How to Surf

Before we discuss the basics of how to surf, you must know that surfing is addictive. Sure, you start off with a rented board, a few tips under your belt, and maybe a surf lesson. But soon you're checking the wave report daily, calling in sick when the waves are too good to pass up, and spending so much time in the water that you can never get the smell of saltwater off your skin. Surfing will do that to you. It's not just a sport or hobby, but to most people it's a lifestyle. Before you get started, don't say we didn't warn you.

You don’t need a lot of equipment to get started. You will need a surfboard (rented, borrowed, or purchased), a surfboard leash and possibly a wetsuit depending on the weather. Also, if it’s your first time, it might be best to bring a friend who has some experience or station yourself near a lifeguard stand. You’ll want to have someone who is readily available just in case you find yourself in a situation that you’re unsure how to handle.

Due to the ever-changing conditions, surfing requires focus, concentration, and strength. When you’re ready to get out there and try something new, be sure you understand the basics of how to surf to ensure your safety and those around you.

Before you get in the water, hit the sand. Practice your form a few times in the sand to ensure that you have a better idea of what to expect when you hit the water.

The first form of surfing that you'll want to perfect is called prone surfing. This technique is used when you want to ride a cresting wave toward the shore. It is also the first steps in the formation of surfing a wave.http://pronesurfing.com/

Lay your board down on the sand. Hold the sides of the board about three quarters of the way back. You'll then pull yourself onto the board and lie face down. Keep your arms back and your elbows at your waist. Your toes should be touching the board's tail. Next, center your body on the board and keep it straight. Lastly, lift your chin and chest.http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-surf-a-wave-in-one-day

Prone surfing in it of itself is a popular sport. However, it’s just the beginning of learning how to surf. After you’ve perfected the prone surfing technique, get out in the water a few times to try it. Don’t try to stand on the water, just work on keeping your body straightening then lift your chin and chest.

Just like prone surfing, you should learn how to stand on your surfboard on the sand first. Before you lay down your board and get back on your chest, you should figure out what kind of style you have. To do this, put some socks on and skid across a flat surface—what foot do you place in front first? That’s the foot you will put in front on your surfboard.http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-surf-a-wave-in-one-day

The first thing you will you do is place your board on the sand and lie face down again. Then turn your back foot so the inside of your ankle is touching the deck of the board. Now you will lift your head and chest up and slide your front foot forward so you line it up with your chest.http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-surf-a-wave-in-one-day Slowly let go of the board and stand up. Open your shoulders and arms and use them to balance yourself.

Focus your eyes on the beach as your ride in. Keep your legs bent at the knees and put a slight amount of weight on your front leg. This is how you stand up on a surfboard and surf. Practice these steps a few times before you get into the water. If you’re afraid of looking weird in front of others, take your board home and do it there. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to invest in an Indo Board so you can practice whenever you have a few moments to spare.

It might not look it when you watch surfers in action, but there is a right way to fall off your surfboard. You want to fall off backwards into the waves and wrap your arms around your head to protect it from hard objects, including your own surfboard and rocks.http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-surf-a-wave-in-one-day Also, this is why having a surfboard leash is important. If and when you fall, the last thing you’ll want to do is chase after your surfboard.

Rip Currents

A rip current is your surfing nemesis. A rip current is a narrow, strong current of water running roughly perpendicular to the beach. There currents can extend anywhere between 200 to 2,500 feet in length. They are incredibly dangerous and can occur with little-to-no warning. The danger lies in the fact that these currents can drag you to the middle of the sea in an instant. If you get caught, don’t panic. Fight your natural instinct to swim back to shallow waters and against the current. Instead, swim sideways and parallel to the beach. When you’re out of the narrow outward current, you can then swim back to shore with the waves helping you.http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/tips/hints/surf_warnings.html

Surfing is an exhilarating and adventurous sport. Once you found yourself out in the open water straddling a surfboard, you may wonder why you didn’t take this sport up sooner.