Let me stop here and allow you to revaluate what you’re after.
Do you just want to stand up on a board one time so you can add “I surfed” to your proverbial lifetime accomplishment list? If so, there is a super easy solution and here it is:
Rent a giant board, drag it out to some good white water and have a buddy shove you into a wave. You will stand up, and congrats, you’re not a surfer but you CAN say “I surfed once”.
However, if you want to take up one of the least expensive and most rewarding hobbies the human race has ever found… keep reading.
Ever since my first wave on a boogie board at the age of seven I knew I had a passion for the ocean and surfing.
The rush of adrenaline you feel (and possibly even a subsequent dopamine rush) when you catch a wave and nothing more than purely physics and mother nature propel you to a speed great enough to cause the board under you to skim across the ocean so fast you can stand on it is simply better than almost any other feeling the natural world has to offer. Some may even say it’s better than sex. I myself would say you just haven’t met the right girl yet. Then again, others may claim I simply haven’t surfed the right wave yet 😉
Alright, getting back on track, you want to learn how to surf and you’re serious about it.
So here we go:
Step 1. Get a surfboard
You’ll need something with a rounded nose thats about 6 inches longer than you are tall, at a minimum, for your first board.
However, don’t start with an SUP (Stand up paddle board) or a giant long board as you will never be able to turn that yacht. Facebook marketplace and craigslist are your go-to for a deal.
Step 2. Paddle training.
Let’s prevent the inevitable shoreline exhaustion, feeling beaten by the world event which is bound to happen if you paddle out into ridable surf without the right amount of physical conditioning.
How to train for your first surf session
Location:
Any (safe) body of water will work. Don’t have such a body of water nearby to train on? A pool will also suffice. Tie your leash off to the fence (may need to extend it with a rope) and paddle in place. This will get boring so throw some music on and get to it!
Start with a steady pace for the day 1. Go until you feel exhausted and stay close to the shore (20 meters or less). Be sure to balance yourself so the board is even in the water.
- Day 2: Rest
- Day 3: Rest
- Day 4: Repeat day 1.
- Day 5: Rest
- Day 6: Repeat day 1 and add in some sprint paddling, that is, paddle as hard and fast as you can while kicking your feet (if the board isn’t too long) for short bursts. This will replicate the exact type of paddling you will do when you actually paddle for a wave. The rest of the training you do is more about padding out past the break, fighting the current and paddling back out after taking waves.
Repeat this process for about 3 weeks. You should be able to paddle roughly a mile non-stop at the end of your initial training.
Now, you really don’t need some certified trainer. You should be able to swim fairly well from all that training so if you get separated from your board, swim ashore! If you get caught in a current, swim with it but at a 45 degree angle to the shore. You should however paddle out with a buddy who knows what he’s doing and NEVER paddle out to crowded breaks while you are learning.
Right of way:
The surfer on the inside of the wave has the right-of-way. If you are learning how to surf and possibly not yet turning down the line, simply look left and right. if there is another surfer who looks like he is coming in your direction on the wave, or hollering at you to MOVE, do it. You are likely snaking his wave if you paddle in.
About the author
Clayton Mayo, of Madeira Beach, FL is an avid surfer who has been paddling out for over 20 years on waves from his home town along the Gulf coast to the secluded breaks of New Zealand. With a love for animals, waves and trying his best to live a life filled with friends and family Clayton enjoys helping others get more out of life often tutoring young adults with direction and insights on how to work from anywhere with digital skill sets. From video production to web design, Clayton owns and operates IdeaSwell.com and is alway ready to share insights to friends in need.