Just Started Surfing? 4 Tips For Getting Started

Being able to look at the waves and connect with and ride them can be an exhilarating experience. If you want to learn how to surf, it is essential to take surfing lessons and get assistance from experienced surfers who can help you learn how to ride and respect the waves to keep yourself safe out on the water.

1. Never Go by Yourself

First, you should never go surfing by yourself. It may look easy, but water is complicated. You will want to go with a friend or a teacher each time you hit the waves. That way, you always have someone looking out for you. Surfing together is a great way to ensure that you stay safe in the water.

2. Get a Good Teacher

Second, you are going to want to find a good teacher. Take your time to research different teachers in your area. Talk to other people who are into surfing and get their perspective on different teachers. You want to find someone whose teaching style you respond to. You may connect more with one teacher over another, or you want to find someone who has good reviews and experience that you feel comfortable working with.

3. Buy the Right Board

Third, you want to buy or rent the right board. It can be beneficial to buy your own board so that you can really learn how to use your board, and you don't have to adjust to a new board every day.

As a beginner, you are going to want to go with a larger board. A smaller board is more challenging to navigate and requires more skill. A larger board is easier to learn with and will make it easier for you to catch waves. You will have more space to work with as you learn how to get on and off the board. Wait to buy a smaller board until you have more experience.

You are also going to want to go for a soft-top board. A soft-top board is affordably priced and is safer when you are learning than a fiberglass or epoxy board. They are also comfortable for all the sitting you will do on your board as you learn to read the waves.

4. Take Your Time

Finally, when learning how to surf, you will want to take your time and pace yourself. Don't expect to be out there riding the biggest waves and pulling big tricks a week after you start. Pace yourself. You are going to need to start with beginner waves and work your way up to larger waves. You are going to need to learn how to stand up before you learn how to do tricks.

If you want to start surfing, find a good teacher and get a big, soft board to start with. Always go surfing with someone else, take your time, learn the necessary skills, and don't risk it on waves or situations that are more than you are skilled to handle. With time and practice, you will be riding the waves.

For more information about surfing lessons, contact an instructor near you.