Surfing has been taking over the world faster than you can say “cowabunga!” For many, it’s a part-time hobby. For others, it’s a way of life. But for everyone who has ever stood on a surfboard, surfing is an experience that makes you feel more alive than any other sport or leisure activity out there. And whether you’re just starting out with this exciting water sport or are looking to fine tune your skills with some tips from the pros, we’ve got all the information you need to know to be ripping up those waves in no time. Some helpful tips for learning how to surf:
Table of Contents
Paddle like a pro
While it may seem like a simple step, the proper way to paddle is crucial. The push-pull style will help you develop the strength and speed needed to surf well. The key is keeping your elbows close to your body and using your legs for most of the paddling action. It’s also important not to use your arms as props for pulling forward or pushing yourself out of the water — this will only tire you out faster than necessary.
The leg lift
- The leg lift is an essential part of learning to surf. It helps you stay on your board, so if you’re having trouble with this skill it could be your problem.
- To do the leg lift, place your hands beside or behind your body and dig them into the water as hard as possible to propel yourself forward. At first, keep both feet flat on the board and don’t worry about shifting weight; just focus on getting faster by using more force with each stroke.
- Once you’ve got some speed going, try shifting from side to side by putting one foot down in front of you while keeping the other planted at its original position (like walking). This will help build up a rhythm that makes it easier to keep moving forward consistently without losing balance or speed.*
Learn to duckdive
A duckdive is when you dive underwater. Practicing duckdiving will help you feel comfortable with the process before trying it out in water that’s moving. It helps to have someone swim along next to you, holding onto your ankles so that they can pull you back up if necessary. Before doing any dives, get into the habit of breathing out through your nose (so as not to swallow any water) and then closing off your ears by covering them with both hands during the dive. This will ensure that no water gets into them once under for a longer period of time.
Duckdives are especially important for beginners because they allow surfers to remain calm underwater while taking their “surf breath” (a deep breath taken right before submerging). Once this skill has been mastered, it becomes easier for surfers to stay relaxed while being tossed around by waves or current patterns—no matter how rough they get!
Take care of your feet
Most surfers wear sandals while surfing, so if you are going to do the same, I suggest getting a pair that works well on the board and in water. You will also want to make sure they accommodate your foot size.
- Don’t walk barefoot on the beach or in your flip-flops as it can cause cuts and scrapes if you step on sharp things like shells or glass.
- Wear shoes if you aren’t comfortable with the idea of going barefoot at all times because it is still possible for something else like a bit of coral or rocks underfoot that could hurt your feet.
Choose your board size wisely
There are two basic types of boards: longboards and shortboards. Longboards have a longer body, typically between 9 and 12 feet in length. Shortboards are usually between 5 to 6 feet in length. In general, shortboards allow for easier turning and maneuvering but require more skill than longboards; this is largely due to the fact that their smaller size makes them more prone to slipping out from under your feet when performing turns, which can be dangerous if you’re not an experienced surfer. If you’re just starting out as a beginner surfer, stick with a standard-sized board (around 7-9 feet) until you’ve developed your skills enough so that you feel comfortable enough trying something smaller or larger than what seems right for your level.
Don’t drop in on other surfers
There are no official rules when it comes to surfing etiquette, but there are some general guidelines that will keep you from being a jerk. The most important one is not to drop in on other surfers. There’s no point in being selfish and trying to impress others with your skills if it means causing them harm or making them miss out on waves they might have gotten if you hadn’t dropped in on them. You should also avoid being too aggressive with your board, especially when paddling out into the lineup (beach), since this can cause injury or damage other people’s belongings
Don’t forget your leash!
Leashes keep you from being swept away by the current and prevent your board from getting lost or tangled up in waves, which are both good things. They also keep you from getting dragged across rocks, coral reefs, and other sharp objects as you try to catch a wave at low tide. Though these things may not happen to every beginner surfer (if they do happen to you, though—don’t worry about it), it’s better safe than sorry!
Go with the flow
- Don’t fight the wave. It’s a common mistake among beginners to try to control the wave. They want to be able to make it do what they want, but this leads to frustration and failure. Instead, go with the flow of the wave: let it push you along until it finally breaks.
- Don’t fight the current. When surfing in rivers or streams, don’t try too hard to swim against them because you’ll tire yourself out before you even get anywhere! Instead go with their flow as much as possible and let them carry you along so that when there’s an opening for movement forward in either direction (upstream or downstream), you’ll be ready for it instead of getting stuck behind something else upstream from where everyone else is going through.”
Surf within your limits
Surfing is a skill that takes time to learn, and it is important to not push yourself beyond your limits. You may end up injuring yourself if you go out in waves that are bigger than what you can handle at the moment. Some good signs of surfing within your limits are:
- Being able to stand up on the board (or “pop up”) on small waves
- Riding 3-5 foot waves without any problems or having trouble getting back in when caught inside by a wave
If you feel like you are riding 5-8 foot surfboards quite well, then it might be time for a larger board so as not to be limited by a small one anymore.
Gauge your ability and match it with the conditions
You should never overestimate yourself or underestimate the ocean. If you’re a beginner, don’t go out in rough conditions—no matter how much you think you can handle it. If you’re an experienced surfer, don’t underestimate yourself and think that just because there’s no wind or swell that it’s safe to go surfing…it could end up being very dangerous if something unexpected happens (like another surfer crashing into you). Also keep an eye on weather reports so that if there is fog coming into shore, it doesn’t catch anyone off guard!
Trust yourself and board choice
When it comes to your first time surfing, trust your instincts and be honest with yourself about the kind of board that is best for you. If you’re an experienced surfer, don’t pick a beginner’s longboard unless you have a good reason for doing so. Remember that even if the waves are small or choppy, there will always be something for everyone in any type of wave or weather condition.
Read the waves and current
You should be able to identify the difference between a head-high wave and a chest-high wave. You should be able to tell the difference between a wave that is breaking in front of you and one that is breaking behind you.
The waves move in sets, which means they travel in groups as opposed to as individuals, so it’s important to know where each set is headed so you can paddle accordingly. If there are several sets coming at once, it might be safer for you not to get into any of them until they pass by or break. The same goes for current: if there is strong current moving out toward the ocean (as opposed to just down), then it will only make sense for you not get pulled out with it until things calm down again – especially if surfing alone!
Don’t beach-break it!
You might be tempted to learn surfing on the beach, but this is a terrible idea. The waves in the ocean are much larger and more powerful than those of a river or lake. You should also avoid learning how to surf on ponds and pools because they don’t have any real waves, so there’s nothing for you to practice with when learning how to balance yourself on a board or stand up while riding down a wave.
Stay Cool in the Line-Up and Don’t Hog Waves!
As you get better and better, it’s important to remember that not everyone knows what they’re doing. Learn from them. In the line-up, there are a lot of people who have been in the water for years and have some great tips to share. The best way to learn about surfing is by asking questions!
Above all else, know that waves aren’t meant just for you—so don’t hog them!
Surfing is fun but learning it can be hard
Surfing is one of the most fun ocean sports out there. It’s also a great way to get some exercise outside, meet new people and relax at the same time. However, learning how to surf can be tricky because it takes lots of practice before you’re ready to catch waves on your own.
Conclusion
Surfing is hard, no doubt about it. But don’t worry, there’s always a way to get better at it and one day you may be the best surfer at the beach! It will be fun and you will meet new people who share your passion for surfing. Some of them have been surfing for years so don’t hesitate to ask them questions if you need some help with a particular move or technique. So remember: Be patient, have fun and learn from others!
