Friday, March 12, 2010

Instructional Entry

How to Surf

Location: Beach

Equipment:
1 board (foam boards are best for beginners)
1 Wetsuit (to keep warm)
1 Leg rope (attached to board)

Method:
1. Find a board of suitable size (the bigger they are, the more stable but they are slower)
2. Attach the leg rope to whichever leg is at the back of the board in your normal standing stance. Note - To find your stance just jump up and whatever way you are facing and is more comfortable is the stance you should use.
3. Head out to the beach and paddle to just a bit further out than where the waves are breaking.(beginners should try the white wash or small waves first to build confidence)
4. When you see a wave coming (a few metres away), begin paddling towards the beach with long, strong strokes with both arms, making sure that you are towards the back of the board. If you are too far forwards you will over balance and nose dive. A good place to be is to have your feet just off the end of the board. You should aim to do at least 6 strokes before the waves hits to build momentum and at least 4 when you are "on" the wave just to make sure that you are definitely "on".
5. Move your hands up to your chest as if doing a push-up. Push your upper body up and bring your proffered front leg to where your hands are. Quickly hop your other leg up and assume a standing position, but remember to stay low as it aids your balance.
6. Try and keep your balance and ride into the shore or as far as you desire.

To "ride" a wave you must first observe the direction the waves are breaking. Once you have figured this out, you need to paddle on about a 45 degree angle in the direction of the unbroken side of the wave. You must then make sure you stand up very quickly and try and turn your board so that you are almost travelling across the wave. Remember to stay low and keep trying until you get it.
This is what I was taught when I was learning how to surf and it worked fairly well. I just had to keep trying and not give up. The fact that I really enjoyed it probably had an effect on how quickly I learnt.

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