Extreme Sports

The Beach Boys sang about waxing down their surfboards and waiting for June, well there’s no need to wait for June on Lanzarote as the surfing season continues all year round. Even though the main surf beaches may be relatively free of crowds at the moment, there are still a few committed surfers who go out every day. However, plenty of surf fans will be planning their surf holidays for next summer and booking their flights to this popular island in the Atlantic.

Several of the surf schools on the island have been in business for over 10 years now and have well established bases, coaching surfers from all over Europe throughout the year. Famara is the best known spot on Lanzarote for surfing, for various reasons. It’s location is key, being in the perfect spot to receive those ideal Atlantic swells that roll in continuously, sometimes quite aggressively, sometimes more gently for beginners. Famara also has great sand, to keep the spectators happy and, being quite remote from the typical tourist beaches, there’s no problem with sun seekers getting in the way. An added benefit is the area’s beauty, with no lack of wonderful scenery to provide a perfect backdrop to a day’s surfing the waves.

Only rarely will surfers experience the huge waves that non-surfers conjure up in their minds when they think about the typical Hawaiian surfers shown in advertisements and film scenes, but for most of the surfers that visit Lanzarote, such big rollers would only mean most people having to sit out the day on the beach, watching just a handful of professional?level superstars getting their kicks. No, for majority of people the temperate waves of Lanzarote’s surf beaches are plenty big enough. In addition to the favoured beach at Famara, the tiny island of La Graciosa, which lies off the north west coast of Lanzarote, provides an alternative surf spot just south of the beach at Playa de las Conchas. South of Famara is another area around the La Santa Sports Club, with a choice of 4 locations, but only recommended for more experienced surfers due to the speed of the waves and the rocky sea bed.

There is a common misconception that surfers are laid-back dudes. While they may look the part, it is important to note that surfing is anything but laid-back. It takes a lot of skills and discipline to ride the perfect wave. But don’t be discouraged if you’re a beginner. Once you set your mind to it, surfing will come naturally for you. In fact, you will become so addicted to surfing, that it will be an art form in itself.

Surfers don’t just get onto a surfboard and miraculously learn to ride the waves. They achieved this sort of skill with discipline, practice and a whole lot of determination. If you are a beginner, perhaps the first piece of advice you’ll ever get is to learn not to be scared of the ocean. If you set your mind on conquering the seas with your trusty surfboard, then you’ve got the right outlook.

Before you begin your lessons, you have to make sure you’re fully-equipped. It pays to be prepared, and nothing beats having the confidence to start because you know you’ve got everything you need with you.

The Beach

Of course you need to find the perfect beach with the perfect waves. And you have to pick your beaches wisely. You can’t learn to surf if the waves are a dud. Nor can you get started if they are too big. So it’s best to pick a beach with waters that are mild enough for beginners. In a perfect world, where there are no responsibilities and financial factors, you would opt to go surfing in Hawaii. The waters are wonderfully mild, the temperature is palmy. Alas, time and financial constrictions may prevent you from taking a trip to Hawaii regularly. Good thing Baja California in Mexico, is a really good alternative. In fact, the beaches at Baja are famous for being perfect surfing spots. Todos Santos is the most popular place in Baja, where the beaches are perfect for beginner and expert surfers. The white sand beaches are perfect for that grueling but enjoyable task of learning how to surf.  Read more...

• ISBN13: 9780345476616
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
CATCH THE WAVE

Have you always thought surfing looks like so much fun but lacked the confidence to try it? Do you dream of having sun-bleached hair and surf-toned arms? Maybe you’d like to join those surfers you watch from the comfort of your beach towel? With women’s surfing booming as never before, now is the perfect time to grab a board and get out there! If you’re a girl who longs to mix it up with the boys in the surf, carve graceful lines a… More >>

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