Whether you are nine or ninety nine, you can still learn to surf. Follow these simple steps to catching a wave, and in no time at all you'll be as good as the pros.
- Take your board into the water holding it flat on the right hand side of you
- Once you have built up some momentum running, jump onto the board keeping your centre of gravity back. Your feet should be just hanging over the back of the surfboard.
- To paddle, simply pull the water towards you and lean slightly forward. This will seem tiring at first, but keep trying, as you will get used to it.
- If a broken wave comes towards you, simply keep paddling and push down as the wave passes underneath you. This should minimise the pull the wave has on you and your board.
- Once you are far enough out, find a chunk of whitewash (broken wave) and turn around to face the beach
- Paddle as hard as you can
- Immediately after you feel the wave pushing you, start the pop up
The pop up
- Place your hands on either sides of the rails
- Push up and pop your whole body up in one motion
- Your strong foot should be at the back and your left foot in the middle
- For most people, you should be facing the right
- This will take a small amount of practice
- As soon as you are riding the wave, control the board with your back foot and steer with them both
- To come off, fall backwards and make sure you don't hit the board
- Get out there and catch another wave!
Take note
- A longer board will be easier to stand up on and balance, however a shorter one has better control
- A block of wax is advised, to put more grip on the board, and make it less slippery
- Always attach your foot leash to your foot, as this prevents you losing your board, and it also stops other people getting hurt
- A wetsuit will help you stay warm, and will give you more surf time
Caution
- You can get hurt surfing, or hurt others, so be careful and learn to walk before you run
Tips
- To catch unbroken waves, paddle a lot harder and lift the nose of the board more
- Enjoy! Surfing is a fun sport, so get together with your mates and go get a tan!
