Article highlights
Proper surfboard selection more important for a beginner
Good wave selection is key
Take the extra paddle
The best surfer has the most fun
SURFING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS AND PROS ALIKE
Surfing is like no other art form or sport on earth. Though it has been around for thousands of years there is still relatively little accurate information for someone to begin or improve their surfing. Knowledge is the secret of success in surfing and life. In this spirit we present a few short tips that will go along way in helping one to better understand and preform the ancient art of surfing.
First and foremost proper surfboard Selection is key. It is common for people to believe that on a beginning level having the best surfboard is not as important as say on the more experienced or professional level. The actually the exact opposite is true. Professional surfers such as Kelly Slater do benefit from having the world's best surfboards but in reality Kelly Slater could surf a door or an ironing board better than many surfers. For new surfers it is of utmost importance to select just the right surfboard to begin with.
Proper surfboard selection for a beginning surfer depends on their height, weight and age. Generally speaking it's best to begin with a surfboard that floats your butt above the water line rather than below. essentially longer, thicker, wider surfboards relative to a surfers proportions work best. A common mistake many beginning and advanced surfers make is using a surfboard with out accurate flotation.
While proper surfboard selection is very important equally as important is proper wave selection. A common mistake for beginning surfers is to paddle out and try to catch a wave were the "other surfers" are located. Chances are the other surfers are advanced and have raised their skill levels. Beginning surfers should begin at the beginning or close to shore. Look for waves that have the cleanest or smoothest water in between the intervals. Intervals are the space in between waves. Try to avoid double up waves were two waves join up.
Knowing when to paddle for a wave (link to online surfing tip) to catch it is also key. Generally most beginning surfers paddle to early or soon and paddle with to much effort. Paddling "hard" just ends up straining the muscles and actually makes it harder to catch waves. Paddling should be done with long, fully extended and easy going strokes. Provided a surfer is in the "right" position to catch a wave he should begin paddling for the wave when it is approximately a surfboard length away. Paddling sooner causes a surfers timing to be off. Paddling to early can cause a wipe out, paddling to late can cause a surfer to miss the wave.
Learning to time when to catch a wave takes a little practice knowing when to stand up takes understanding. Ask an advanced surfer when should a surfer stand up and chances are the answer will be "when you feel it --- or as soon as you can --- or when you feel the wave" none of these answers are completely accurate. The real answer is when you feel the wave pick you up TAKE ONE EXTRA PADDLE! Take the extra paddle when catching waves and your timing will be perfect. Even experienced surfers who rip small waves run into trouble when the waves get larger by not taking the extra paddle. So remember in small waves, big waves and all waves take the extra paddle before standing up and your timing will be perfect.
Many surfers especially beginning surfers paddle into waves using one hand over the other or one arm at a time. To optimize surfboard wave entry try paddling into waves with two hands or arms at the same time. When you paddle for waves with two arms at the same time your paddle strength is increased two fold with half the effort. Also by paddling for waves using two arms simultaneously it's easier to keep the surfboard flat and going straight.
When mounting or standing up on the surfboard many surfers will tell you it's better to be fast and get right to your feet as soon as possible the exact opposite is true. The key in good surfing is to try and slow the whole experience down both mentally and physically. When a surfer rushes the "pop-up" he tends to be stiffen up. It's always better to take your time getting to your feet in a relaxed even keeled flow. When you get to your feet relaxed you tend to surf relaxed.
Know your skill level. Experienced surfers have a saying, "When in doubt don't paddle out!" In today's tamed society we tend to lose contact with our intuition. If your looking at the waves contemplating going out and something doesn't seem right listen to that inner voice in your head you'll be glad you did. A good rule of thumb to remember is the waves are always bigger than they look from the shore.
Of all surfing tips for beginners and advanced surfers alike at the top is remember who the best surfer in the world is --- the one that has the most fun. Surfing is inspirational, spiritual, motivational, exhilarating but most of all fun! Advanced surfers some times get caught up in trying to always preform at a high level. While this is commendable if a surfer sacrifices fun in exchange for performance he's missed the boat or in this case wave. Keep it fun --- when is the best time to go surfing--- when you can. Where is the best place to go surfing --- where ever you can. Now go catch a wave!
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