Have you ever wondered how to surf? That is one of the most popular questions that people would want to know these days. Perhaps some people find it challenging, while others consider it a daunting experience.

Well, it is not as easy as it looks, that’s for sure. In fact, surfing is not like your traditional sports because the learning curve is a bit slow in this type of endeavor. But that makes it fun and even people in their sixties can drink to that!

Things To Consider When Learning How To Surf

  • Understand your environment. Find the right spot to study the science of surfing. This includes the waves that you must understand and learn to estimate if it’s the right time to get into the water or not.
  • Having a good physical shape is important. Since it is a tough sport, you can build your muscles, burn calories, and lose weight really fast.
  • You should learn how to paddle. Paddling can be done by laying down in the middle of your surfboard. But of course, this needs practice especially if you don’t know a bit about this sport.
  • You must learn how to pop up on a surfboard. This requires practice and beginners would want to learn this the moment they mount on a surfboard. But you can always practice on the beach for starters.
  • Learn how to catch a wave. You can catch the smaller waves first as a beginner. So, keep closer to the shore because larger waves can be dangerous, which requires a particular level of experience.
  • Know what passing the break means. There is a term called passing the break when surfing. This involves the skills on how to execute the turtle roll and to duck dive. All that requires practice which is favorable when the waves are small.
  • Understanding the etiquette of surfing. There is a set of rules that surfers need to observe. Since it is a dangerous sport practiced in the open, it is important to be courteous and to keep everybody safe.

Is Surfing For Everyone?

There are simple requirements when you want to go surfing. But that does not mean that it is a sport for everyone. So, find out if you are qualified for this extreme sports activity in the open sea.

  • Surf only between the white and black checkered flags.
  • Surfers definitely need to look out for each other, so it is best to surf with a buddy.
  • Always tell someone that you are going to surf and when you intend to be home.
  • Determine the type of weather and tide up ahead before setting out to surf.
  • Always be careful not to go beyond your limits especially if you are just learning the sport.
  • Wearing a leash is basic for beginners who don’t want to be separate from the surfboard.
  • Always wear the proper wetsuit when you go surfing to keep you warm and provide added protection from potential injuries.

If you are not ready to do it, then find some who can accompany you and teach you a few things about surfing on the beach.

When is the Best Time to Surf

Knowing the best time of the day to surf is key to enjoy the best surf conditions and make the most out of it.

  • Surfing in the morning. If you want to beat the morning crowds is to wake up before sunrise. At first light, you should be able to suit up and arrive at your local surfing spot.
  • Offshore winds. The important reason why surfing is better in the evening or morning is that the offshore winds are light during this time. winds are typically stronger in the afternoon before it lights up again before the pretty sunset appears.

Conclusion

If you are just learning how to surf, make sure that you already know the basics before paddling on your surfboard. It can also help if you know when’s the best time of the day to start surfing. Of course, this extreme sport is not for everyone because it requires a sound mind and body. This means that not each person can withstand the rigors of surfing.

Moreover, it is very important to have good mental and physical balance when you aspire to become a professional surfer one day. Of course, you can’t reach that ideal if you don’t have respect for other people. Most of all, it is important to have a lot of patience when learning how to surf.

Is learning to surf Easy?

The good news is that it is quite easy to learn the basics of surfing – no doubt about it. Let’s just say it requires a few balance skills. In fact, the majority of surfers will tell you that surfing has a relatively smooth learning curve and that you can get started pretty fast.

How do I start surfing?

To start, surf only at beginner spots. (See Where to Surf, below.) Before paddling out, spend at least 30 minutes watching the surf. You’ll want to watch where other surfers paddle out, where the waves are breaking, and the ability level of the people in the water.

How many surfers die a year?

Although there is no concrete data on the exact number of people who have died while surfing, the number is estimated to be no more than 10 per year– which in a world of approximately 23 million surfers, is startlingly low. Among this unlucky bunch, there are several main causes of death.

Can I learn to surf at 40?

If learning to surf at 30, 40, 50, 60, or well into the age of retirement is your goal, you’ve come to the right place. Just like there is no age limit for surfing, there is no age limit for learning how to surf. Regardless of your age, learning how to surf can be achieved with enough time and determination.

Are push ups good for surfing?

Pushups engage your whole body, strengthening the core, aligning the spine and improving shoulder control. When it comes to surfing, a strong upper body means easier pop-ups and duck dives, as well as shoulder injury prevention. You can also do pushups with your legs suspended.

What is the hardest part of surfing?

And the hardest part of surfing, by far, is paddling out, not surfing in. Carrying the board, getting back into the water, paddling through the waves, waiting for the next set…it’s exhausting, and surfers spend far more time doing this than they do on the other part. Having the guts to surf is what change demands.

How long does it take to get good at surfing?

Learning to surf requires between two hours and one month of practice. If you’re struggling for more than two months to ride a wave, then there’s something wrong with you. The first thing you’ll need to master is lying and balancing on a surfboard – that could take you between half-an-hour and two or three hours.

Will surfing get you ripped?

Strengthens muscles

As well as building muscle strength in your upper body and legs, the cross-training effect of surfing is a brilliant workout for your core, making it a full body workout. A lot of surf research suggests we use our trapezius, rectus abdominis, latissimus dorsi, obliques, triceps, biceps and deltoids.

Why is surfing so hard?

#1 The Learning Curve

Before you start surfing, you must know this: surfing is one of the most difficult and complex sport in the world. Think about it. Elements such as wind, tides and swells are affecting the waves you surf differently every single day. It’s a very challenging and enjoyable learning process.

How many days a week should I surf?

even if you could, surfing every day is overkill. Not only does too much diminish the thrill, but one should let those paddling muscles rest and rebuild for a few days between sessions. Few days a week, max, imo.

Is it OK to surf everyday?

Because if you can’t surf every damn day, you can still surf every damn chance you get. Three waves counts as a session — no whitewater, of course. This rule comes from Dale Webster, the lunatic who surfed every single day for over forty years straight. It’s the key to surfing every day.

Why do surfers surf in the morning?

Wind in the morning is usually lightest, meaning many surfers try to get up early and hit the waves as soon as they can. This is a good idea because wind can destroy waves for surfing, especially small ones. This is because the wrong wind can make waves break less evenly and become more difficult for surfing.

How do most surfers die?

Unfortunately, the history of the sport includes a few tragic chapters in which accomplished surfers lost their lives chasing their dreams. For some people, big wave surfing and the glory that usually comes with it are worth dying for. But shark attacks still are the most common cause of death in surfing.

Can you surf 2ft waves?

A 2ft wave at 5 seconds will most likely result in small and weak waves. Swells that have a wave height of 8ft and a swell period of 22 seconds are going to be huge! However, an average swell report of 4ft at 12 seconds in Polzeath should result in chest to head high wave faces once they reach the shore.

Is a 6 foot surfboard good for beginners?

What size is a beginner surfboard? A good rule of thumb for beginner surfboards is to start with a longboard that is about 3 feet longer than your height. So if you’re 5′6” to 6‘0” tall, an 8’6” to 9’0” longboard would be pretty ideal.