5 Things You Should Know Before You Start Surfing
5 Things You Should Know Before You Start Surfing
Surfing is the sport of standing on a surfboard whilst riding waves of the ocean. A lot of people quit learning to surf because learning the initial skills is not easy. Learn the basics and it will be fun.
Things to Consider Before Hitting the Surf
Picking a Surfboard – To start with your surfboard should be long, 8 foot or more and be thick. A great example is learning to surf on foam surfboards. They are usually over an inch thick and 9 foot long. A lot of surf lessons are carried out on these.
Attach a Leash – When you start out you need a leash. It connects the board to your ankle so that when you fall off the board will never be too far away. If you don’t have a leash and you fall off, you will waste a lot of time going back in to get the board. It is also for safety, in a crowded beach with a lot of beginner surfers there will be random boards washing up everywhere!
Paddling – Learn to paddle wide. It takes a bit of effort but getting good at paddling out will help you out in the long run. You will conserve energy and get out the back of the waves quicker so you can spend more time learning to surf.
Learn to Duck Dive – You learn to paddle out but what happens when a decent wave is coming? Knowing how to duck dive will allow you to go under the wave and allow you to keep momentum when you are heading out. Duck diving: Duck diving is way of diving under a wave. Duck diving will ensure that you are not washed away by an oncoming wave and your efforts spent in paddling are not wasted.
Practice Standing Up – See a mate or a surf coach to give you tips on how to stand up quickly.
Where to Go to Surf
If you are learning to surf make sure you go with someone experienced. Watch out for Rips.
The ideal surf conditions to try your basic surfing skills would be rolling waves in deeper water.
If you are a beginner learning surfing basics, should not pick critical surf spots to practice. Rolling waves with deeper water is more helpful for beginners. You do not have to be embarassed in learning to surf in small waves – everybody has to start somewhere.
Be sure to speak to a surfboard professional, surf shop staff or surfing friends for great local news on where it is both great and safe to surf.
Where to Buy Gear in Australia
Check out your local surf store. Once you know what you are looking for have a look at the ‘Auctions Now’ page for your area at http://surfboardsale.com.au the home of “The Great Australian Surfboard Sale”
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