It is summertime, and if you were ever interested in getting into surfing, now is high time to start. Surfing is a fun experience in which you can interact with different people and release stress. Plus, the mere sight of the water is enough to relax you. Although surfers typically spend a maximum of 6 seconds riding a wave, it is a very addictive sport that can improve your health and increase your adrenaline levels. However, before you decide to get on a board and surf the waves at the nearest beach, there are a few things you need to consider first. If you are ready to take on surfing, start by following these steps to become an adept surfer.
Watch Surf Films
You might feel a bit bored watching surf films; However, surfing videos are essential for showing you what to expect, the type of equipment you’ll need to buy, and maybe even show you the best locations in which you can surf. You can find multiple popular surf films on the internet like Riding Giants, Surfwise, and Blue Crush, but you can also find many surfing channels on YouTube and social media accounts of surfing experts. It’s a good strategy to start on the theoretical side of the sport before getting hands-on experience.
Try Surf Camps
Surf camps exist for people like you who are interested in learning to surf during the holiday. There are over 20 million surfers around the world and that number is increasing each year. To join those ranks, all you have to do is receive proper training. To get the best of this amazing experience, all you have to do is book a surf camp package. If you live in Santa Barbara, Ventura, or anywhere else in California, then you’re in luck because you’ll find many professional coaches and surfing camps in the area.
Your new coach will see to it that you learn all the surfing techniques necessary based on your level. In addition to this, you will know more about the natural elements that can affect your surfing experience. For example, you will know more about how waves are formed, wave period, wind direction and speed, tides, and so on. Not only will you learn how to surf the waves like a pro, but you will enjoy good company, participate in activities like musical festivals, and go to some local events along with your peers.
Surf Ethics
Besides learning the different techniques that will help you ride the waves, there are some basic ethical rules that every surfer should adhere to so they can enjoy their favorite sport. The first rule is that you have to know your surf spot. If you’re still in the training phase, you might not want to surf the next big wave. Instead, you can surf smaller waves until you become more experienced. If you don’t know which spot to surf, you can easily ask an experienced friend or your coach for help.
Another rule is to never drop in on another surfer. Dropping-in is a term that means a surfer is in the way of another where the other surfer is unable to ride the waves the way they want to. Drop-ins can cause collisions, frustration, and sometimes mild injuries if the collision is particularly hard.
Get the Right Surfboard
Purchasing your very first surfboard is not about the newest model on the market as much as it is about choosing a board that complements your abilities and skill level. That means you have to pay attention to the volume and length of the surfboard. The volume basically determines the surfboard’s capability of staying afloat based on elements like the thickness, width, and length.
Of course, you want your surfboard of choice to have as much volume as possible for a better experience, but you will also have to consider other factors like your height and weight, the type of waves you often ride, and your fitness level. If you don’t know how to use these factors to choose the right surfboard, make sure to consult your coach or expert friend. After all, you’re going to be using that surfboard for a long while, so you’ll want to buy the best one.
Surfing is an exciting sport that involves being a part of a great community. So, make sure you understand the rules of the sport and look for new people who can share their enthusiasm with you. Before you join that community, remember to read about the rules and etiquette of surfing to have the optimum surfing experience.
