Since its hey day in the 1960’s, surfing through
the ocean has become a popular past time. Riders love to pound the
surf with their waxed boards and ride large waves into the shore.
As like any sport, there is risk associated with surfing. Surfing
implies that a rider can successfully use their arms and legs to
maintain balance upon a surfboard as the wave begins to swell and
crest.
Most beginners will enjoy this sport because the cost of getting
into surfing is relatively low. A good board can cost $200 - $ 1,000
depending on the material it’s made from. Many beginners can
buy a good board used and can take up the sport at a nearby beach.
Before you begin, there are several things you should learn.
How to keep your board nearby should you wipe out
How to swim out towards an incoming wave
What to do should you collide with another surfer
What conditions are right for surfing and which ones are dangerous
Surfers should know how to swim. It’s the
basic necessity to keep you afloat should you go out too far or
if you lose your board on a wipe out. Most surfers start out on
their boards flat on their stomach and begin to kneel into a crouching
position as they approach a wave. Upon reaching the swell of the
wave, they should be in a upright position heading into the ebb
or top of the wave. As soon as the reach the top they begin to navigate
through the remainder of the wave using their feet to steer into
the cresting tide. Usually most surfers ride a wave from right to
left.
There are times when a surfer can get closer to
another surfer and collide. Try to remain as far away from swimmers
as possible and keep a clear 180-degree view as much as possible
to avoid dangerous situations. Know exactly how far you are from
the beach at all times. There are times when surfing is at its premium
right before a storm or when currents are at their strongest. During
this peak time, it is good to exercise caution for your own personal
safety. Depending on how warm the water may be you may have to be
concerned with sharks. Although a shark attack is considered rare,
there is always a possibility in some regions.
Surfing has become so popular that there are various
spin-offs of this sport including windsurfing and kitesurfing, which
allows the user to reach heights of 20’ above the ocean. Depending
on the location wave swells can grow upwards of 15-20’ high;
so the more experience you amass the more challenges you will seek.
All beginning surfers should take at least one or two lessons to
get the basics down. In no time at all you will be hunting the monster
waves and hanging ten with the best of them.
Surfs up!
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.kitesurfingnow.com.
Visit his kitesite for the latest on kitesurfing equipment, kiteboarding
lessons, places to surf and much more!
