10 Tips for the Beginner Surfer
We’ve listed 10 tips for beginner surfers that should get you started down the right path and hopefully on to a lifetime of fun.
1. Get a Soft Beginner surf Board
There’s a reason that those soft surfboards are the best-selling surfboards in the world — they’re a lot of fun and a great entry-level board. When you’re just learning, your board is inevitably going to hit you. But no worries — with a soft top, your body will be able to take the abuse. below the Odysea log by Catch surf!
2. Surf the Beginner Spots when the waves are very small.
You may want to take on the more popular spots in your area, but popular spots are frequented by surfers who have most likely been there for years and are going to get the best waves. Start somewhere off the beaten path that isn’t crowded — you’ll get more waves and, as a result, get better, faster.
3. Practice on land and at home
It may look dorky, but take a few minutes before you get to the beach to work on popping up on your board. Lay your soft board ,a beach towel or rug and pratice. In front of a mirror helps too.
The key to standing up on a wave is a quick and fluid pop up — think of it as a real quick, yet controlled, push-up. Perfect the motion on the beach, and it will come to you much easier when you’re in the surf.
4. Gear up ! In Hawaii we have Reef , intense Sun and Wana (sea urchins)
Use all the safety gear ! Surf Shorts (no speedos) , Rashguard long sleeve , Reef Booties and Lots of sun screen! www.billabong.com
If your Hurt or Sunburned you cant surf as much! Time in the water is key!
5. Find The Right Board for you then find the sweet spot!
You always see beginner surfers paddling too far back on their boards, making it do a wheelie and the going slow. On the flip side, some beginners paddle too far up on their boards, making the nose poke underwater.
What you need to do is find that sweet spot in the middle, mark it with a piece of wax and make sure to paddle in that position. It is much easier to find the sweet spot on the right board for your size! Here is a quik chart for reference! All are soft/foamie boards for beginners.
-100 pounds - 8' odysea Log from Catch Surf or Costco wavestorm
100-145 9' Odysea Log from Catch Surf
145-170 10' black tip from surf tech
175-250+ 10'6 Isle Surf/sup
6. Paddling
Paddling too much is fine, but one stroke too little and you'll mis your wave every time! So when you think you have the wave give it 3 more strokes! this is true for all levels of surfing! Paddling / catching waves is the hardest part! This is a tip that can be applied to surfers of all levels. The extra velocity will make it so you’re not stuck at the top of the wave, making the drop much easier.
7. Bend you Knees Keep your head up
Style is everything is good surfing! Where you look is where you go!
When you do get to your feet on a wave, make sure to bend your knees and keep your head up, as opposed to hunching your back over and looking down at your board. You have way better balance with your knees bent, eyes up enjoy the ride and the energy of the wave.
8. Go with the Flow Paddling out. Observation is key!
Every surf spot has a flow and you need to flow with it, your surfing life depends on it! If you dont you'll get thrashed, ran over rescued by the lifeguard, and worst of all hardly ever get a good wave!. Take a minute and watch where other surfers enter , paddle out , catch waves and exit You should have plan you believe in before you get wet!
9. Big Surf!
I get it you wanna shred ! You see the weather man claiming big swell on the way! Your super confident, strong , you do MMA, Climb mountians , Snow board, Skate, wow you even do Triathalons. Remember the Ocean is a powerful thing soft as a feather and hard as an anvil at the same time. When learning to surf you need to know your spot like the back of your hand so go when it small learn where and what the dangers are ( rocks , dangerous other surfers) and learn where the best waves are. We grew up at the beach ive surfed hundreds of times when the waves were almost non-exiestant. get you paddling stamina up!
10. Have Fun!
Remember you new to this dont be too hard on your self your gonna miss waves , fall when you get good ones, nearly drown and do everything wrong! Love it!
11 Bonus!!
Take a lesson from a local pro!
If these tips seem over your head or you wanna learn most of this in a couple hours look up your local billabong surf camp ( billabong only sponsors the best) We can help you get dialed in on your first wave in minutes!!!
Aloha !! Dom
