For those people who have always been attracted to surfing but have not dared to take the step and have been postponing it year after year, reading this post done in collaboration with the experts of your surf trip could be the necessary push to take the board, the wet suit and go into the sea to ride on the waves; and feel how adrenaline travels all over the body.
Surfing is a sport of balance and reflexes. Once this part of the exercise is mastered, it is only a matter of letting yourself be dragged by the wave for as long as possible, while directing the table through one or more keels located at the back.
To make this whole process more comfortable and more effective, it is advisable to start with wave experts or surf school; or even try a surf trip to a paradisiacal destination. Also, you need to know how to swim freely and have previous knowledge about the sea in which you will surf and the type of waves you can find.
- Surfboard
The surfboard is essential for this sport. From the very first moment, it will become the “means of transport” at sea, so it is of the utmost importance to get to know it well.
It is necessary to know that there are several types of surfboards, so it is convenient to choose the one that best suits the initial goals, which in the case of beginners, is the foam board. This is characterized by being large, floating and having a round trip, which facilitates stability once on the board and being able to catch waves without suffering repeated blows.
- Wetsuit
The wetsuit is necessary to make surfing enjoyable, as it protects against low sea temperatures, blows, scratches, etc. depending on the temperature of the water and the season of the year, the material from which it is made will vary. In winter, it is recommended that the wetsuit be long and thick, about 3 / 4mm, while in summer, it is advisable to be short and fine, about 3 / 2mm or 2/2mm.
- Paraffin
Paraffin is a kind of wax that is poured over the board to avoid slipping. There are several types of paraffin, and the use of one or the other depends on the water temperature. This wax can be replaced or supplemented with the Grip, a kind of rubber that sticks to the table for the same purpose as paraffin.
- Wave
To get started on surfing, it is better to start by taking waves that are not strong, in order to be able to maneuver more easily on the board. It is also important to choose the time, as it is preferable to avoid those hours in which the beach is more crowded and can prevent surfing with peace of mind.
The ideal is to start by catching foam (when the wave has already broken), instead of starting by going deep into the sea. Once mastered the technique, join to catch waves with the most experienced surfers.
- Water surfer!
With all the material ready and controlled, you have to arm yourself with patience because surfing is a very disciplinary sport. Most people who start surfing do it because they find it very attractive and dream of looking like that surfer they saw on the beach during their vacation. This can become a frustration, as it is all a matter of practice and how long it takes to get along with the table. Experts like your Surf trip advise you not to rush to become an expert surfer and enjoy the fantastic path this adventure will provide.
- Spend time studying the sea
The sea can be dangerous if one has not stopped to observe it before entering it. There are multitudes of factors that can cause a fright and start to catch him a fear that will end up causing him to stop surfing.
The council is that, before letting themselves be carried away by the waves, they devote 10 minutes to observing the sea, looking at the currents and where they are heading the water, studying where they are going to enter the peak and where they would leave in the event of any mishap.
- Sit and lie down
The first thing to do before entering the water is to tie the rope that connects the surfer with the surfboard –the leash – to the ankle. Once inside the water, you have to row to the area where the waves break and practice two movements: sit and lie down on the board. In this way, you learn to familiarize yourself with the board and to catch the movements with the waves.
When you get on the board, you have to row towards the beach until a wave or foam reaches you. You have to do it with your hands stretched, taking the edge of the board and your chest raised to reduce the weight in front of the board. It is at that moment that you have to join with one movement and ride on the wave.
How do you recognize the exact moment when you have to enter on the table? When you feel that the wave drives the board, you take advantage of the little junction to be able to join. It is important to also practice the turns of the tip of the table to the right and left, in order to be able to direct the table correctly.
- Pop-up
It’s time to take the big leap, known in the world of surfing as ‘Pop-up’. You have to help yourself with your hands, leaning them on the board but without grasping the edges. Then place your feet in front of each other and try to fall on the board with both feet at once. In the first attempts, it is advisable to stay a little bent, with the shoulders slightly forward, bending the knees. This will provide greater balance to stay on the table. The feet should remain firm on the board, one near the tail and the other above the midpoint.