Beginner surfers should focus on acquiring basic skills and equipment, including proper paddling and standing techniques. Surf lessons and surfing with experienced surfers are recommended. Renting equipment is advised to avoid unnecessary expenses. Practice on small waves and maintain a relaxed posture. Avoid watching your feet while standing on the board.
Some of the best beginner surfing tips revolve around acquiring the basic skills and equipment you need. Proper paddling, sitting and standing techniques are also key concepts in beginner surfing. Being alert and maintaining proper, albeit relaxed, posture are skills that even a novice surfer should strive to do. Another tip is to avoid surfing alone and consider taking a few lessons.
Before surfing for fun, a new surfer should first become comfortable with water and swimming in general. Surf lessons, usually from a professional surf instructor, are recommended as the best introduction to surfing for beginners. Surfers should make sure they assemble all the necessary equipment before starting. This typically includes a long foam surfboard, designed for beginners. A wetsuit and surfboard leash are also considered essential surfing equipment.
Novice surfers may want to borrow their equipment rather than buy it. This will prevent new surfers from spending money on expensive equipment they may not use frequently. A wetsuit, surfboard and other types of surfing accessories can be rented or borrowed from a friend. Another benefit of renting a surfboard is that rental companies typically wax the boards before renting them, saving renters from having to.
The small and slow waves are ideal in surfing for beginners. New surfers should always surf with at least one experienced surfer. They should practice getting up from a prone to a standing position, called a “popup” in surf lingo, on land before attempting this in the water. A surf instructor can teach you the proper way to pop up. Your feet should always be parallel to the surfboard stringer, the thin line of wood extending down the center of the board, while making this single fluid motion.
Riding a surfboard belly-down, or belly-down, is the first step to surfing. When carrying the board through the waves, surfers should always stand to the side of the board to avoid injury. While some swings are normal for beginner surfers, they should continue to do so until they feel comfortable on the board. When surfing on your stomach, sitting or standing, you should always remain as calm and relaxed as possible to maintain balance.
When paddling the surfboard, the arms should be used in reciprocating motions. Many beginners make the mistake of paddling with both arms at the same time which will cause the board to travel at an inconsistent speed. The earlier popup practice on land should help new surfers get up on the board easier. As the surfer’s arms extend, they should be held slightly higher than the surfer’s waist.
However, it is not recommended to watch your feet while standing on the board, as it usually causes surfers to lose their balance. Instead, surfers should keep their gaze focused forward or upward. Practicing these positions and moves on a board that sits on sand, or even on a higher surface, like a bed, can help a new surfer feel more comfortable with these techniques.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN