When first learning to ride the waves, expect to get beat, churned, and thrashed around by the water. Mastering the ability to catch and ride a wave (or even to simply stand on the board) takes a lot of practice, but this shouldn’t discourage you from trying harder. One of the first things you should do to start your surf training is to get the right surfboard, suit up, and find the right spot where you can practice the sport. There are a lot of online resources that will lead you to the most attractive surf spots, wherever you are in the world. Follow their advice and enjoy the most exciting outdoor experiences and stunning locations you didn’t even know exist within your state, or elsewhere in the country, or even the world. These sites will direct you to the best pro-surf spots, or the most beginner-friendly locations, and everything in between, so you can enjoy the best waves, whatever skill level you are in.
hoosing the right surf spot is very important so you won’t end up in frustration because of tricky waves. It is best to check weather conditions before heading to the beach and pick a right day to start. When surfing, there are certain rules and etiquette protocols you must be aware of, especially when trying your skills out in busy spots. Here are some of the most common surfing codes of conduct that will help you enjoy a safe and hassle free surf day:
- Avoid paddling out to a busy lineup. This goes out to beginners, especially those who paddle out to busy assemblies of more experienced surfers. Paddle around and wait for a less crowded break and give the veterans their right of way.
- Keep your distance from other surfers. Allow some 10 to 15 feet of distance between yourself and other surfers. Not only is this good etiquette, keeping your distance also helps avoid dangerous collisions.
- The surfer who’s closest to the curl, has always the right of way. This is important to note when you happen to catch the same wave as another surfer.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid “dropping in” or accidentally cutting in front of another rider to avoid wave rage.
- Don’t ditch your board and keep a close grip on it all the time. Stray boards can easily become a danger to others.
Serafeim Lekkakis
