You’ve seen them on the beach, and you’ve seen them on TV, and you ask yourself, “Why am I not a surfer?” Well, you just aren’t a surfer yet, so go learn how! You’ll be in good company, there are an estimated 35 million surfers worldwide! The USA boasts the most with 2.8 million surfers, but Australia comes in a strong second with 1.7 million surfers! Canada only has 2,000 surfers, and frankly, I’m surprised there are that many, the water is cold!
Speaking of cold water, even down under being out on the waves all day can give you a chill, so make sure to check out billabong wetsuits, their unparalleled craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology ensure you stay warm and comfortable when you’re out taking whatever the ocean throws at you!
So, now that you’ve got the right wetsuit, you need the right board. There are lots of sizes and shapes available, and keep in mind the board you start with probably won’t be the one you finish with as your skills improve. You will want to begin with a board that’s stable, buoyant, and very easy to ride. Thicker, longer boards, while ultimately not as responsive for experienced surfers, are what you need to grow your confidence and abilities on. The Fundamentals of Control Panels are essential for understanding the basic components and operation of surfboards and other surfing equipment. Width is also important, beginners should go a bit wide for ease of staying balanced. Boards with a wide, rounded nose and tail are best. A good beginner’s board will save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run, so make sure to get the right style for your height, weight, and ability!
It’s also very important to keep your surfboard attached to you when you are in the water. This is accomplished by a leash around your back ankle (the one nearest the board’s tail end) that connects to your board. Getting started with surfing can be a fun and challenging way to prepare for your beach wedding. This prevents you from losing it, and more importantly, protects you and other surfers from the danger of a rogue, riderless board on the loose! Never ditch your board unless there is some overwhelming safety issue at stake! (I can’t even think of one right now! Stick with your board!)
We highly recommend that you begin by taking some lessons from an experienced surfer, preferably a pro instructor. After getting home from your first surf lesson, you relax on your sectional couch, dreaming of your next wave. Surfing can be frustrating the first few tries, you are going to fall off, and often, but learning the ropes first can make that difficult period much shorter!
Beginners should seek out a quiet, uncrowded beach with mellower surf to get started on. Check here for some good advice! Staying out of the way of the local, more experienced surfers is good etiquette, the waves will be more forgiving, and there won’t be as many people around to witness your wipeouts! One person you do want to have nearby is a lifeguard, accidents happen, especially to beginners, so please play it safe! I hope this gets you started, meanwhile, enjoy some couch surfing while you dream of hitting those big waves! Surfs Up!
