How to Surf

To some, the thought of riding a big wave may be a bit unsettling. But to the dedicated surfer, it is a highly addictive and gratifying sport. Believed to have been introduced in the early 1700's in Hawaii, surfing has come a long way from tree carved, wooden boards. Surfing has become high tech, with boards now made of man made materials, allowing surfers to perform feats that their ancestor's could not have imagined were possible. Satellite, and up to the minute storm reports, now offer surfer's the ability to know when and where the next big wave will hit. If you would like to be part of the millions that hit the beaches every year, grab a board and learn how to surf!

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Surfboard
• Wet suit
• Access to the beach

1. Lie on your board belly down, in the shallow water, with your feet slightly hanging over the back edge of your surf board.

2. Begin to shuttle your way into the deeper water, by using your arms to paddle.

3. Conquer the smaller waves in this position, only reposition your hands to hold the sides of the board and elevate your body a bit for balance.

4. Ready yourself for the perfect, big wave.

5. Turn the nose of your board towards the beach.

6. Paddle towards the shoreline when your wave begins to approach.

7. Wait to feel the wave underneath you, when it is stand up on your board.

8. Balance yourself, and ride the wave!

Tips & Warnings

• Begin surfing in small steps. This is the safest way to begin.

• Learn the paddling technique first. Follow this up with some balancing while still lying on your stomach to ride the smaller waves.

• Next it will be time to practice standing. You can decide which foot you feel most comfortable putting forward, while still on the beach. Later this can be practiced on smaller waves, slowly progressing to larger when you feel comfortable.

• Practice, practice, practice!

• In the early phase of your surfing, it is wise to always bring along a friend and to be sure that the area that you surf has a beach lifeguard present.

• Always tether yourself to your board, you won't become separated and life saving help can find you if necessary.

• Remember to wax your board! Waxing is what helps you stay on the board, by providing some traction.