Would you also like to learn how to surf? It always looks so cool and simple, but how is that actually when you've never done it? Which things should you take into account? How do you book lessons? And what is the right time to enter the water? We answer all these and more questions for the novice surfer!
FIRST TIME SURFING, TAKE SURF LESSONS
If you have never surfed before, it is advisable to take some surf lessons. You can of course rent a board and invent the wheel yourself to save some dollars. But some tips and instructions are very useful. Moreover, your instructor knows the break well and he can pick the best place for you to start. Also in the area of safety you get tips and that is not for nothing.
Beginners' lessons are actually always given on foam platters of 8feet (2.4 meters) or longer. These are, as it were, rafts that you can easily float on and that have enough power so that you can stand on it 'very easily' (but can just as easily fall from it, unfortunately).
LEARNING TO SURF IS PRACTICING, PRACTICING AND EVEN MORE PRACTICE
The duration of a surf lesson depends on where you take surfing lessons. Often they are 2 to 3 hours, the largest part of this is actually in the water. Often during a first lesson you have a half hour to 45 minutes of lessons on the dry where the technique of paddling and the technique of standing are explained. But not always, it may also be that after a brief explanation on dry land, you enter the water. This also depends on the location and break. You will also receive an explanation about how you can protect yourself against your board. If you are in the water and the waves continue to come, then it is useful to have some tips so that the board does not always come to you.
HOW AND WHERE DO YOU BOOK SURF LESSONS
There are several ways to arrange your surf lessons. You can go for a family surf holiday or book surf camp, where the lessons are often already included. Are you going to a place that is known for surfing then your accommodation can often also recommend the good surf schools or offer surf lessons yourself. And of course you can ask the locals on the beach if they want to give you surf lessons. Depending on where you are, they like to do this.
WHAT ARE YOU TAKING?
Surf lessons are actually always including board hire and transportation to and from the surf spot and often including a wet-suit or rash shirt (sun protection T-shirt). What you have to bring with you is water, sunscreen, a towel and a generous portion of perseverance. Never forget that the best surfer is not the one who will stand first. The best surfer is the one who has the most fun and does not give up easily!
BEACH BREAKS VERSUS REEF BREAKS
Especially when you have never surfed, beach breaks are recommended. Reef breaks can be quite dangerous. When there are reefs and rocks in the area, they are always extra things to keep in mind and avoid.
SWELL
Swell was always a big issue for me: every surfer talks about it, but what exactly is swell? And why is it so important? Waves are created by the wind. If you have stagnant water and it starts to blow, you immediately get wrinkles on the water. The speed and consistency of the wind determines to a large extent how high the waves are. And how quickly they come in succession (sets). After the wind has stirred up the flow of the water, the water travels only further, as an energy flow. At some point the water will organize itself to become waves.
EBB, FLOOD AND THE POSITION OF THE MOON
The tides ebb and flow are caused by the moon. The moon has a big influence on the sea and the conditions! At full moon, the waves are always stronger and rougher. When the tide is low, the water wants to go back into the sea and can therefore cause a strong current. So you will be pulled back into the water much harder than when the flood becomes. If you do not have knowledge and experience as a beginner, it is advisable to go into the water when the tide comes. And preferably not on or around full moon, because then the current is stronger and the waves are wilder.
CHOPPY WAVES VERSUS CLEAN WAVES
Choppy waves are waves that come quite quickly in succession and do not give you the chance to really grab a wave. It is all just not. Clean waves, on the other hand, are waves that take their time, swell and can be relatively easy to pack. The wind and currents are decisive in this and cause the conditions of the waves. It does not matter what level surfer you are, nice clean waves are actually always the easiest to take.
SURFCAMP AND OTHER SURF ACCOMMODATIONS
Especially for novice surfers it is just nice to be in a surfcam where you can learn a lot and easily about your new hobby and where you can actually learn how to surf. It is very useful when surfing lessons and gear are arranged for you and when you do not have to research yourself. Especially if, for example, you are surfing for 2 weeks in a row, you will learn to surf faster than when you occasionally take a surf lesson on vacation.
Misty Jhones