Would you like to learn to surf too? It always looks so cool and simple, but what’s it like when you’ve never done it?
What things should you take into account? How do you book lessons? And what is the right time to enter the water? We answer all these and more questions for the novice surfer!
First time surfing, take surfing lessons.
If you have never surfed before, it is advisable to take several surfing lessons.
But some tips and pointers are very useful. In addition, your instructor knows the break well and can choose the best place for you to start.
You will also receive tips in the field of safety, and for a good reason.
Beginners’ lessons are always on foam boards of 8 feet (2.4 meters) or longer. These are, as it were, rafts that you can easily float on and that have enough power to stand on the very ‘easily’ (but can also fall off just as hard, unfortunately).
Learning to surf is practice, practice, and more practice.
The duration of a surf lesson depends on where you take surf lessons. They are often 2 to 3 hours, most of which you lie in the water.
After a short explanation on dry land, it is also possible that you immediately go into the water. This also depends on the location and break.
You will also receive an explanation of how to protect yourself against your board.
Basic principles you learn during your surf lesson
Warm-up
Surfing is also a sport, so don’t go into the water without warming up. A combination of exercises to warm up the shoulders and legs are recommended.
Loosen your shoulders and wrists, stretch your legs, arms, and back, do some air squats and practice ‘dry’ on your board a few times.
You can also run up and down the beach a bit to warm up.
Surfer’s position on the board
Your surfboard should be positioned correctly. You should be able to see your feet above the water.
In addition to not submerging the board, it should not stick out of the water. The board is lying completely horizontally on the water.
Due to its low resistance, waves can easily carry you along. Don’t rest your chin on the board; keep your head up.
What wave do you start surfing on?
White waves are your best friend! These white waves, called White Wash in English, have already broken.
This makes these a bit more accessible to start with. It is normal to surf these white waves for the first few times!
It will take time to master the so-called Green Waves (waves that have not yet been ‘broken’).
This will certainly take a few lessons, so don’t worry if you don’t brave these waves the first time.
Paddling with surfboard
Paddling with a surfboard is not that difficult at all.
Put your arms back and forth in the water like you would in a front crawl if you feel yourself being carried away by a wave, and paddle along a bit so that the wave doesn’t overtake you.
Even when you paddle deeper into the sea, waves can come your way. Of course, you don’t want to be flooded by a wave; you can prevent this by doing a turtle roll or duck dive.
You will learn this during your surfing lessons.
Learning to get up (and everything in between)
If you feel you are being carried away by the wave and it is not catching up with you, you can try to get up.
You put your hands next to your shoulders, make a push-up movement, and simultaneously put your feet under your body.
Make sure you put one foot in front. Make sure your feet are in the middle of the board to be stable. Always try to watch where you are going.
This gives you more balance and prevents you from bumping into others. To master this move, it is best to take surfing lessons or practice with an experienced surfer.
Tip: Practice the above steps on the beach a few times, so you’re prepared when you catch your first wave. In addition, there are plenty of videos and surfing photos online that you can watch at home like surfer dad surf blog with sensational surfing photos.
Safety when surfing
Make sure you are aware of the spot where you surf. The sea can have treacherous currents, and there may be obstacles such as stones or reefs underwater.
Never surf alone. If you are on the water with others, you can keep an eye on each other.
In addition, it is also a lot more fun to surf with others. When you walk through the surf, keep the board behind you.
This prevents you from hurting yourself with the surfboard. If you are not surfing and, for example, resting for a while, hold onto your board.
Otherwise, your board could hurt other surfers or swimmers. If you fall and your surface, raise your arms above your head.
This is important because otherwise, the surfboard may hit your head. Also, be mindful of other surfers, and make sure you don’t get in the way when someone catches a wave. Therefore, always look around you carefully to know what is happening around you.
How and where do you book surf lessons
There are several ways to arrange your surf lessons. You can book a surf camp, where the lessons are often included.
You can learn online from ascoring, a great article about Surfer Dad Surf Blog With Sensational Surfing Photos is a great place to start.
If you go to a place known for surfing, your accommodation can often recommend good surf schools or offer surf lessons.
And of course, you can ask the locals on the beach if they want to give you surfing lessons.
Depending on where you are, they are happy to do this. For example, it is no problem in Bali to ask the locals on the beach. Remember that they are not trained as teachers, so the explanation is often not structured.
In addition, they do not offer insurance or rent-out boards and wetsuits. So you still have to arrange all these, just like your transport.
What are you bringing?
Surf lessons always include board rental and transport to and from the surf spot and often also include a wetsuit or rash shirt (sun protection T-shirt).
A rashguard also protects your belly against friction with your board; you have them in variants with a loose or tighter fit.
In addition, it is important to lubricate your board with wax. No, not for your hair, but so that you have extra grip on your surfboard.
You need to bring yourself water, sunscreen, a towel (for example, a hammam towel), and a good portion of perseverance.
Never forget that the best surfer is not the one who stands first. The best surfer is the one who has the most fun and doesn’t give up easily!
Surf language
I had to get used to it myself; what are those surfers talking about!? Swell, choppy waves, beach breaks, and rad waves (crazy waves) are a few examples.
Learning to surf is also learning to understand and use the surfing terms. We are also happy to help you with the preparations so you can easily join the conversation later. If you want to read more about surfing visit ascoring sports section.
I hope you find this article useful.
Thanks For Reading.