If you are thinking of surfing, some tips will help you get started. Surfing is an extreme sport that has been around for decades, but it’s still not something one can just jump into without any preparation. We’ll give you a beginner’s guide to the basics of surfing so anyone interested in this activity doesn’t have to guess what they should be doing when they start or ask someone who knows more about it than them.
Start With The Right Equipment
Before you can even think about surfing, you need to have the right equipment. The idea of surfing is to stay afloat and move with the help of a board across water waves. It’s an activity that requires plenty of energy, so make sure you start with the proper gear to make it easier for yourself. As someone who is just starting, go with beginner surfboards first as they are made for those who have never surfed before. This is necessary because you need something you won’t have to struggle with while learning, or else it will make the whole experience more difficult. You also need proper surf leashes on your surfboard so you don’t lose them while paddling out by accident. Remember that even though you are wearing a leash, do not let go of the board unless you are sure you can catch it.
Choose The Right Location and Time
If you are looking to try surfing for the first time, certain spots will work better than others. You should avoid crowded surf beaches with boards everywhere or anyone who knows what they are doing. Instead, go somewhere with less traffic and where people won’t be in your way. This is why beginners should consider spots with smaller waves, so you don’t get intimidated when seeing the bigger sets rolling in. Some of the best locations around the UK for surfing include Newquay, Watergate Bay and Croyde in North Devon. What makes these locations great is that they are close to beginner-friendly spots such as Putsborough and Saunton.
If you’re looking for the best time to go surfing, it’s when waves are smaller and there isn’t much activity on the beach. This is usually during low tide between high and low water, or once the tide has come back in between low and high water. During the summer, you may find many people on the beaches of Newquay and Fistral during weekends or holidays. However, once you know your way around, some places such as Crantock Beach will be perfect for beginners because it’s not as busy as other spots nearby.
Start With The Basics
One of the most important things to keep in mind if you are thinking about surfing is that this sport will require a lot of patience from you. It’s necessary for someone who wants to try out surfing to take it step by step because it can be a pretty intense sport with a lot of things going on at the same time. The first thing you should think about is paddling out, as it will be your way to catch a wave and ride along with it. Keep in mind that the sport also requires increasing upper body strength so you can control yourself, especially when going against waves. Another thing you should do when starting is to learn about surfing from experienced surfers, whether it’s at a surfing school or elsewhere. Since this activity cannot be learned in just a day, allow yourself some time and try out the sport in stages instead of trying to do everything right off the bat.
Learn To Manoeuvre Yourself
While in the water and riding a wave, you need to know how to stand on your surfboard. This means that when catching the wave, you need to put yourself at an angle so when it hits you can stand up with your surfboard. It’s not just about paddling out and holding on with all your might, you need to know how to adapt and stand up if you want to catch the wave. This will be easier done when it’s a small wave so at least you can paddle with it instead of against it, but remember that sometimes even when the effort is minimal, you probably won’t manage to ride in at all. Also, don’t forget about your feet. You should know which foot goes in front and back while surfing.
Consider The Wave Type
There are different types of waves one can surf on, and each takes a slightly different approach. On small days you might want to go for beach breaks that break close to land if there aren’t any peaks around. If there are, you can either go in and out of the peak or try and catch a left-hander somewhere along the lines. Bigger days will require different approaches, so be sure to follow what’s going on in the water when you see bigger sets coming in. You should also keep an eye on your surroundings while surfing, so you don’t get caught in the impact zone if the wave is breaking close to where you are.
Don’t Go Alone!
Make sure when you are surfing, especially when catching your first waves, that you aren’t alone in the water. This is because there are many things to think about while surfing and it can be pretty intimidating if you are trying this for the first time without any guidance. During peak hours in popular areas, it may even be necessary for someone who’s into surfing to keep an eye on beginners since there are many people in the water. If you don’t have anyone who can go with you, try to avoid smaller days when not too many people are around.
Other things should be kept in mind while catching waves for the first time, but these are some of the main points that will give you a general idea of what surfing is all about. Even when it may seem intimidating for someone who’s never tried it before, many people enjoy this sport and want to share their passion with others. Surfing can be a great way to put yourself in nature and avoid the noise from daily life that we all tend to stick with. Get ready and head out for your first wave – you will enjoy it!
