It’s perfectly acceptable and, actually, highly recommended to take a surfing lesson when you’re just picking up the sport. You might think surfing is logical and that you will have the natural ability to pick it up right away, but the reality is that surfing is a very awkward sport when you first start out and there are tons of little tips that you can acquire only from a surf instructing professional.
Surf lessons can be private or in groups and last for about an hour. You will likely ride on a completely foam board that is nearly 10 feet long and very lightweight, which catches waves easily and gives you a lot of float. Most surf schools guarantee that you will stand up on a wave. If you don’t, you can usually come back for another lesson for free until you do. It might appear unnecessary and dorky, but a beginning surf lesson will likely accelerate your surfing ability more than the trial and error of learning on your own. If you go it alone, your learning curve will likely be slower, more painful, and in some cases more dangerous.
Another thing you must keep in mind is that friends who surf are not the same as surf instructors. Some of your friends may have been surfing for years, but if you ask them to go surfing with you to help you learn, they could well be worse than your least favorite middle school teacher. You and your experienced surfing friends might paddle out together, but your friends might leave you treading water at the lineup while they’re catching all the waves.
That’s why you are much better off shelling out the $50 or so for a first lesson. Surf instructors get paid to answer questions and push you into a wave. Their main goal is for you to have a good time while riding your first wave. To take full advantage of the time you have with your instructor, it is advisable to prepare a list of questions you can ask. There’s no limit to the silly or stupid questions you can ask a surf instructor, so fire away.
Surf instructors take their students to beginner surf breaks that are usually a bit crowded. This will be a most humbling experience, but you will be among others who are in the same boat as you. One thing is for certain: Wherever it is you go with your instructor, he or she won’t paddle you out to a break that you can’t handle, so you know you will be safe and taken care of. For this reason, surf lessons ensure that you will paddle back out another day wanting more. Goodness knows you don’t want to be in over your head or get injured and be too scared to try the sport again. So start off on the right foot by taking one surf lesson. Once you get that initial lesson out of the way, you’ll feel far more confident going it alone thereafter.
Robb Bailey works for South Coast Surf Shops, San Diego’s premiere surfboard distributor and surf apparel dealer for more than 30 years. He has been inducted as a lifetime honorary member of his college surf club, the Cal Poly Surfer’s Association, and has traveled the world surfing for the past 11 years. Find out more about Robb at SouthCoast.com
Experience the ultimate speed with RC jets -- You do not need a professional degree to fly an aircraft. Sounds stupid, isn't it? This is Strange but true. So what if you cannot fly and airplane, you have radio controlled jets with you. You can take up flying these radio controlled jets as a hobby too.
Fly High In the Radio Controlled Jets -- If you love speed and possess confidence like of a professional pilot, then you might consider of flying a radio controlled jet.
The Sport That Would Unleash The Fighting Spirit in You -- Down the ages various civilizations have devised games and sports that would keep the young men fit and sturdy enough to be capable of facing any challenge that could arise from any factor and any direction. The modern times have also seen the emergence of plethora of sports that tests and strengthens the fighting spirit, endurance and other qualities of us human beings.
Surf Break Criteria: Research Before You Go -- Researching surf breaks is imperative when learning how to surf. The people, water quality, and quality of wave are all elements that will determine how much fun you have in the water. Knowing the correct spot to surf at can also save your life.
Surfing Lessons: An Hour Well Spent -- Surfing lessons can shorten your learning curve, keep you safe, and teach you the right way to approach surfing as a beginner. Surf instructors can help you stand up on the first day in most cases, making your surfing experience an enjoyable one from the very start.
Learning to Surf: Popping Up -- Once you begin surfing, the most critical part of your stance is actually getting there: popping up. This is the most unnatural movement in surfing, and takes some practice and getting used to. But with some perseverance, you’ll be up and riding in no time.
