How to Ride a Surfboard

Surfing is one of the world's favorite solo sports. Exhilarating and exciting, catching that first wave as a surfer, and riding the board like a pro, is a moment to remember. From novice to pro, there are standard tips to help in riding the surfboard. Catch those waves like a pro!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Surfboard
• Wetsuit
• Sunscreen
• Leash/tether
• Deck grips
• Surfboard wax

1. Find a good surfboard. Your board, whether for a beginner or pro, is where the action is. Be sure to pick the right surfboard to ride those waves. For beginners, a funboard, sometimes called an "Egg" is a great way to get started. The rule of thumb is to get a board at least 14 inches longer than your height and approximately 20 inches wide. A long-board is usually too hard for most beginners to ride and short-boards can make it too difficult to paddle. Used boards are great for starters and a surf shop or local surf school will have a selection to choose from. Check out the tips section for what to look for when choosing a used surfboard.

2. Learn how to paddle. Before riding a board, it is a good idea to have a strong paddle stroke down, which enables surfers to reach the waves. Sometimes the waves can be some distance out, as in Australia and Hawaii's North Shore. If a surfer's arms are tired, that will make riding the surfboard much harder. Start by walking out into the waves as far as you can. Once walking isn't an option, lie belly down on your board's center, keeping your legs straight behind you and performing a simple crawl stroke (both arms out and pull back behind you, repeat). Be sure to practice paddling as much as possible before riding the surfboard.

3. Wait for the wave. After paddling the surfboard out into the water, get a feel for the waves and how strong the water is. Turn around and face the shoreline, lying belly down on your board (as when paddling out). As soon as a solid wave is coming for you, start to paddle toward the shore, using the same crawl stroke.

4. Get up! When the wave reaches the surfboard it will push it along in a surge. Once the surge hits the board grab the sides of the surfboard with your hands and do a quick push up to pull your feet up underneath you. Go straight to the feet. Many beginners go to a kneeling position which doesn't work. Go straight to your feet. Practice push ups on dry land and on your board on the beach before attempting this maneuver in the water. Surfing is definitely great for arm muscle definition.

5. Ride the board. When both feet are under you (one in front of the other) stabilize yourself as if you were on a balance beam and follow the surge of water to ride the surfboard to the shoreline.

6. 
   Ride that surfboard into the sunset

   Learn new tricks on a surfboard. Once a surfer is able to easily take control of the whitewater, and the practice of initial riding of the surfboard, it is time to learn a few tricks to add to the skill of riding a surfboard. Take on real waves and remember it is time to stand when the wave is moving or planing the board. Watch other surfers and always follow the rules of surfing. Take lessons or check out a website, such as Surf Coach, where videos on how to perform hundreds of new surfing maneuvers are available.

Tips & Warnings

• Having the right surfboard is important. A used surfboard that has been broken in is great for beginning surfers. To pick out a good used surfboard use the following tips:
• Make sure there aren't any holes or large dings to the board.
• Make sure the board doesn't have soft patches, which means the board will take on water and make it harder to surf.
• The fins should be in good condition.
• There should be a plug for your leash to attach the board to the ankle.
• Remember a wide and thick board is better for beginners.
• Do NOT forget the rules of surfing. These are global rules that apply worldwide to surfers. Learn them and obey.
• If a mistake is made, and you cause a collision or take a wave from a surfer who has right of way, always remember to apologize. Surfers are a tight knit community and acknowledging a mistake goes a long way in keeping a good reputation on the waves.
• Right of way applies in surfing. Don't drop in on someone who is already riding a wave. They have the right of way if they are taking off on a wave. Wait for the next one.
• The person up and riding their surfboard first has right of way. Yell "I got it" or another phrase if you think another surfer doesn't see you.
• When paddling out to a wave, avoid surfers that are riding waves already. Move to go around them so there is no collision or a ruined wave for the surfer.
• Leash safety: Always attach your strap around the ankle of your back leg (the foot that will be at the back of the board). When riding the surfboard, act as if the leash isn't there.

Resources

• Surf Coach