1. Surfboard:

There are many types of boards but if you’re a beginner a used board is best because prices can become pretty steep. Most important is to find one that’s fits you, usually a 20” wide board and something that’s about 14” taller then you should be a good fit. If you are a beginner you might want to try a funboard which is thicker and has a round or blunt nose and easier to maneuver. Once you gain some confidence and experience you can graduate to a long board or short board. Most surf shops have a used board section or you can find one online or even at garage sales in shore towns. More then likely as a beginner the boards going to get dings but try to find one that doesn’t already have them, otherwise it may need to be repaired. Also, be sure there is a plug for your leash and the fins are ok.  

2. Sunblock:

Extremely important to apply and re-apply every couple hours. Obviously buy something that’s waterproof (although you will still need to reapply frequently) and that has an SPF of 30 or more. See our sunblock page for more information.

3. Wetsuit:

If you’re a beginner it’s also a good idea to buy a used wetsuit, they can be pricey so shop around. It’s not necessary to have a wetsuit but it’s a really good idea, especially if you will be surfing in the northeast or somewhere where the water gets cold. Look for something that doesn’t have loose seams and isn’t worn out in areas such as the butt and under the arms. Most important thing is that it fits properly, so try it on….I wouldn’t recommend buying one on the internet especially if you’re a woman because most are cut to fit a man. I also wouldn’t recommend wearing a bikini (even though it looks good) until you know what you’re doing out on the waves. When trying on wetsuits make sure it feels comfortable and you can move around easily but the wetsuit shouldn’t be loose or too tight. Make sure you can bend, squat, raise your arms and most of all gesture hang loose.

 4. Leash & Wax:

The leash is to connect you (ankle) to your board so it doesn't get loose in the waves but practice releasing it quickly. You shouldn't rely on using a leash but it's good to have at least when you first learn to surf. You may need to wax your board for traction and you can find surfboard wax in any surf shop. Wax is easy to apply and fairly easy to remove but don't get tricked into buying remover, it's just as easy to let the wax heat in the sun and then strip it off.

 That should cover it! You now have the basics to begin to surf, although it is good to takes some lessons which would be another    purchase or hopefully you can have a friend teach you.

What's next:

Now you need to find someplace to surf......if your just learning to surf, don't go alone. Again, it's really a good idea to take lessons but if you don't have people in your area that teach surfing then stop by a local surf shop and ask where the best place to go with small waves to start. Also, be very careful to check the surf conditions, which you can get online or call local surf shop, a lot of them have a recording with the current conditions.

At the beach:

 Here are some steps you should take before even going in the water.

• Apply sunblock

• Lots of stretching

• Wax your board and attach your leash

• Watch the waves and look for any type of possible hazard, such as rip currents & rocks

• Make a plan of exit in case of any problems that may arise

• Watch other surfers to see how they are entering the surf and where the waves are breaking

Entering the water:

Try to walk out past where the waves are crashing or your going to have a much harder time getting on your board. Get on your board,  get comfortable and balanced.

Ready to paddle?

Raise up you chest so the water passes through but not so much that you have a huge arch, arms at sides in the water then make even strokes. You may need to duck dive to get through some waves, it's not hard but does take some practice. To duck dive: raise one knee up and press down just before the wave reaches you and try to go as deep as possible. Also, try to come back up as soon as possible so you can regain balance and start to paddle again. This move should be practiced and learned before attempting to surf.

Get to know the waves:

Spend a lot of time watching the waves, watching others and understand how the waves break. You need to know how fast to paddle and when it's time to stand and that's something you will learn by watching and when your in the water you feel it. It's a good idea to take on small waves at first and just practice paddling back in forth to get the rhythm of the waves.

Ready to catch a wave?

• Be in an area that you won't fall on anyone or hurt yourself and if you do begin to fall try to fall away from your board or you may get hurt.

• Grab both sides of the board and push up your chest, then pop up into a standing position. Obviously this will take some practice.

• Your feet should be one in front of the other with one of them towards the back and one towards the middle of the board.

• Practice, practice practice

• Once you feel comfortable getting up on the board you can begin to maneuver the board. If you have ever used a skateboard this will probably come easier to you. Try to move side to side or at least in one direction......practice.

• When you feel you are able to choose the right wave and where to enter it, now you can try to surf.

Rules to follow:

#1 rule  - do not go into a wave that someone else is already standing up in. This is dangerous and will make you lots of enemies at the beach. This is called: "Dropping in"

When paddling out, it's a good idea to stay in line and not paddle out in front of people.

The person in front has the right of way and the first wave out there. If that person starts to ride a wave paddle behind them.

Most surfers are easy going but common courtesy goes a long way.

Most of all have fun! Surfing takes practice but if you love the water and the waves it's great exercise and a lot of fun.

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