Things to know when you start surfing

If you’ve seen the someone in absolute sync with the waves on a surfboard and looking like they were on top of the world, well that’s because they certainly were! If the sight has inspired you, then you must be interested in learning how to surf as well. Here are a few basic things you’ll need to know before you actually begin the sport.

The Learning Process

Before taking the first step towards your learning process, ask yourself if you are really prepared to conquer the challenge of mastering one of the most difficult sports in the world? If so, then go ahead and start before you change your mind. Why’s surfing the hardest sport in the world you ask? That’s simply because no matter how experienced you are, every day spent riding the waves is a learning process as every wave is not the same. Furthermore, elements like swells, winds and tides continue to affect the waves. Therefore, you’ll have to learn how to read this phenomenon as well. Simply put, when it comes to surfing, the learning process is very slow.

The Importance of Your Surfboard

This is one of the most important things to consider as it can either make or break your experience. In other sports, the best equipment will help you perform better in what you do. In this case, if you haven’t got the right board, you will not be able to ride a single wave! In other words, you shouldn’t be worried about getting the latest brand, but getting the perfect fit for you depending on your level. For beginners, the right rocker and volume matter. The volume refers to the floatation the board has. The board’s length, thickness and width also matter. If you are a beginner, select a foam board that more volume and a flat rocker.

Choose the Adequate Surf Spot

Selecting the best surf spot is absolutely essential. This is another factor that could determine whether your experience is enjoyable or not. Most pro surfers would recommend starting on a sandy beach break so that you wouldn’t risk falling onto rocks or sharp corals. This is true, but then again, there are some sandy beach breaks that are only suitable for veteran while there are a few rocky breaks that are suitable for beginners. If you are on holiday in Pasikuda, hotels the likes of Maalu Maalu might offer advice on the best spots for beginners to take up a lesson.

Get lessons from no one but the experts

If you are serious about surfing and want to do your best, you need to make sure that you get your basic lessons from an experienced friend or professional coach. You don’t want to go through the process of learning the wrong thing and getting used to it just to be told it’s the wrong technique! Unlearning bad surf habits isn’t an easy thing to do. Therefore, do your research thoroughly before you decide to go for a lesson just to any old place that has popped up.

Learn surf ethics

In order to be respected in the surfing world, there are a set of rules that you absolutely must follow. First of all, don’t drop in. this is the worst of all rules to break and basically, means stealing a wave that belongs to another surfer. So how do you know whose wave it is? When you are paddling for a wave, look left and right. If there is another surfer closer to peak, that wave is not yours to ride. Secondly, select the right spot to surf. Do so while considering the points mentioned earlier. The third important rule is to respect the locals. Each surf spot has its own culture, some local surfers are more inviting than others to strangers while others aren’t. sit back, and analyse your surroundings, try to feel the vibe that goes on, share your waves and don’t drop in.