subject: Learn To Surf On Your Own [print this page] Do you want to learn how to surf? Don't have the time or money to take a one or two-week surfing vacation just to learn how to surf?
Surfing Is Simple
Surfing is an activity that provides a great physical workout and is simplistic by nature. No need for a man-made court or field, or to gather a group of friends to play with or against. All you need are some waves, a surfboard, in some cases a wetsuit, and most of all the desire to get out there and catch some waves.
What Surf Equipment Do You Need?
The surf equipment you will need will depend on whether you are learning to surf at a warm water or cold water beach. In warm waters the essential equipment consists of a surfboard with fins, a leash, some board shorts, and possibly some wax (this depends on whether your surfboard requires wax or not). If you will be learning in cold water you will require all of the above, plus a neoprene wetsuit.
The essential piece of equipment is obviously the surfboard, although for cold water the wetsuit is also a must. It is highly recommended that beginners learn on a soft surfboard, also known as a "softboard" or "soft top". While these types of boards don't have the same feel or response as a normal, fiberglass surfboard, there are two major advantages that softboards provide beginners:
Safety - as a beginner you are likely to either get hit by your own board or hit another surfer with your surfboard. This is part of the learning process, but you can avoid getting stitches or having an experienced surfer hassle you about the damage his surfboard just sustained by starting out on a softboard.
Save money on surfboard maintenance - fiberglass surfboards are quite delicate and can suffer significant damage while you learn proper surfboard care and management. If a fiberglass surfboard is damaged it will take on water and the board will become water-logged causing your surfboard to lose value. Repairing surfboards can be expensive, so get yourself a softboard for the learning process and save yourself some money in the long-run.
Other equipment which is good to have but not essential:
Rashguard (for sun protection)
Ear plugs
Sunscreen
Safety and Awareness
The only prerequisite for learning how to surf is knowing how to swim (you should be a strong swimmer and feel comfortable in the ocean; if you don't, it's a good idea to work on that first or take some formal surf lessons first so your safety is assured). However, it is important to become knowledgeable about basic ocean safety and about the beach where you are going to be learning. Take some time to find out which beaches in your area are best suited for beginners, if there are potential dangers or hazards (are there rocks or reef?, is the beach known for having strong rip currents?), find out if there are lifeguards on duty, and check the surf forecast.
The most important thing for staying safe when surfing is to always be aware of your surroundings. Get in the habit of observing before jumping right in, especially if you are unfamiliar with a beach or surf break.
Once you know what beach you will be surfing at, go there and check out the scene. Observe the waves, try to identify any potential hazards. Scope out an area that is less crowded where you can paddle out. When learning it is important to have some space between you and other surfers so:
You have a better chance of catching your own waves
You are not hindering other beginners, or in the way of experienced surfers
There is less risk of you getting hit by another beginner's board, or your board hitting another surfer
At some beaches it may be difficult to find your own space. If this is the case, consider surfing in the early mornings or late afternoons, as popular beginner beaches may be less crowded. Another option is to sneak in a surf session during the week when there's typically less people at the beach.
Hope this helps, more tips for learning how to surf on your own to come.
