| Are you or is someone you know apprehensive | | | | learning experience. |
| about learning how to surf? There are a lot of | | | | Furthermore, it's important to use the right board. |
| variables to hinder you from diving head first into | | | | The classic and first surfboard was the |
| the water with a board under your arm. Are you | | | | Longboard. This board was first made out of local |
| afraid of water? Sharks? Are you afraid of being | | | | Hawaiian trees, and weighed nearly 150 pounds. |
| a bad surfer? Or of looking bad? These are all | | | | Thankfully the board has been redesigned over |
| understandable feelings, but they shouldn't | | | | the last century and is now made out of |
| overturn your desire to want to surf. All you | | | | polyurethane foam and fiberglass, which give it a |
| have to do is make sure you choose the best | | | | great deal of buoyancy, and make it a good |
| teacher, and the right board for you. | | | | board to a beginner to start on. Since it is so |
| The water is a safe place, made frightening by | | | | large, usually nine to ten feet, but sometimes as |
| the radically fictional movie "Jaws" in 1975. Since | | | | long as 12 feet, it allows the rider to have greater |
| then, the water has become a terrifying place for | | | | balance, and makes it easier to catch waves, due |
| certain youngsters. It's important to remember | | | | to its size. Oppositely, there's the Shortboard. |
| and instill in their minds that it was only a movie, | | | | Since it is short, with a rounded nose and a |
| and that it isn't accurate. Secondly, it's important | | | | square tail, it is more difficult to balance and ride |
| to let them "test the waters" first. Have them | | | | on. It is not typically suggested for beginners. The |
| wade around in shallow waters, and get | | | | Shortboard is great for doing tricks, but is often |
| comfortable with the idea of being in the water. | | | | difficult to catch waves because it's best for |
| After they get comfortable in the water, you can | | | | large, steep waves. Perhaps, the most |
| take the next steps. | | | | recommended board for beginners, would be Soft |
| Introduce them to a surf instructor. Let them get | | | | Surfboards. They are made out of a lighter |
| comfortable with that person for a few minutes, | | | | material than most boards, making it great for |
| before suggesting they help teach him/her to | | | | beginners, ensuring they are able to focus on the |
| surf. Having a trusting relationship with the | | | | waves and not battling with a hard board. |
| instructor is crucial in the process. The instructor | | | | With the right tools, learning how to surf can be |
| will be there almost every step of the way, and if | | | | an amazing experience. Don't let your fears hold |
| they are able to put trust in that person, the | | | | you back...Find the right teacher, grab the right |
| greater the chances of a successful and fun | | | | board and start hitting the waves! |