Learning to surf can be exciting and scary. Surfing requires
knowing the proper techniques and selecting the right equipment for a
successful ride. If you're just starting out, the tips below can help
you stay upright on your board a little longer. For your own safety,
surf with someone more experienced who can help you while you're
learning the ropes.
Get Advice When Choosing a Board
Choosing a board is the first step to successfully learning to
surf. There are two suitable types of boards that are best for beginning
surfing. Foam boards can usually be rented at most surf beaches. They
are the most forgiving of the different types of surfboards; however,
their basic design makes it difficult for progressing surfers to
continue learning. Pop-out boards are more suited for beginners and come
in a variety of shapes and sizes. When you shop for a board, seek the
advice of surfing experts and people who work in the industry.
Buy the Right Wax for the Water's Temperature
Waxing your board is important because it helps you stay on your
surfboard. Aside from the base coat wax, surf waxes come in four
varieties: tropical, warm, cool, and cold. As the name implies, you
apply base coat wax as your first layer before applying the water
temperature wax. Tropical wax should be used in water temperatures
higher than 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm wax is best when you're surfing
in waters between 68 and 75 F. Use cool wax when the water temperature
is between 60 and 68 F. Cold wax should be used in temperatures between
50 and 60 F.
Use Correct Body Position When Paddling to Waves
It's difficult for many beginners to find the right body
positioning when paddling. You want to position yourself on the middle
of the board. The ideal position for the nose is a few inches out of the
water, according to surfing experts. Once you find the right position
on the board, arch your back so that your weight is on the bottom of
your rib cage.
When paddling, be sure to fully submerge your arm in the water and make a small "S" when paddling. Avoid having both arms out of the water at the same time, as it can reduce your speed. Paddling out the first time may expend a lot of energy; don't paddle too fast or you'll be tired once you reach the wave.
When paddling, be sure to fully submerge your arm in the water and make a small "S" when paddling. Avoid having both arms out of the water at the same time, as it can reduce your speed. Paddling out the first time may expend a lot of energy; don't paddle too fast or you'll be tired once you reach the wave.
Master Whitewater Waves Before Progressing to Deeper Water
As a beginner, you'll start surfing in the whitewater. The
whitewater is the shallow water closest to the beach. These waves are
more forgiving than waves in the outside, past the breaking waves. In
the whitewater you'll learn how to get up on your board with proper
balance so you can ride the waves. These whitewater waves push your
board across the water, giving you more time to get on your feet and
properly situated on your board. Once you master riding the whitewater
waves, you can start to move into deeper water with more challenging
waves.
Keep Your Weight Centered on the Middle of the Board
As with paddling, finding the right body position for balancing
on your board will help you stay upright when surfing. It is especially
important to keep your upper body centered. If you are too far back on
your surfboard, the front of your board will tilt up and you'll push
against the water. Being too close to the front of the board will cause
the nose to sink. When standing, your legs should be shoulder-width
apart with your hips centered directly above your feet. You can then
shift your body weight by applying more weight to either your right or
left foot.
Always Stand Sideways When Surfing
Standing sideways helps the surfboard stay flat while you surf.
Surfing with your right foot at the back of your board is called regular
foot. If you surf with your left foot at the back of the board, it's
called goofy foot. Neither way is right; however, you'll know which foot
is your preferred one once you start surfing. If you snowboard or
skateboard, use the same stance on your surfboard.
If you're just learning to surf, knowing a few quick tips can
help you avoid some beginner mistakes. Seek out the advice of veteran
surfers and surf shops when selecting your surfing equipment. Also,
don't try to do too much too soon. Stay in the shallower water when
first starting out, master the proper techniques, and then venture out
to deeper waters. With dedication and practice, you'll be riding the big
waves before you know it.
Source
Source
