If you keep moving them, the chances of being stung, bit, or something along those lines is reduced.
Practice Your Pop-up
Once you’ve mastered the prone position, you will need to learn how to pop-up. The pop out from the prone position should be swift and seamless. Think of push-ups, as the two are very similar. Practice while on land and continue to improve your technique in the water.
Get Used to Falling
If there’s one certainty when learning to surf, it’s the fact that you will be involved in a lot of wipeouts. You will fall, and fall, and fall… and then you’ll fall some more. Just remember that falling isn’t failing.
The waves will knock you down, you’ll get confused, and frustrated, and you’ll even get some bruises. All you need to remember is that it’s all part of the game.
The satisfactory and stimulating feeling that surfing brings about is always what makes this sport one of the top choices for summer. With the above surfing guide for beginners, I hope that you have been fully equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to enjoy it right this summer. You can use surfboard coupons to save money on buying a good surfboard and get ready for a new experience.
