If there’s one thing that’s sure in life, it is the fact that you have to keep doing new and exciting things, or else you will be consumed by boredom. Routine is a natural thing for everyone, but if you surrender to it and accept that your days have to repeat themselves, you will rarely be happy.
This is why it’s important to try new things and go on adventures, and when it comes to those, nothing beats surfing and water sports in general. Not only will you be doing something completely foreign to you, but you will also get to enjoy the beautiful ocean views while you’re at it.
If you are serious about venturing into the surfing world, though, there are some things that you need to know.
It’s Not Easy
Surfing is actually one of the most difficult sports to practice in the world, and this is something you need to be prepared for. If you’re really serious about getting better, you will. But that will take some time and a lot of effort. The learning curve for surfing is steep, and you will need to practice a lot. The problem with this sport is how outside factors can affect your performance. It’s not just your skills; there are waves, wind, swells, the tide, and a host of other factors that you need to account for. This is why surfing is this challenging, but it’s also why it’s fun and exciting.
Surfing Can Be Costly
We will talk more about surfing gear, but you should know that it can be a very costly sport. It is not just the equipment that you get that will cost you, but also where you go so you can surf in suitable conditions. As you can see on https://www.cheapsurfgear.com/blogs/news/cheap-surf-trips-ideas, this is exactly why you need to choose your destinations carefully to save as much money as you can on your trips. There are many beautiful destinations around the world with great surfing conditions, but not all will be within your budget range. So, take some time to look at locations which are ideal for surfing, while still being affordable.
You Will Probably Need a Wetsuit
While it is not obligatory to put on a wetsuit to go surfing, you should, especially in colder temperatures. Surfing in cold weather can be rather difficult, and being naked or in a wet t-shirt certainly won’t help. A wet suit could help keep your body warm, which makes a huge difference in your surfing experience and how good you will feel out there. It can also help you avoid sunburn, at least on your back.
Learn Duck Diving First
You need to learn duck diving before you even learn how to stand on the board. In case you don’t know what that is, duck diving is how a surfer catches a wave, and it will help you catch a lot more waves. This is when you dive under a coming one as you paddle out to the lineup, which ensures you won’t get washed backward by the wave. When you learn how to properly master this technique, you will have made it much easier for you to actually surf.
Know When to Surf
Just because there is light, doesn’t mean you should go surfing. It is often recommended that you go surfing in the mornings and late afternoons because otherwise, you will probably get sunburn and it will make surfing much more difficult for you in the upcoming days. So, make sure you go when the sun isn’t at its brightest.
By also looking at the types of tides to surf here will give you a perfect guide on the best time to surf for beginners, and are understandably eager to catch some waves. Read on to learn more!
What Should You Be Worried About?
A lot of people really want to get into surfing, but they have far too many concerns to actually do it, starting with sharks. While it is always a possibility that you might run into one, that rarely happens, and most professional surfers will tell you they’ve never seen one. If you want to take precautions, there is gear sold to repel sharks and it’s not that expensive. What about your swimming skills? Well, you don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer, but you do need basic swimming skills. If you are not that good of a swimmer, it is often advisable that you take swimming lessons before considering surfing.
You need to take it slowly with surfing, step by step. You won’t become a professional surfer overnight, but if you keep practicing, you just might. Make sure you invest in some high-quality gear— within your budget of course. From surfboard to fins and leashes, they make a huge difference in the whole experience. More importantly, get help. You can’t learn surfing on your own. So, make sure you are being trained by a professional.