11 Things to Do before Your Surfing Lesson
In case you are just going to learn to surf and want to become successful, then you have to know a few important things. In this article, we will talk about how you can get ready for your surf lessons. By following all of these tips, you will surely make your learning process quicker and more enjoyable.
1. Having a positive mindset
If you are surfing for the very first time, you are bound to be afraid and nervous about what is about to come. But, do not let this fear overwhelm you, and try to have a positive outlook on your learning experience. Keep all your uncertainties at bay and be open to the learning experience.
2. Be physically ready
Surfing can be challenging for your body, especially if you are a beginner. Therefore, before you embark on your surfing journey, you must ensure that your body is in the right shape. While surfing, you need to be physically capable of standing on your surfboard, paddling out, catching a wave, and taking or angling off.
3. Wear the appropriate bodywear
If you are going to surf in some cold water, you will have to wear your wetsuit. This will help you to be ready with the proper equipment before your surfing lessons. But wearing a wetsuit is not enough; you have to ensure that it is not too thick; otherwise, you may feel stuck and hot in your wetsuit. On the other hand, if you opt for a slim wetsuit, the cold water will force you to step out of the water.
In addition, you have to carry sunscreen and a rash guard. It will help guard your chest against the irritation of the board and the wax while preventing your body from turning red. Your sunscreen needs to be water-resistant to protect you against UVB and UVA rays of the sun.
4. Have a Big Surfboard
Do not make the mistake to jump on shorter and smaller boards. When you start with a long surfboard, you will learn the fundamental aspects of mechanics, and you will be able to catch some more waves in the beginners’ stages.
5. Do not rush into the water
After you reach the beach, it may be tempting to rush right into the water, but our advice for you is to avoid that. Instead, go to the beach and spend time stretching. Before going into the water, check your board and leash, and look at the waves. You can also take a moment and see what the other surfers are doing. Make this a habit and continue doing it even after you become a pro surfer.
6. Try the Beginner’s Wave
One of the essential things for a beginner surfer is to go to a beach that is ideal for starting the learning process. Therefore, you must choose a beach that has steady waves so that your surfing experience is smooth. Another reason for choosing such a beach is that you will learn to manage small waves before you tackle large ones. Moreover, consult your teacher and guide before going to surf on a new beach as they will be able to tell if you are ready or not.
7. Avoid learning by yourself
At first glance, everything appears easy. However, you need not make the mistake of surfing all by yourself as a beginner. If you have a friend who has an experience with surfing, take them out on a beach to surf together. They will be able to teach you about the nuances of surfing, avoid injuries, and how not to put yourself at risk.
8. Mother Nature can be unpredictable
When you are surfing, you will have to deal with different weather conditions. Some days you will know what the weather will look like, and on other days, things can become unpredictable. You always have to be patient if you want to surf as at times the forecast can read a sunny day, but when you reach there, the weather can become foggy. So, learn to go surfing only when the weather is stable to keep yourself out of any kind of danger.
9. Learn swimming
It can be scary for you to learn to surf if you do not know how to swim in the water. Thus, learn swimming before you learn surfing. It will help build your endurance, and you will be able to catch waves more easily.
10. Pacing yourself
Pacing yourself is crucial after you get into the water. You may feel a surge of excitement take over you once you enter the water but not pacing yourself, and result in an injury. Therefore, slow down before you start rushing.
11. Believe in the process
Surfing enables you to live in the moment. So, if you have any preconceived notions, let them go. Do not think that you will become an expert right after your first day on the water. You may fall, but it is a part of your process of learning how to surf.
In case you face some difficulties, do not get frustrated. Instead, remove all your distress and try to live in the present moment. Focus on having more fun so that your learning process becomes a happy experience that you can look back upon once you become a pro surfer. Also, do not feel anxious and change your perspective. In no time, you will learn about the do’s and don’ts of surfing that will help you go on adventures.
Conclusion
Any sports require you to be strong. The same thing applies to surfing. You have to ensure that your body is ready to embark on your surfing journey. Do not be afraid and choose a proper guide who will mentor you. Avoid learning all yourself as it can put you in danger.
Mother Nature will not always be on your side, so always be on your feet. Swimming can help ease your learning process and also be patient while you are starting out on the water.
