subject: Standard Surfing Guide For Newbies [print this page] Surfing can be a fun and exciting sport, and if you live near a good ocean, it is easy to be addicted to the rush of surfing. There are several things you should know prior to getting to the beach, including basic gear and a few precautions.
The first thing in regards to the standard surfing guide for beginners you ought to realize is that you are going to need a wetsuit if you are planning to be able to surf in cooler water. Wetsuits come in a variety of styles as well as thicknesses, and you must ensure that you will get one with correct measurements to guarantee an excellent fit. The types include a vest, jacket, short, spring suit, full suit and arm steamer. The most important measurements for an excellent fit will include your height, weight, and the measurement of your torso and waist.
The next thing you will need is a good board. If you are just starting out, you may borrow a board from a friend, or rent 1. Most areas which have good places to surf will have a rental shop, so this is a good area to check out. Boards can be extremely expensive, so you should start out with a rental or even a borrowed board to find out if you like surfing before you make a bigger investment.
Surfing is a fairly physically demanding sports activity, so you will need to be in pretty good shape to be able to do all of the things essential to surf and to ensure you have fun while you are out there. Again, if you live within an area that is a well-liked surfing spot, there could some surf instruction available to help you get in form for surfing, as well as some basic lessons.
You should start out in an area that has small, easy waves and a sandy bottom. The less busy the area is actually, the better it will be suited for your needs. You are going to be preoccupied with watching the actual surf and getting into it and you watch watch all around you to successfully do not hit anybody or get in their way.
Your surfboard should have an ankle tether and this should be attached to your ankle so that if you fall off your board you can easily retrieve it. Start by jogging into the sea together with your board, and once you are about waist height in the water, lay on the board on your stomach. Use your arms to paddle out past where the waves are breaking. When you're beyond the surf area, view behind you for an easy, rolling wave to approach. As the wave comes towards you, you will paddle with it, still on your stomach.
You will notice the wave lifting your surfboard and move you along, remain in your stomach position and go with the wave. After a few tries and getting to understand the feeling of the water wave lifting your surfboard, you will be ready to attempt to stand on the board and controlling on the board using the wave. You are going to fall off of your board a great deal, so be patient and keep trying. If you cannot get used to surfing, you may want to look into lessons offered from your local surf store or organization. Once you know the basics, you are ready to proceed on the more challenging surf.