Learning to Surf

5/4/2009 11:16:18 AM

Catching a wave and riding it to shore looks like so much fun. When you learn to surf from the pros you can be hanging ten, too.

Catching a wave and riding it to shore looks like so much fun. When you learn to surf from the pros you can be hanging ten, too.

Learning to surf comes with some very basic and very important guidelines. First, because surfing takes place in, as well as on, the water, you must be able to swim and be comfortable in the water.

Next you need to understand how the waves behave. The ocean is unpredictable and waves can be dangerous. Spend some time watching the waves and seeing how they move. After all, you’ll soon be riding them.

Have patience. You won’t be an expert in one day or even in one year. You’ll have plenty of humbling experiences of falling and crashing. Start out slowly and build up. Look for small, calm waves for your first attempts - large, rough waves are for the pros. Also look for open spaces to practice. You don’t want to crash into another surfer or have one crash into you.

Now comes practice, and lots of it. Take time to observe other surfers. Watch surfing videos and consider lessons from the pros. But the only way to truly learn to surf is to practice on a regular basis.

Once you have the hang of it, the fun and excitement are worth the effort. Riding the waves brings a freedom and a rush that are unsurpassed.

Vacation Planning Staff

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