You can probably find a beach not too far away from where you live. The ocean is a beautiful, vast expanse of water, but it also tends to be a little bit intimidating for those who have never given surfing a try before. When you first start, you will likely struggle – maybe a lot.
Here are 5 tips for beginner surfers to help prepare you to set out on your journey.
1. Have a Surfing Instructor
Surfing is undoubtedly one of the most popular and exciting activities in the world, but it’s also one of the riskiest. That’s mostly because beginners tend to be too ambitious and think they already know enough to begin surfing on their own.
The best way of learning how to surf is to take a surf camp. For example, if you live in San diego, the surf lessons San Diego are popular. Surf camps will offer you the best surfing instructor who will explain how to do it and make sure you don’t injure yourself or others.
2. Choose a Good Instructor
Not all surfing teachers are equally good. Therefore, take some time to do research and find out the best surfing teacher around you. A good surfing instructor will enormously reduce the difficulty of learning surfing. Additionally, they can make you fall in love with the activity of surfing.
3. Use a Big Surfboard
In general, bigger boards are going to be easier to ride. The larger surface area will make it easier to balance and get into position to catch waves. If you are used to swimming in ocean waves regularly, then transitioning over to body surfing is going to be much easier with a larger board. A large or ‘gun’ surfboard can help beginners develop better mechanics.
A big board will enable you to paddle better and catch more waves in the early stages. Your path forward to mastering wave riding will be quicker if you opt for a larger board. Sure, surfing is fun, but making it to the next rung of the ladder requires skill and perseverance. If you’re just getting started, you should consider picking a big surfboard.
4. Get Yourself a Soft-Top
If you are just beginning to learn surfing, you will spend considerable time sitting on the board instead of standing on it. So, it makes sense that you get a surfing board with a soft top. Additionally, they are also safer for people who are learning surfing.
5. Surf on a Beginners Wave
If you are a Beginner, you’ll want to choose the right surf beach or surf spot for learning. There is a big difference between the waves for beginners and the waves for advanced surfers. The ocean doesn’t discriminate, it gives the same waves to each surfer. Choosing a good spot and learning about smaller more constant waves is key to conquering bigger waves later on.
The best place to learn how to surf is at a beach with waves that are appropriate for the skill level of the student. For a beginning surfer, this means small waves, which brings me to one of the most important pieces of advice: Surf on a beach known for good, steady waves.
Conclusion
We all need to start somewhere, even if it means falling while trying to stand up. Falling is normal and happens to all surfers at some point or another. It’s not necessarily how far you fall that determines how well you’re doing though – it’s getting back up which matters. Learning to surf is one of those things that a lot of people have on their bucket lists.