For anyone learning to surf, it can be very overwhelming at first. There is so much to know, what is paddling? What is catching a barrel? If it seems foreign, it’s okay. Every beginner knows how you feel. Even pros had to start somewhere. In the meantime, however, these tips from the world of surfing may help.

1. For some, surfing is a lifestyle – If you ask ten surfers what surfing means to them, you are likely going to get ten different answers. You have to surf to find what it means to you as well. For the majority, surfing is recreation, a hobby, a sport, and a physical activity. However, there are others who consider surfing to be a way of life, a religion, their connection to Mother Nature, an addiction. Surfing can be a very romantic thing to some surfers, and it is not that difficult to see why.
2. Having the right equipment can help – Having the right gear from the start will ensure you are getting the best out of your training. It helps to have a good surfing board, sunglasses to avoid “surfer’s eyes” and a wetsuit to protect you from the cold. For more information on that, you can visit Vissla North Seas.
3. Surfing takes time– Surfing is not an easy sport to get the hang of. The learning never ends until your very last surf, but even the pros started somewhere. Wipe-outs are going to be a common thing for you but do not get discouraged. It is part of the learning process. Keep at it and you will eventually be a good surfer.
4. Waves are unique, each can be different – You will encounter all kinds of waves in the ocean on a single session of surfing. Crashing waves, barrel waves and so on. Since each wave is different, the technique for riding them is also different. Part of being a good surfer is being able to see and read these waves.
5. Knowledge is power – Never stop learning. There is a lesson to learn from every session. You learn by observing as well. There is something every surfer has to offer and one of the best ways to learn surfing is to imitate the pros and see what works for you. The internet is a treasure trove of surfer tutorials, tips, tricks, and information. We recommend subscribing to a surfer magazine and reading the blogs of surfers. There is so much that you can learn from these resources.
6. Choose the right board for you – As mentioned before, having the right equipment can go a long way. For a beginner, it is recommended to get a larger board with lots of volumes. Form boards are also an option. Also, be aware of where you are getting your board from. Make sure it is from a reputed place.

Your reasons for learning how to surf might not be ambitious (nor should they be), so learning the ropes and getting used to the fundamentals will ensure that every surf is an enjoyable experience. It is important that you do your research and read what you can before diving into it. There is nothing to lose.