Surfing for Non-Surfers: Beginner Tips for Fellow Beginners

Some say that surfing is an “extreme sport” and that label alone is enough to give anyone who wants to try it enough reasons to doubt whether they can do it or not.

But of course, we must remember that not all types of surfing are “extreme”. How about trying it long enough to know how liberating it feels to glide through the water? It doesn’t matter if it’s not 6 foot waves yet. Those 3-footers will also give you a sweet ride.

So, for those who want to give surfing a try, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Safety first.

On your first try, it would be best to have someone with you. A licensed instructor would be even better. And he/she has to have the same mindset about it. There is no use trying surfing if after your first lesson you end up very bruised and traumatized by the experience.

2. Bruising is expected.

Let’s be honest. Surfing is not an ordinary sport. They will spin you. You’ll end up multiple times. Many times. You will fall face first into the water and even if it is just water, it will hurt. You will slip on your board if you don’t pay attention. Or if you’re like me, you still wouldn’t know how to spin around and hit the rocks (twice in my case) and get all these cuts and bruises on your knees and legs. You will have rashes on your legs and abdomen, maybe even your arms.

Expect to get a bit of bruising. It is part of the learning process. And if by the end of your lesson, you’re already standing up and doing the hang ten sign, then those cuts and bruises are your true badges of honor.

3. The goal is to be able to stand up… Not to look good.

Here’s the thing. You will see professionals (or at least people who have been surfing for a while) looking great on their surfboard, doing all those tricks and smiling while doing it.

But let’s face it, your goal, at least on your first try, is to be able to stand up. All the way to the shore if that’s possible. However, being able to stand up may be easy for others and you’ll just have to see for yourself when you’re out there if you need more time to find your legs in the sea or not.

It was easy for me. I stood up on my first try and I’m proud to say that. But then again, I’ve been pole dancing for over a year and that means I’ve been able to build core, arm and leg muscles, not to mention my sense of balance. So it’s not just about being muscular or having bulging arm muscles – I’m a tiny 5″1 woman weighing no more than 95lbs. You need to have developed the right set of muscles to be able to catch and ride. that wave

If after a couple of takedowns you find yourself on your feet long enough to not fall, or at least land gracefully (as you intended), make sure you do the hang ten sign and smile at whoever is looking, because there will always be someone . You are having fun. That’s great.

4. Respect The Wave.

Remember, it’s not just water. It is mother nature. It is the rhythm of the moon. It’s a force to contend with, so learn to respect the wave. Don’t take it for granted just because you think you’re a good swimmer. Hear it, feel it. Feel the waves under your board and let it take you wherever it wants.

OKAY. I’m getting romantic here, but only because there’s nothing quite like the feeling of standing up and feeling the power of the water under your surfboard.

It’s such a natural high. And you have to respect the wave to be able to feel that.

5. Have fun with it.

In case you find your balance sucks. Or your muscles are not yet well prepared for surfing. Or you bruise a lot… there’s really only one thing to do. Just have fun with it.

Hears. At least you tried. Who knows, maybe you will do better with windsurfing. That’s another sport I’ve tried and enjoyed enough to want to try again.

As for you, fellow beginner, kudos to you for trying.