Learn to surf tips

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!!
 

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.