How to Surf
If there’s one fun activity beach bums love, it’s surfing. Riding the waves and looking cool is only the easy part, though, and there’s lots to learn before you can successfully surf. Here are some things to remember.
What You’ll Need:
Surfboard
Wetsuit
Good location
Leash
Surf wax
Rash guard
Getting Proper Equipment
Surfing works best if you use good equipment. Here are a few must-haves.
Surf board - Every good surfer knows that surfing begins with a quality board. You can either buy or rent one, depending on your budget. Brand new is good, but if you’re short on cash, find a secondhand, free from dents. The funboard, seven to eight feet long, is the preferred type for beginners, since it’s faster, longer, and easy to maneuver. It’s also more buoyant and allows easier transition.
Wetsuit - You don’t want your bikini slipping off while you surf, right? Purchase a quality wetsuit made from neoprene or synthetic rubber before you begin surfing. It also protects you from the board’s surface, which can be coarse and rough from the sand and wax. A polyester, nylon or spandex rash guard is also a good option.
Leash - This is a must-have for any beginner surfer. It keeps your board from acting like a pointed floating and sharp projectile, and prevents it from getting lost.
Surf wax - The board’s smooth surface can be too slippery to maintain traction, so you’ll need to put on some wax so you won’t slip off it.
Doing The Pop-Up
Before you get into the water, it’s important to practice first the pop-up to know whether you’re goofy or natural footed. Here’s how.
surfing
Put your board on the sand, then lie down on it on your stomach. Your feet should be touching the end of the board, while the board’s nose must be at level with the sand. If the nose points downwards, move towards the bottom; if it points upward, move upwards, closer to the nose.
Make sure you’re perfectly balanced and centered on the board. This time, know your hands’ position. Put them on the board’s edge or rails, parallel with your shoulder. Cock your elbows back, the same way you do in a push up.
Proceed to do a push up, your palms facing down and your toes at the board’s end. When you reach the apex, swing your feet underneath, and put your lead foot on the board’s center, so you’re in a crouch.
Repeat until you get the hang of it.
Paddling
Once you’re in the water, you have to learn how to paddle out before you can reach the waves you want. Here’s how to do it.
Get in the water, in the position you do when you paddle out. Use a crawl swimming stroke.
Balance your body, going farther from the shore. If you find it hard to balance, spread your legs a bit.
Keep the board’s nose an inch or two above the water.
Get the feel for paddling first. When you’re ready, try paddling straight towards a wave. The faster and harder you paddle, the better you’ll get through it.
As you go through the whitewater/smaller waves, use the push up technique. As you’re halfway through the waves, push up on your toes and knees, and when you’re through, resume the paddling position.
For a wave that’s about to break, hold the rails, then lower your chest and head to your board. Brace yourself, then punch through it.
Catching The Wave
After passing the breakzone, sit on the board, as you look for sets (series of waves )
As soon as you spot one, turn yourself and the board around, facing the shore.
As the swell approaches, get into paddle position. Once it’s underneath you, paddle, and be ready for the pop-up.
As the wave takes hold of the board, pop-up, sweep your feet unto the board.
Don’t worry if you weren’t able to get up on your first try. You can always practice and do it again.
Look cool on the beach this summer by riding the waves. With a bit of practice, surfing will be an enjoyable sport you’ll love doing again and again.