Every surfer will always remember the first wave they ever caught. It is truly an exhilarating experience. However, before you get to hit any wave out there you may go through a few frustrating moments. Unfortunately, there are many who will quickly give up. We hope that the following tips will help you keep your head up, your will strong, and will keep you wanting to paddle back out there and keep trying.
- Stay motivated:
Even if your friends abandon you, remember why you tried surfing in the first place. Maybe you love the water, or perhaps you dream of being out there amongst the dolphins, whatever the reason, keep trying. When you eventually catch that first wave, every single wipe out beforehand will feel worth it.
- Learn to enjoy the paddle out:
Paddling out – that is the tough stuff. Once you learn to enjoy it you will appreciate the surf that much more. Most of your time out there will consist of paddling… there will also be lots of waiting. So don’t dread it – embrace it!
- Learn the fundamentals:
- As mentioned before, enjoy the paddle out. However, you also have to figure out the most efficient way to paddle, so that you do not waste much needed energy.
- Focus on improving your balance. Surfing requires lots of balance as well as a strong core. Yoga can greatly help with your balance, and will also strengthen your core.
- Do not be ashamed to start in the white water. Swimming out and starting in the line-up will only leave you discouraged as you will most likely consistently fall, wipe out, and you may also leave other surfers agitated, or worse, you may hurt others, as you accidently cut them off. Everyone has started in the white water at one point, there is no shame to it.
- Find the right board for you:
I believe most of us have done it – bought a board because it looked cool, without considering the local waves and our own skill level. Take the time to find the board that is right for you, your body type and size, as well as your experience. A board that is too small and too thin will be extremely hard to learn on and will only lead to frustration and discouragement. Make it easier on yourself and find the perfect board that will work wonders for you!
- Familiarize yourself with surf etiquette:
Knowing what you should not do is equally important to all the tips above. Following surf etiquette – which consists of not dropping in on a wave which someone else has already caught, will ensure you stay safe, and will save you some embarrassment and perhaps some evil stares. While accidents happen, it is important to avoid them as much as possible.
