Surfing GuideLearning to surf starts by building a relationship with water and the ocean. Being a good swimmer is half the battle of learning to surf. 98% of the time you're in the water will be spent padding or waiting for waves, you're lucky if the other 2% is spent standing your surfboard. Swimming in the waves where you think you'll first try surfing is a good, again to get familiar with the water and the power of mother nature.
To suit or not to suit?
Most surfers will wear some type of wetsuit if the water temperature dips below 70. Wetsuits are usually rated by the thickness of the panels used in the suit. If you look closely at a wetsuit, you'll notice that in most cases there a 2 different thicknesses of material use in the wet suit. This is done to accommodate areas that need to stretch and bend, mainly under your arms and in the
crotch region. If a wetsuit is described as being a
4/3
, the body panels and sometimes the arms and legs will be 4 millimeters
thick, while the crotch and underarms will be 3 millimeters thick. Sometimes a wetsuit will have a rating like 4/3/2, this means
that there are 3 different thickness of a neoprene distributed throughout the suit. A good 4/3 suit will keep you warm in water
between about 47-58F, while a
3/2 suit
is good for 59F . If you're surfing in waters less than 60F, you might want to have extra like
booties,
gloves and a
hood.
If it's getting into the mid 60s, you can usually wear a
shorty wetsuit.
Which surfboard to start with?
If it's going to be your first time surfing, you'll want a
longboard or a
fun board.
If you're a bigger, stronger person, you'll
want to opt for he longboard. If you're smaller you're probably want to try a fun board instead. You'll want a surfboard thats
between 1 and 3 feet taller than you, and at least 20 inches wide. It's best to rent a surfboard first. Some places will rent
Softtops
for around $25 a day, if you're in a touristy area, expect to pay more. If you live near the beach and plan on giving
surfing your best shot, you might want to consider buying a used surfboard. There are many places to buy used surfboards. Your
best bet would be to start on craigslist, ebay, local surfs shops and local pawn shops. Always make sure you see the surfboard in
person before you buy it. When inspecting the used surfboard, make sure the wax has been removed from the top of the surfboard so
that all dings, cracks and damage can be visible. All beginner surfers should use a
surfboard leash, and most surfers always will.
Surfboard leashes are usually about $25,
get a leash thats as long, or a bit longer than the surfboard you are planning to ride.
Surfing Etiquette
Visit a busy surf spot sometime and watch the line up in the water. Hopefully, you'll see what looks like organized chaos. There
are a few unwritten rules when you're in the water with other surfers. First, if someone is surfing a wave and you're not, make
every effort to get our of their way. Always be aware of your surroundings when you're in the water. Next, never cut anyone off
on a wave. There are a few interpretations of this, but basically, when a waves comes though, the person who is closest to the
breaking part of the wave has the right of way. Even if you get to your feet before they do, the person closest to the breaking or
crumbling section of a wave has the right of way. Also, never drop in on anyone who is already riding a wave. The best thing to do is paddle out on the far end of the lineup and watch the other surfers take waves for 30 minutes or so.
