If you want to learn to surf, Australia offers plenty of opportunities to do so. Follow these pointers to get started, and remember that consistency is key to improving your surfing skills.
1. Find a Good Teacher
It’s best not to try surfing alone. Experienced surfers can not only teach you the right techniques to keep you upright on your board, but they can also tell you about potential dangers, choosing waves and surfing etiquette. Consider signing up for surfing lessons with certified coaches at camps or surf resorts.
2. Learn at a Beginner-Friendly Place
Finding a beach for beginning surfers will ensure that you have ideal waves for your skill level. You are looking for steady whitewater for your first waves. Avoid areas that seem packed with experienced surfers because the waves are probably too difficult for you to handle. There are also unofficial rules you need to know before you hang with the surfing experts.
3. Use a Big Surfboard
Large surfboards are recommended for beginners because they have more surface area and they are more buoyant than smaller boards. A bonus would be a board with a soft top because it cushions your feet and rear. Check what surfboard is right for you.
4. Warm Up
Before you get in the water, you should stretch and warm up your muscles. A proper warm-up will help prevent muscle cramps. You also need to keep your blood pumping and increase your heart rate.
5. Practise Your Moves on Dry Land
You can trace the outline of your surfboard on the sand and either sit, lie prone or imitate standing or paddling. It may seem strange doing it out of the water, but the more you practise these essential moves, the easier it will be for you to transfer your new skills to the water.
6. Spend Time Sitting On Your Board
Once you’re in the water, you can sit on your board. You can either sit with your whole body on the board or sit with your feet and legs dangling in the water. Sitting with your legs and feet in the water maintains stability. You can try both positions and see which is more comfortable.
7. Master the Prone Position
Lie on your belly to practise the prone position. You will be spending the majority of your time prone when you are paddling. Try the prone position on the sand first, and determine which location on the board feels most comfortable. Once you’re in the water, you can adjust your position to keep yourself balanced and stable.
8. Practise Your Pop-Up
The pop-up is a vital step in the surfing process. You will need to move from the prone position to standing in one swift, continuous movement. Add this manoeuvre to your dry land practice.
9. Work on Paddling
Because surfing requires so much paddling, you will gradually build strength and stamina. Over time, you will learn how to maintain a rhythm with your paddling that will allow you to time waves accurately and get your board in the proper position.
10. Fall and Wipe Out Correctly
Falls and wipeouts are also part of the learning process. The waves will knock you off your board, you’ll get banged around, and you’ll likely get bumps and bruises. Everyone goes through it, from beginners to surfing pros. To protect yourself and lower the chance of injuries, you should learn how to fall correctly. A surfing teacher can also show you what to do once you’re in a wipeout.
Conclusion
Many surfers admit to becoming addicted to the sport once they ride their first wave. With a good surfing instructor and consistent practice, you can enjoy this ocean-bound hobby for years.
