How to Surf Your First Wave

You have paddled your way out to a nice looking wave, your ready to start surfing and it just doesnt seem to work; well thats how it usually goes for beginners anyways – there is a technique to being able to ride that first wave, its not a simple thing; and it will take time and perfection for you to stop looking so silly.

Make a directional strategy

You need to make sure you know exactly which direction your going to surf a wave before you actually do it, not only does it mean you have a picture of what your going to be doing in your head, but it also helps to avoid nasty collisions; but it builds your ability to read a waves behavior and react accordingly; surfing a wave is easy when you know how it is going to play you.

Theres plenty of fish (waves) in the sea

Thats right, you can get all sorts; blonde haired, blue eyed.. Oh waves right.. If your a beginner you’ll be on the lookout for a nice mushy wave which you do not have to follow through until the wave itself breaks, it gives you time and the right wave energy to learn quickly how to surf.  If your more advanced you’ll be looking for that critical wave which can give the thrill of a lifetime – just remember to follow your dropline to the end.

Turning whilst surfing

When I first started, I was told turning was the easiest bit about surfing – that when you get on the wave your control – ability to forsee directional pulls etc increases, however I was abhorrently hopeless at turning right or left on any given wave, maybe thats just me but I found that keeping a low gravitational center (i.e bend your knees and always keep your torso centered); then lean very slightly until you feel a turning movement in the direction you wish to go; insure you keep control of your turning by going slow at first – make sure to turn towards to wave face aswell.

Keep your eyes on the target

Its well known that you need to be looking where your going, in most cases we as humans do this, but when the perplexity of surfing is added some beginners completely remove this behavior and start looking at their lovely feet on their shiny new board – keep your eyes ahead! The rest will follow!