FAQ's (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

The answers provided to the Frequently Asked Questions can be found in the book, Become A Surfer, " The ABC's of Surfing". Plus many great stories and helpful tips.

Q: What type of equipment will I need to before I start?

A: One needs to have the proper equipment (Note: When a beginning or advanced surfer takes a lesson with a Willis Brother Certified Instructor, proper equipment will be provided free with the lesson). The following four points should be considered before starting. More about board design can be found in the book Become a Surfer.

1) The best board to begin on is a surfboard that floats your butt out of the water, and one that is at least 3 feet taller than you. (You will quickly outgrow this board). After you learn proper technique and it is easy to surf this board is the time to consider the right board for you. Contact us with us your questions about your board needs.

2) When choosing a wetsuit, make sure that you have a proper fit, and thickness of rubber, for optimum comfort and performance. Black wetsuits are the most popular because they absorb the sunrays, keeping you even warmer. Seasonal needs are a consideration.

3) Only use quality, quick release leashes. Your leash should be at least the length of your surfboard, and no more than 2 feet longer than your board. (Always know how to take off your leash without looking). We offer leashes with a lifetime guarantee on workmanship and materials, except for fin cuts.

4) Fiberglass surfboards require wax on the top (deck) for traction.

Q: What's the best exercise to do to prepare me for surfing?

A: If you haven't tried surfing before, chances are that you have never used the specific muscle groups that surfing requires. The very first time that you surf, you will probably wear out quickly, and afterwards feel stiff. The good news is that recovery time is brief. In a day or two you will be feeling better than ever and ready to surf again. Surfing will give you great muscle endurance, fantastic tone, and acute mind body coordination. Here are three things that you can do to prepare yourself before going surfing.

1) The heart is the most important muscle in the body. Aerobic exercise is good for the heart, and surfing. Walking, jogging, jump rope, bicycle ridding and swimming are good for surfing conditioning.

2) Squats are a good way to increase leg strength for surfing.

3) A balanced diet, and lots of water are optimum for getting the most out of life and surfing.

Q: Where should I start?

A: The best place to start is in the white water, and waves that are close to the shore. Pick a location that is not crowded. If unsure, the local surf shop is a good source for information. Before you select a specific location you must know that there are three different types of surfing breaks that surfers have to choose from: beach breaks, reef breaks and point breaks.

Q: Is surfing safe?

A: Yes. Hundreds of thousands of people go surfing around the world each day, safely. Occasionally accidents do happen. You increase your chances of safe surfing when you increase your ocean knowledge. At WB Surfing our first priority is teaching water safety. Participants learn about hazards and ways to avoid them. We also offer dozens of valuable safety tips and techniques past on to us from some of the world's best watermen.

It is the person who doesn't know what they are doing that is more apt to get into trouble.

Q: How are wave heights measured?

A: Judging wave heights is an art all of its' own and here are several ways to do it.

1) Some surfers measure wave height from the back of the wave.
2) The entire curve from the crest to the trough can be measured.
3) Surfers judge wave size by body height.
4) Some waves are measured in increments of fear.
5) Chances are if you are there on a 10-foot day, other surfers will tell you that it is 5 feet. If you weren't there on that day, they will tell you that it was 15 feet and you really missed it. Take it all with a grain of sea salt.

More details on waves can be found in the book Become a Surfer.

Q: What will I need to bring to my session?

A: All equipment is included for WB Surfing lessons and camps. It is a good idea to bring your own sunscreen, towel, bottle of water, and a light snack for after surfing. Other helpful items are a hat and sunglasses.

To order sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and t-shirts as well as other beach and surfing related products, click here.

Q: Can anyone surf?

A: Yes! Young or old, with proper instruction you not only learn what to do, but how to do it. Surfing is more than riding a wave. At WB Surfing, your guaranteed surfing success is your starting point. From there you will progress onward to become a surfer.

Special needs or health issues should be brought to the attention of the WB Surfing instructor before beginning surfing.

Q: Why take a lesson?

A: The fastest and safest way to advance is through a professional surfing program. Learning proper techniques before entering the water as well as safety and surfing etiquette can literally save months and sometimes years in the learning process. It will also help you to develop good habits that will stay with you as long as you surf.

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