Are you thinking about learning to surf? If so, you’re in for a treat! Surfing is a great way to get out and enjoy the ocean, and it’s also a really fun workout. However, before you head out into the waves for the first time, there are some things you need to know. If you’re planning on taking up surfing, here’s some advice…

Make Sure You Have The Appropriate Gear

One of the most important things you need to do before you start surfing is to make sure you have the appropriate gear. Yep, we’re sorry to dash those dreams of simply pulling on some boardies and catching the first wave that comes your way, but learning to surf does require a fair bit of kit.

The most important element of all is, of course, your surfboard. Whilst more ‘advanced’ surfers tend to use surfboards made from poly, for beginners it’s much more important to prioritise the better buoyancy provided by either epoxy or foam surfboards. 

Generally speaking, the best beginner’s surfboards are on the larger, longer, fuller side, as this provides greater stability. You should also prioritise a thicker board to allow for easier floating, and one that is super easy to paddle, ideally. Do check out this impressively in depth piece on beginner’s surfboards from Lush Palm when you get the chance. 

You’ll also want to invest in specialist wetsuits for surfing, of course. The water in the world’s greatest surfing locations tends to be quite cold, even in the summer, and a wet suit will help you stay warm. It will also prevent the classic surfer’s rash that befalls many beginners. You may also want to invest in a leash for your surfboard, as well as some wax to help you grip the board.

Read: 5 IDEAL places to surf in Portugal

Make sure you research the gear as there is a lot of it and you want to make sure you get what is best for a beginner. You don’t need the most expensive gear but getting something that is good quality will help you maintain interest in the long run.

You’ll Need Excellent Balance & Core Strength

If you’re thinking about hitting the waves for the first time, there are a few things you should know about the actual tekkers involved.

First and foremost, surfing requires a fine tuned sense of balance and excellent core strength. If you don’t have either of those things, it’s going to be very difficult to stay on your board. This is important because if you can’t stay on your board, you’re not going to be able to catch any waves, and you might as well just be swimming.

Another thing to keep in mind is that surfing is a very physical activity, requiring plenty of upper body strength to paddle out into the waves and then pop up onto your feet once you’re out there. If you’re not used to using your arms and shoulders for exercise, you might find yourself getting very sore after a day of surfing. Best start working on those arm muscles, then?

Finally, don’t forget about the mental aspect of surfing. The ocean can be an intimidating place, even on a calm day. And remember; surfers are actively seeking somewhat volatile conditions, both in terms of wave size and the pull of the tide. It’s important, then, to stay calm and focused while you’re out there, or else you’ll start to panic. And that’s when things can really go wrong.

You Need To Get Really Good At Reading The Weather

If you’re planning on hitting the waves for the first time, one of the most important things you need to learn is how to read the weather. The forecast can be your best friend or your worst enemy when it comes to surfing; if you don’t know what to look for, you could find yourself in some serious trouble. Or, on the flip side, floating about aimlessly without a single wave in sight…

The first thing you need to check is the wind. If the wind is blowing offshore, that means the waves will be breaking away from the shore, which is perfect for surfing. Onshore winds, on the other hand, will cause the waves to break towards the shore, which can be dangerous for beginners.

Next, you need to check the swell size and direction. This will give you an idea of how big the waves will be and where they’re coming from. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where the waves are too big for you to handle. Likewise, you’ll want to make sure that you’re not paddling out into a flat area.

Finally, you need to check the tide. This is especially important if you’re planning on surfing near rocks or reefs. If the tide is coming in, that means the waves will be larger and more powerful; if it’s going out, the waves will be smaller and easier to handle.

All of this is collated into what’s known as a ‘surf report’; essentially, ‘’a visual representation of the ocean and atmospheric conditions for a particular surf break in a given moment…presented to you in a chart or table with the size and intensity of waves and winds’’, according to Surfer Today.

Look For Certified Instructors When Taking Lessons

Though we’d all like to take to the board like a, erm, surfer to water the very first time, the truth is that you’re probably going to need an instructor to take you through the basics.

One of the best pieces of advice for anyone looking to take surfing lessons for the first time is to seek out certified instructors. This is critical for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, certified instructors have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you stay safe while you’re learning how to surf. 

They also know how to spot potential hazards in the water and will be able to provide you with helpful tips and techniques for riding the waves. In addition, certified instructors can help you choose the right equipment for your level of experience and skill. So if you’re serious about learning how to surf, be sure to look for certified instructors when taking lessons. You’ll be glad you did!

Fortunately, in most of the world’s most beloved surfing destinations, there are plenty of surf schools with trained, professional instructors who simply love what they do. Stick with it, and you’ll learn to love this beautiful pastime, too.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it, a few pieces of advice for anyone looking to take up surfing for the first time. Just remember to stay safe, have fun, and keep a positive attitude and you’ll be sure to enjoy your time out on the waves. Happy surfing!