LEARN TO SURF TIPS
IT"S A FUN JOURNEY....
Surfing looks certainly simple....just walk out into the surf, turn the surf board around, catch
a wave and stand up. If only life was that easy! Here are some cool steps to help you master the waves. Learning to surf can
be a slow and frustrating process, however, it’s not all doom and gloom just follow these cool tips and you'll soon be on your way. The learning to surf journey is a fun one that only gets better. Enjoy!!
The following 10 steps are to be used as a guide only
Learning to Surf Step 1
Select a safe beach that has a day of small surf
- so its best often in the summer months as this is generally the rule
worldwide. Make sure the equipment you use is safe - a soft board.
Learning to Surf Step 2
Take 30 minutes (and we mean 30 minutes) to take a look at what is
happening in the water and identify any possible hazards, such as rocks, rips, tide situation (too high or too low can cause problems for a learner).
Pick a spot where the waves are best for
you. Remember, we suggest that you start in waves 1 to 3 ft only – 2ft is
ideal for your first taster.
Learning to Surf Step 3
Walk to the waters edge. Slip your leash (leg rope) on around your back ankle. Make
your way into the ocean, keeping the surfboard by your side pointing straight
out to sea. Be careful you do not trip over the leash!
Learning to Surf Step 4
Once you reach waist deep, turn the board around and point the board back
towards the beach. Keep an eye on the incoming waves at all times, you must NEVER turn your back on the sea for more than 1 second… it’s a living,
breathing animal - respect it always. If a wave comes you wish not to take,
lift the back of the board up and over.
Learning to Surf Step 5
As a new surfer, you will want to catch a broken wave or white water if you
have gone out in larger than 3ft surf. At waist deep, this will normally be the
only wave available. If you have taken our advice, you may well be able to
catch an unbroken wave that is about to break. You want to
pick your waves based on size and distance from you. The more distance you put
between you and the wave the more time you will have for the next step, getting
ready.
Learning to Surf Step 6
This step takes practice but it’s important to get it right. Don’t worry, just enjoy the fun and frustration of getting it wrong. Pull yourself
onto the board making sure the board is flat on the water. Too far forward will
result in a nose dive. If you’re too far back, you’ll be pushing water
when you paddle. Put your knees apart and keep your head up. Don’t
wrestle the surfboard, lay into it.
Learning to Surf Step 7
You need to get the board moving forward with nice strokes with your arms before the wave meets you. The stronger paddles you put in, the more
chance you have of tapping into the wave. Keep your body still and don’t kick
your feet. Your paddle strokes should be long and effective.
Learning to Surf Step 8
Keep looking over your shoulder and the wave will catch up with you and lift the back of the board, as this happens do three power
paddles so you drop down the face of the wave. Use your head to help you – head
down for more speed and head up to stop a potential nosedive.
Learning to Surf Step 9
Once you catch the wave and you’re racing towards the beach, it’s time for
the hard part - standing up. Pushing down as if you were doing a “half” push up
and bring your legs underneath yourself while twisting your pelvis. This will
help you slide your front foot forward, rather than trying to “step through”,
the board will want to go left or right under your arms if your arms do not
lock strong and tight (so be sure you have the strength for this part).
Learning to Surf Step 10
Keep a low centre of gravity, knees bent, backhand in
front, eyes fixed on where you want to go. Relax and keep the board flat in the
water. Once the wave dies out, hop off and pat yourself on the back. Well done! Now back out for another wave.
Surfing Do's And Dont's
Alcohol. Surfing under the
influence is not a good idea. Save the drinking for the after surf bragging
session at your local, telling everyone just how many barrels you got earlier.
Be Aware. Be aware of other
surfers and water users, of the surf conditions, and of where you are surfing
(see Patrolled Beaches).
Comfort Zone. You should surf in
waves that you are comfortable in, don't get in over your head.
Fitness. Make sure you are
physically fit when surfing. You need to be able to swim back to shore if you
lose your board at the end of an exhausting session - no mean feat in a 3 metre
swell.
Food. As with swimming, do not go surfing
for at least 45 mins after a meal.
Fun. Surfing is all about having fun,
keep it in mind when you are out in the waves.
Hold or Throw. Know when to hold
onto your surfboard and when to get rid of it. If you are paddling out then
keep hold of your board, you'll get out back to the line up more quickly and
you will not put anyone paddling out behind you at risk. If you are about to
wipe-out then get rid of your board. You are far more likely to sustain an
injury if you and your board are getting washed around together.
Patrolled Beaches. If you are surfing
on a patrolled beach make sure that you keep within the designated surfing area.
Take note of where you should be surfing before you go out, and make sure you
stick to it when you are out.
Priority. Always make sure
that you are not taking anyone else's wave. Remember, the surfer who is closest
to the breaking wave has priority. If you see someone already on a wave then
the wave is taken and you'll have to wait for the next one.
Practice. If you want to
improve then you need to be in the water surfing as regularly as possible.
No-one got any better at anything by staying home and watching TV.
Respect. Respect the locals
if you are visiting a beach. Remember that you are a guest and that waves
should be shared.
Rips. A rip is a strong
current that (normally) goes straight out to sea. If caught in one, do not panic, paddle across the rip (not against it) parallel to the beach until you have
escaped. Then ride the next wave in to the shore.
Sun Block. Always wear a good
waterproof sunblock. You'll know about it if you have been out for a few hours
surfing in the sun without it. Also if you are not wearing a Wetsuit it is a
good idea to wear a UV proof rash vest for body protection.
Surf Buddy. Always surf with at
least one other person. Not only will you have more fun if you are sharing your
waves but you will always have someone to help you out if you need it.
Surf Conditions. Make sure that the
surf is safe before you go in. If you are going surfing at a spot you are
unfamiliar with it is a good idea to get some advice from a local. Check out
the surf spot while warming up.
Warm-up. Always have a quick
warm-up and stretch before entering the surf. This will reduce the risk of
muscle injury or cramp whilst you are surfing. It also gives you time to check
for any rips or where the best spot to catch waves is.
