Surfing Tutorial For Beginners

Watching expert surfers and asking questions is not the only way to learn surfing from scratch. Though there is nothing wrong in "winging" it but having a step-by-step surfing tutorial can help you learn the basics faster and get you on the waves and skimming like an expert in the shortest possible time. Here is a simple step-by-step guide in learning surfing from the basics.

1. Getting a Board

The first step to learn surfing is to first get your own board that you will be using for the sport. Surfing classes will provide you with basic boards to practice but having your own develops a familiarity with your equipment that is quite convenient for you later on. If it's your first time to buy a board then you might want to ask an expert to give you some tips on how to pick the right one. In most cases, novice surfers are advised to get boards made from lightweight material for better control and maneuverability.

2. Learn To Balance

Now that you have your own board, or gotten your hands one that you will be using for practice, the next step is to learn how to balance yourself on top of it. You don’t have to start by standing on it, but you can give it a shot to see if you can already do it. If you can't do it standing up or in a crouch then try to get the feel of the board and your balance by lying it on face down. Beginners will also get the knack of paddling since you will have to row your way to the waves before you can surf. You can also practice with your board on a swimming pool of you have one.

3. Physical Exercise

Balance and familiarity with your surfboard is not the only requirement to learning how to surf. You also need to have your body in peak physical condition to make sure you can do the basic feats without getting tired easily. First, you need to improve the strength of your arms so you can easily lift yourself up to a standing position to catch the waves. Leg power is also an essential requirement since you need to be able to have the strength to stay in a standing position as you skim through the swells. While you're at it; you might want to improve your overall body flexibility and stamina through cardiovascular exercises.

4. Hands-On Experience

Once you have easily mastered step 2 and 3, the only thing left in this surfing tutorial is to try to waves out for the first time. Don’t be afraid to get wiped out easily since that is part of the learning process. If you do fall off your board then consider it as training to swim back and to climb back up on to try again. Also, you might want to try out with small swells first close to shore before trying the much bigger and dangerous looking waves.