What You Need to Know Before Your First Surfing Lesson

If you’re after a nice adrenaline boost on your next trip at sea, look no further than surfing! This fun and exhilarating discipline is practiced by millions around the world, from the shores of Morocco to the iconic beaches of Hawaii and Australia. Surfing is indeed one of the least accessible water sports, but as you get better (and you will), you’ll experience unparalleled sensations and a great sense of personal satisfaction. In that spirit, we’ve put together a helpful guide with everything you should know prior to your first surfing lesson.

How Difficult is Surfing?

Frankly speaking, surfing is one of the most complex and demanding sports to learn. It has a pretty steep learning curve. That’s mainly because no two waves you’ll ride will be the same; elements such as the wind and tides will make your surfing session a unique and challenging activity every time. Remember that, after decades of practice, even the most seasoned surfers will wipe out! So, prepare to go in with an optimistic mindset and a positive attitude.

Attributes of a Great Surfer

While there are countless surfing styles out there, all of them have certain traits in common. To grow into an accomplished surfer, you need to cultivate a sense of stability and balance, both physically and mentally. Excellent swimming and freediving abilities will considerably help your progress. Lastly, skills such as resilience, respect, and humility are also essential for helping you ride the waves successfully.

Master Basic Techniques First

Before hopping on your board and diving in the water headfirst, it’s important to get familiar with some basic surfing techniques. Above all, you need to master the pop-up technique; that’s when you stand up on your board and manage to keep your balance on the water. If you click here you’ll get an idea of how instructors in Santa Barbara prepare surfing enthusiasts to ride the waves, even before setting foot in the ocean. Ultimately, practicing this technique off-water will give you a leg up before your first practice, and you’ll enjoy a good workout at the same time.

The Importance of Physical Preparation

Speaking of which, remember that surfing is a full-body workout. You need to be in good physical condition to paddle out, swim, angle your takeoff, stand up, and catch a wave. This may all sound like a lot, but sustained cardio sessions and high-intensity interval workouts will allow you to build the energy and stamina needed to practice wave riding expertly; working on your flexibility is also highly encouraged. That way, your body will be able to engage in the effort and you won’t tire as easily.

Getting the Right Board

Naturally, getting adequate surfing equipment as a novice is essential. Rentals or second-hand boards will do just fine for the occasional surfing enthusiast. Now, if you’re in it for the long run, you’ll need to invest in a high-quality model to optimize your practice and help unleash your potential. When you go about choosing a surfboard, pay special attention to its length, buoyancy (thickness), and material. In any case, the experts at your local surf shop will provide great advice to help you select a suitable board.

Choosing the Ideal Spot

Where you decide to surf is also an aspect that will influence your surfing. Each spot harbors its own environment, wave conditions and type, and more. As a first-timer, your best bet will be to learn on a beach break, as it is safer. Landing on sand instead of rocks or coral reefs will spare you from injuries and other mishaps. Invariably, you’ll need to research the best beaches and spots to practice for your first time. This could mean the difference between a memorable experience and a horrendous one! 

What to Expect After a First Lesson

This will depend on many things, such as your physical condition and surfing spot, but most novices can expect to be a little roughed up after their first session. However, the soreness in your muscles and the chaffing on your hands and feet should be motivation for you to push forward and want to improve!

All things considered, learning to ride the waves for the first time can be quite the challenge. Between getting physically prepared and choosing the right surfboard, there are a plethora of things to factor in if you wish to make your first experience truly worth it. In any case, as you go about your research, make sure to look for more expert tips and recommendations on how to work your way towards becoming a surfing pro!