Before you Hit the waves Learn to Surf
Learning How to Surf
With the summer upon us those lucky enough to be close to a coastal community we will learn how to surf online. First you start by paddling out on your board. First try on smaller waves and get your balance and surfboard awareness first. Reading how to begin and also getting this surf specific exercise program will help you gain the confidence to start surfing immediately.
Your first step in learning how to surf is actually getting out to where you can catch a wave. You need to know how to paddle your surfboard. The easiest way is to walk your board out until water is just below your nipples. Jump up and lay your body on the deck of your board, keep your weight centered over the middle of the surfboard. Your first reaction will be to lean back which will make it hard to generate your forward movement
Keeping your weight centered over the middle point is best to get things started. Once you feel secure, lean forward and level out your surf board. Now the typical surf scene you get to paddle your arms with cupped hands. Keep in mind that you’ll be balancing your left and right sides, all while you paddle your board out to the lineup.
Surfing
Catch a Wave and not Your Face
When you've got to the lineup, sit up and straddle your board with your hips situated just below the center-point of your surfboard, so that you can easily swing the nose of your board right or left.
When it’s your turn and the wave approaches, turn the nose of your board toward the beach, lay down and begin paddling in.
As you feel the wave raise you and your surfboard, paddle as quickly as you can and lean your weight forward. Keep the nose of your board down as you may feel the need to lean back, this will make you slow down and miss the wave
Now you will be sliding down into the trough of the wave. Wait until you
are near the flat of the wave before standing up, as you progress you will be
able to stand earlier. Now you can work on standing.This will not be as easy as a stand up paddle board
Making Turns Surfing
Now that you have caught your first wave turning the board is reasonably easy. Always keeping a low center of gravity and your legs bent at the knees, lightly lean in the direction you would like to go. Consistently keep your body centered over the midpoint of your board. This will push the rail (side of the board) into the water and create a cutting into the water and directing the surfboard in the direction you choose.
Remember, your eyes will lead your board, so look always look at the location on the wave you want to end up. Keep your eye on the end point of the wave and your body will naturally lead your board and keep your knees bent.
You can look at these surf specific exercise program that will help you be able to catch the biggest waves and have you surfing like a pro in now time!