Surf style is not something that can be bought in a mall, as
much as major surfing brands would lead you to believe. Surf style is
something that a surfer acquires over a great deal of time, as their
knowledge and prowess with the sport if surfing advances. The main
element associated with surf style is originality. There is, however, a
detailed regimen you can follow and implement into aspects of your life
in order to curate and prefect your own personal surf style.
Develop Your Own Style
Here, style is not meant in regards to clothing. Style
incorporates the aspect of your own personal surfing techniques and
prowess in the water. You can't have a surf style without actually
surfing. If you want a legitimate surf style, you're going to have to
get wet. Scope out any areas near you where surfers hang out. Rent a
board, take a lesson, ask questions, and develop your skill. This is
something that won't be easy at first and will take a great deal of
practice, but the benefits are pretty extraordinary. There's no feeling
like riding a wave, and you'll soon learn that. As your skill improves,
so will your style in the water. Eventually, you'll want people to be
able to recognize you in the water based solely on your surfing.
Perfect Your Technique
While your surfing style in the water is something that can only
be developed through your own conscience, technique is something that
can be learned and imitated. Developing a style akin to your own
personality is the easy part; mastering a strict surfing technique is
more difficult. This will require deep levels of analyzation of both
your own surfing and the surfing of others. Watching video footage of
yourself is a good way to accomplish this. Look at how your body is
moving and reacting to the waves and build upon that. To prefect your
technique, you are going to want to look at your maneuvering, parts of
the wave you take advantage of, your fluidity of movements and
maneuvers, your loss and gain of momentum, and your overall energy.
Live the Lifestyle
Although your overall surf style is largely held in your actual
surfing, it's true that there is a certain lifestyle that comes along
with the sport. Here, clothes do make the man: stylish board-shorts and
tank tops for your down time, and a comfortable and efficient bathing
suit/wetsuit for your time in the water. Of course, you can't forget a
good pair of sunglasses to protect your precious eyes from all of the
sun they will be exposed to in your surfing endeavors.
To really acclimatize yourself to the surfing culture, you'll want to surround yourself with music that is commonly associated with surfing. Your first stop will be the Beach Boys, but from there, the options are infinite for your playlist. For a modern take on surfing music, take a listen to Vacationer, Real Estate, and Tame Impala.
To really acclimatize yourself to the surfing culture, you'll want to surround yourself with music that is commonly associated with surfing. Your first stop will be the Beach Boys, but from there, the options are infinite for your playlist. For a modern take on surfing music, take a listen to Vacationer, Real Estate, and Tame Impala.
Get Involved and Informed
No decent surfer can be oblivious to the world of surfing. Brush
up on who is currently at the top of their game in the surfing industry
(notable name include Taj Burrow, Joel Parkinson, Damien Hobgood, and
Tyler Wright). Stay up to date on any contest that is coming up in your
area as this is a great way to get your name out there as a surfer. If
you don't feel your ready to compete, just go and hang out at surfing
contests. Talk to the people who are competing. This is a great way to
boost your confidence, and get involved with the community.
Get Active
Although professional surfers may make the sport appear easy and
effortless, surfing is an incredibly rigorous and intense workout. If
you want to master your surfing style you're going to have to be in good
shape. This doesn't mean you have to rush out and buy a gym membership,
but you should be implementing elements of exercise and activity into
your everyday life. This could mean going for a walk, or doing some
cardio. You should be especially conscious of your physical exercise
regimen in the times when you are unable to surf in an effort to keep
yourself in great shape for when the season resumes.
As you can now see, there are a plethora of aspects that are
involved in creating and maintaining a well-rounded and respected
surfing style. It certainly requires a lot more than going to your local
mall and buying a T-shirt with a surfing company's logo branded across
it. Get out to the beach and take a ride on some waves. Surfing isn't
something you can prefect instantaneously, but if you put in enough
effort, energy, and practice there's no reason why you can't excel. Try
something new, and in return, gain your very own personal surfing style.
