| Southern California can be called the mecca of the | | | | break? Generally a beach break has faster waves |
| surfing industry. From San Diego to Santa Cruz, | | | | that on a perfect day will "A-frame" and create a |
| the California surfing lifestyle has rubbed off on | | | | barrel type wave. The problem is that the speed |
| the better part of the entire planet. The lingo, | | | | and angle of these waves make it difficult to |
| fame, and general aura of the Southern California | | | | catch and generally beginners will go straight down |
| surfing culture has continued to bring athletes into | | | | the wave and "pearl" (when the nose of your |
| the surfing arena. | | | | board goes directly in the water). |
| But where do the majority of these people start? | | | | Barring the two difficulties associated with the |
| The best place to learn how to surf is | | | | point break and beach break, you are going to be |
| somewhere where the athlete can experience a | | | | looking for 2-4 foot surf for a first lesson. Any |
| variety of waves in a short period of time. The | | | | less and an athlete may lose interest. Any more |
| traditional lesson is taught on a slow breaking | | | | and you will spend more time gasping for air than |
| wave (generally a point break). A 9 foot plus | | | | learning to surf. |
| "Doyle" soft top long board is generally the | | | | Choose a location that has a variety of surfing |
| weapon of choice. | | | | breaks but also that will have a number of things |
| Your first experience in the water will be one of | | | | to do out of the water. General beginners will last |
| frustration, until you stand up on the board and | | | | around 2-3 hours before getting tired. |
| feel the power of the ocean under your feet. | | | | Either a point break or beach break is optimal, but |
| Many people do not make it to this step, as point | | | | you want to experience both, even in the same |
| breaks often have a number of rocks or reef | | | | day. In Malibu, California both point breaks and |
| and cold water to throw the less determined out | | | | beach breaks are available in a short distance. |
| of the arena. | | | | Currently a company called Surf With a Pro ( ) |
| That is why some instructors opt for a beach | | | | offers lessons daily for both types of waves. |
| break. But what is the main concern with a beach | | | | Until next time... |