Surfing is hard, 10 tips to make it easier

Surfing has a sharp learning curve, tips to make it easier

Surfing is one of those sports that if you don’t give it enough time to get beyond the basics and find that “eureka!” moment when everything clicks, you might find yourself tired, wet and wondering what all the fuss is about. Surfing to a spectator can look fairly easy from a distance until you’re in the water yourself with waves crashing on your head. The fact is, for a beginner… Surfing is hard.

Well, I’m pretty new to surfing but my mission is to get good…really good. I’m at the start of what feels like a bit of a mountain to climb. It’ll take time, there will be set backs along the way but hopefully if I stick at it, it will be all worth while in the end. Nothing good comes easy, right?

I took another surf lesson in Fuerteventura, just the one. I’ve done surf lessons all over the place on my travels like Phillip Island, Australia, Peru, Ecuador and even Newquay. The trouble is these lessons were pretty sporadic and I’ve never lived close enough to a beach with decent surf to have the opportunity to practice.

The surf lesson in Fuerteventura was hard, I found it difficult to get balance in the foam board… just struggled to get on my feet… the skill that I thought I’d overcome in all my earlier lessons was alluding me! It was quite frustrating (I have a sneaky suspicion that the board was too small!).

As the days become colder in London I’m planning to escape to Portugal (and possibly parts of Spain) and hoping to get the opportunity to surf at least every other day. By living by the beach I’ll be able to get in as much practice as possible and hopefully one day it’ll suddenly all click and fit in place.

Until then, I’m still struggling to get my balance on a foamie. The road seems like a long one but it’ll be good to look back my old posts to see the progress that’s been made.

#1 Surfing takes time, lots of it

Beginners or wannabe surfers, you need to know this. Surfing is a complicated sport, there are lots of variables in play. The weather, the surf conditions, unexpected waves, the line-up, not to mention learning the skills. You’ll find yourself wiping out time and time again, even the best surfers in the world will wipe out with huge unpredictable waves. The key is to never ever give in, one day all those hours, days or practice will be all worth while and you’ll have a grin across your face and an experience that you’ll never forget. Keep at it, keep positive, give it time and you’ll be rewarded.

#2 Get out on the waves as often as you can

Surfing tends to have a pretty steep learning curve. If like me you’ve been surfing sporadically and feel that you’re not getting anywhere, it’s probably because you’re not putting in enough practice. You need to spend as much time as you can in the water as you can. Try and commit to getting out in the water as often as you can when the conditions are right.

#3 Surfing is a lifestyle

For most people I’ve spoken to who surf, it’s a lifestyle not just a sport. I’ve been told that once you’re hooked on surfing your whole attitude to life changes, you’ll be forever scanning the ocean for perfect waves and traveling to different countries for surf. You’ll even find being in a landlocked city a bit of challenge.

#4 Overconfidence is dangerous

Over confidence as a beginner is dangerous, in fact surfing is one of the most dangerous sports you can do. It’s always advisable to get lessons or an instructor in order to pick up the basics and get to know all the potential dangers of the ocean. Even if you’ve done plenty of lessons, every surf spot is different there can be hidden currents in the water that unless you’re familiar with the conditions could take you by surprise. It’s also worth working on your paddling technique and strength of your arms before heading out without an instructor. If you ever find yourself further off shore than planned you’ll be able to bring yourself back again (Know the hidden dangers of a rip current).

#5 Join a surf camp

Being new to surfing you should never go out surfing alone, even though it may look easy from the shore there are many dangers. Either friend an experienced instructor or look to join a surf camp, this will prevent you from having an accident, getting injured or putting others in danger. Surf camps can help you get up to speed quickly. You’ll get a ton of information and instruction from the get go and you’ll improve whilst having fun at the same time. Even if you’ve got a bit of experience as a surfer, surf camps tend to cater for all levels and experience.

#6 Go for the big surfboard

Don’t be tempted to go for the smaller surfboard, a big board will allow you to develop faster and catch a lot more waves as a beginner. It’ll also be a lot more fun and you’ll have a better chance of picking up the technique.

#7 Use a “foamie”

As a beginner you should go for a soft-top (or “foamie”) surf board as they are designed for those who are learning and they are much safer and durable than the fiberglass or epoxy boards. These days there are a wide range of soft-top boards to choose from, there really isn’t any reason why you would go for anything else as a newbie.

#8 Pick the right waves to surf

It’s critical that you pick a beach that suitable for your level as a beginner. Find a surf spot that is well known for good, reliable, steady waves as it’ll make the experience of learning much easier. Don’t rush to attempt surf spots that are above your ability, you’ll be putting yourself and other in danger. Listen to your surf instructors and never go surfing alone as a beginner.

#9 Make sure you know surf etiquette

To save yourself from getting into trouble or being a danger to other surfers, make sure you know the many rules of surfing! The three main rules to make sure you are aware off:

Don’t Drop In

Do not steal some else’s wave. If you paddle for a wave, make sure you check right and left. If there is another surfer closer to the peak and paddling for it, it’s their wave.

Pick the right spot

If you pick the wrong spot for your ability, not only are you putting yourself in danger but also other surfers. Do your research and make sure you pick the right spot.

Be respectful of locals

When you turn up at a surf spot you need to be aware that there will be locals who surf that spot. Some of them have been surfing it since they were kids, so be respectful and bring the right attitude. All surf spots tend to have their own “vibe”, if it doesn’t feel like the right “vibe” it could be wise to try a different spot.

#10 Master the pop-up

One critical skill for surfing is the “pop-up”, master that and you’ll find yourself catching more waves and improving other parts of your technique. You don’t even need to be in the water to practice, try on the beach or even at home before you go to bed.