Ignorance can prove to be very dangerous in any sport, more so in a thrilling sport such as surfing. As you set out to finally try your hands at this amazing sport, we have curated a list of some tips that we think will help you have a good start.
Read along to read some tips and tricks that will come in handy as you begin crashing against the waves.
Less Crowded Beaches are Ideal
It is a no brainer that your chances of catching the wave are reduced by each member that joins the same beach as you. Therefore, as a beginner, you should scout for a beach that is relatively less crowded and is safe for surfing.
When you have fewer competitors, it becomes easy to observe and improve your skills or otherwise you would be in a mad rush to not lose another wave to someone better than you at the sport. Fewer surfers would also mean less chances of collision which is again a very important fact to consider.
Choose the Right Surfboard
It is by far the most important thing that you should be mindful of as you begin surfing. A wrong choice of the board will not only leave you dissatisfied but can also lead to serious injuries. As a beginner, you should choose the board based on its volume, rocker, and material instead of just going by the latest model that burns a hole in your pocket.
Experts suggest that a beginner should ideally go for a soft-top longboard with a big volume and less rocker. The soft top prevents serious injuries in case you fall and the other three i.e long length, big volume and less rocker ease the balancing as you stand on the surfboard or paddle. For more detail on the same, you can visit https://ombe.co/.
Don’t Forget to Leash Up
Leashes are important safety tools that you should definitely wear every time you are surfing. They are mandatory for your safety, let no one tell you otherwise. Professional surfers suggest that you should keep up the practice of putting the leash on, irrespective of your level of expertise in the sport.
A leash is a urethane cord that attaches one of your feet to the deck of a surfboard, down near the tail. The main purpose of the leash is to prevent you from getting swept away by the strong waves.
Patience is the Key
It must sound like stating the obvious, but it is what it is. When you already have an idea about the amount of time you will need to master the skill, it becomes less frustrating. These small acknowledgements can really do wonders in helping you to keep calm as you practise.
Owing to its intricacies, it could be harder to master than most other sports. Even the best surfers have to deal with wipeouts and missed sessions. So the key to stay motivated is to enjoy small achievements on each step as you progress.
Learn to Read the Waves
Each wave in the sea is very different from the other so the one-size-fits-all approach does not work. For riding it, you have to first carefully observe the wave, especially for the position and direction in which it will break.
Experts suggest that you should spend a good 20-25 minutes observing the wave on the land before you set out in the water. This will give you an idea about the place where it is occurring the most, how to ride it etc.
What else?
If you follow the aforesaid tips carefully, you are certain to have a very smooth surfing experience. By saying that, we don’t at all mean that this is all you will need. There is a vast difference in the theory and practice of any sport and surfing is no different.
However, these tips will ensure that you have a good start at least 🙂
