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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.
Need to plan
your trip, we can help!
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