| Want to learn to surf but don't know where to | | | | ability to navigate waves and the surf zone. |
| start? Surfing lessons are all about taking your | | | | Depending on how serious you are about the |
| surfing to the next level regardless of how much | | | | sport, you'll be able to choose from surfing |
| experience -- or lack thereof -- you may have. | | | | lessons of a couple of hours at a time to surfing |
| It's all about conquering fear, learning water | | | | clinics and camps for more intensive training. You |
| safety, expanding your ocean and wave | | | | can learn to stand on a board and catch a small |
| knowledge, and returning to the true essence of | | | | wave in a day, or work on form, style and ocean |
| surfing -- fun and relaxation! | | | | awareness with surfing legends over the space of |
| You're never too old to learn to surf. People of all | | | | several days to a week or more. |
| ages are drawn to the majesty of our beautiful | | | | Going It Alone? |
| oceans. If you feel the call of the sun and surf | | | | You may be fired up and ready to surf, but don't |
| pumping through your veins, it's time to find an | | | | jump the gun. It might be tempting -- especially in |
| instructor! | | | | a beachside location or if you have friends that |
| Learning to Surf -- Finding an Instructor | | | | surf -- to just grab a surfboard and go for it. |
| The internet is a great place to find instructors | | | | This is a bad idea for two reasons: One, it's much |
| and research their backgrounds and qualifications. | | | | easier to learn the right way to do things initially |
| Regardless of your reason for seeking out a | | | | than to rectify bad habits and, two, you don't |
| surfing instructor there are a few things that you | | | | want to spend your hard earned money on |
| should consider mandatory: A long history of | | | | surfing gear (and, in particular, on a surfboard) |
| surfing (preferably professionally to some extent), | | | | before you've had some training and experience, |
| up-to-date first aid certification, proven (preferably | | | | because you won't know what board best suits |
| certified) surf rescue experience, and a thorough | | | | your style of surfing. |
| knowledge of wave, weather and wind conditions | | | | Many surf schools will provide equipment for you |
| (which should be commensurate with the | | | | to learn with. If you come across one that |
| instructor's experience, i.e. The more time that | | | | doesn't then it's usually possible to hire the |
| they've been spent in the water, the greater their | | | | necessary equipment from a surf shop. Have a |
| understanding of the ocean and weather | | | | couple of lessons first, maybe try a few different |
| conditions). | | | | surfboards of various shapes and sizes (on hire |
| There are many excellent surfing instructors | | | | from the surf shops), and then think a little more |
| throughout the world. Many have been involved in | | | | about what board is best for you. Your instructor |
| competitive surfing of some description or have | | | | should also be happy to give you some advice |
| at least spent enough time in the water to have a | | | | about where to start. |
| sound knowledge of the demands of the sport. | | | | Another good reason to not go it alone initially is |
| If you're on holidays at the seaside and just want | | | | because surfing, like any sport, can be dangerous |
| to experience surfing as a holiday activity then | | | | for the uninitiated. The awesome power of the |
| you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a local | | | | ocean doesn't discriminate according to experience |
| surfer or local surf school that can give you a | | | | and even small breaks can have dangerous rips |
| quick rundown of the basics and give you a quick | | | | and currents. It's far safer at all times to only |
| ride or two on a board. In some of the more | | | | swim and surf in the company of fellow beach |
| renowned surfing spots you'll likely even be able | | | | goers. That warning stands for both new and |
| to find a pro surfer to guide you to your first | | | | experienced surfers -- an unknown break is |
| wave. | | | | always potentially dangerous. |
| If you're a little more serious about your surfing, | | | | Any surf instructor worth their salt will make sure |
| or want the complete surfing experience in the | | | | that you only surf in conditions that are safe for |
| hands of a true professional, there are many | | | | your level of experience. Aside from the possibility |
| professional/ex-professional surfers who can guide | | | | that a serious spill might put you off surfing for |
| your development as a surfer and help you to | | | | good, big water surfing without the necessary |
| get the most out of your surfing experience. | | | | experience is irresponsible at best, suicidal at |
| Surfing greats such as Nancy Emerson, Corky | | | | worst -- never surf in conditions you aren't ready |
| Carroll and Frieda Zamba offer surfing lessons at | | | | for, and only experiment under the watchful eye |
| some of the world's most beautiful beaches. | | | | of a professional surfer or an experienced buddy! |
| Whether you're a beginner and very wet behind | | | | Most surfers will tell you that surfing is more than |
| the ears, or a professional surfer in your own | | | | just a sport; it's an existential experience, the |
| right, these experienced professionals can help | | | | ultimate rush, and it can be addictive. So get |
| you hone your skills and develop your style, giving | | | | yourself an instructor, suit up, grab a board and |
| you more confidence in the water and in your | | | | hit the beach! |