Learn how to get yuor feet wet int the exciting sport of surfing.
Have you ever sat on the beach, watching those clever people who are riding the waves, apparently at one with the water? Ever wished that you could do what they do? Ever wanted to become a surfer? Well, rather than just thinking about it, why not get your feet wet by learning how to surf. By doing so, you'll have developed a skill that will open up a whole new exhilarating experience for you.
There's nothing quite like riding a wave and once you get out there you'll know why. But how can you get started?
Firstly, you're going to need a surfboard, as well as some wax and a wetsuit. Get familiar with your local surf shop. Go for a used board but, if finances allow, get a new wetsuit. If the shop is customer friendly you'll find them throwing in the wax for free. While you're at the surf shop ask the staff where a good place to learn is. Let them know that you are a rank beginner and they'll direct you to a safe break area.
Try to learn with a partner. You'll be able to motivate each other and the frustration of the learning process will be lessened if you're muddling through together. When you turn up for your first outing it will pay to just sit and observe what the other surfers are doing for a while. During this time you should stretch your muscles, especially those of the upper body.
When you're ready to tread water, wax your stick and make your way down to where every else is entering the water from. Slip the leash around your back leg and then walk your board into the water until it is about waist deep. At that point hop on your board so that the nose is about three inches out of the water. Advance yourself with long, smooth strokes. As a wave comes upon you, keep paddling right through it, lift up your arms and chest to allow the water to pass around you.
When you're out to the point where most people are catching waves, paddle around for a while as you observe what they are doing. Knowing which wave to ride and which to let slip is a knack that only comes with experience, so look and learn. After a while of this, you'll want to try riding the waves yourself - in an upright position. Paddle into the white water and, as you gain momentum, jump to your feet. This is harder than it sounds. You may, in fact, want to practice on dry land first to get confident with this move from kneeling to standing. Practice so that your rear foot ends up at the tail of the board and your front foot is about the middle of the board. Now, maintaining your balance, ride the wave in.
Of course, the above will involve plenty of thrills and spills. You will however, improve with experience. Once you can stay on your feet for a wave, try angling the board while riding. The next step is to catch a wave as it is breaking. This will involve a near vertical take-off point, so make sure you're confident with the basics before moving to this step.
These are the basics of surfing. Spend the time and effort working on these things with your wave buddy and, eventually, you will become a confident surfer. And you'll have a lot of fun in the process.
