Too Short
Dummies Guide To Surfing
Learning to surf is much like learning almost any other skill. You need to start with the right equipment and some good instruction and be prepared to get lots of practice.
The first piece of equipment you will need is of course a surfboard. A common mistake that many make is trying to learn to surf on a board that is too short. While professional surfers might choose a short board for learning it is recommended that you choose a larger board.
My recommendation for learners is a board that is at least 9 feet long. Choose a board that is both wide and thick for stability and buoyancy. Try to find a board that has a soft, foam covered deck which are best for learning.
The next piece of equipment you will need is some swimwear. Remember that you are going to be spending prolonged periods of time in the sea so, if it’s cold where you are, you will want to be wearing a wetsuit. If the sea is warm enough you will be able to get away with a nice pair of funky board shorts or maybe a bikini.
Once you have the right gear its now time to get used to your board on dry land. It’s a good idea to master a move called a ‘pop-up’. You will have seen other surfers use this manouvre to quickly lift themselves into the upright position when they catch a wave.
Start by laying your board on the beach, deck side upwards, and lie down on the board with your head about one third of the board’s length from the front. This is the position you will adopt when paddling out through the waves. Be sure to apply enough sun protection to your back, or wear a t-shirt to protect your chest from getting a rash.
Grasp the board on either side, at about shoulder level, and lift yourself up so that your feet are at the same point on the board as your hands. You should now be crouching on the board with your knees bent. You are now ready to stand upright.
Repeat this manouvre over and over again until you are totally confident on dry land. Paddle out to just beyond where the waves are breaking and turn around so that your board is pointing in the direction that the waves are moving. Paddle forwards until you feel your board being pushed forward by the waves and the try the pop-up move.
This will take a lot of practice, but by the end of your first day you should have mastered this crucial first step.
Too Short
