In earlier years, surfing was just considered as a pastime by people who live by the coastline or by the beach, like Miami or Hawaii. It was then just playing with the waves but when people from different places learned how to surf, friendly competitions were put up. Soon after, it was considered a water sport for not only does a surfer need to balance the surfboard but also to think quickly and strategize on how to maximize the surf wave and create an exhibition.

Surfing, through the years, has significantly contributed to one’s interest for water sports. In fact, a 2008 study reported surfing as one of the top 20 sports with one out of every five people show an interest in the sport. Interest extends to one’s participation in the sport, may it be in terms of involvement through different media, print, TV, and internet or even in learning the sport. All we see is that it’s fun and exciting but, how does it really work?

To begin with, one needs to lie on a prone position with the head near the “nose” of the surf board and the feet on the rear end or the “tail” of the board. It is important to keep one’s weight balanced on the center of the surf board. Once one has balanced oneself, it is now time to start paddling using smooth alternate strokes. While doing this, one’s arms should sink halfway up to one’s forearms. When one has practiced enough and wants to try to ride the waves, it is also important to scout the surfing area. The water is not shallow, tide is not low and most importantly, should be at least waist deep. These are some of the basic techniques in learning how to surf. It is still recommended to see an actual surfing instructor or professional to have an actual leaning experience.

Learning how to surf really takes some time. Nowadays, surfing schools can be found whenever there is a beach nearby. It is important that one should consider that the surfing school is licensed, permitted, and insured for safety purposes. Surfing schools provide the basic surfing equipments such as wetsuits, rash guard, and surf board especially for those who just want to have a try. This is because surfing equipment is relatively expensive, however, if one really wants to pursue and be a professional in the sport it is recommended that their have their own because it would be difficult for a pro surfer to change surf boards every now and then.

Like any other learning institution, for beginners, the instructors make sure that the students understand the basic surfing rules, etiquette, and safety procedures. Among surfers, they also have a code of ethics. Two of the key surfing qualities are patience and respect. As they say it, “One person per wave”, “First person on the wave has the wave”, “No Hogging of Waves”, and “Avoid Collisions at All Costs”. Patience is the key in learning how to surf and to successfully ride the waves. Respect is sharing the experience with others.

Now that you have a glimpse of basic surfing etiquette, it is now time to get stoked!

Aside from the wave, the next best thing is the surf board. For beginners, longboards are recommended to use because they are stable and easy to paddle. Surf boards also need to be waxed for better grip on the deck. Since wax melts, it is advised that the surf board be cooled underwater so that the wax will stay when applied. Now that one has prepared the surf board, the next task is to find a suitable practice area. The best practice area would be where the small waves are less than waist high. Once one has found that spot, it is now time to trim the surf board. Trim is a surfing jargon which means to lay the “nose” or tip of the surf board two inches above the water. If the nose is too low, the surf board may “nose-dive’ forward. On the other hand, if it’s too high, one is too far back and the surf board may tip over or “stall out”. Once one has trimmed their surf board, it is now time to start paddling.

To begin with, one needs to lie on a prone position with the head near the “nose” of the surf board and the feet on the rear end or the “tail” of the board. It is important to keep one’s weight balanced on the center of the surf board. Once one has balanced oneself, it is now time to start paddling using smooth alternate strokes. While doing this, one’s arms should sink halfway up to one’s forearms. When one has practiced enough and wants to try to ride the waves, it is also important to scout the surfing area. The water is not shallow, tide is not low and most importantly, should be at least waist deep. These are some of the basic techniques in learning how to surf. It is still recommended to see an actual surfing instructor or professional to have an actual leaning experience.