If you follow the 2019 Big Wave Awards, you have seen the best surfers in the world ride some of the biggest waves.

If watching these experts motivates you to learn how to surf, read on!

There is no better way to learn to surf than to practice. However, there are certain things you need to know before you can start practicing in order to be safe and effective.

Below will give you some of the tips you need to know to make your first experience totally rad.

So… You Want to Learn How to Surf

As you probably know, you can’t just start surfing. You have to learn what you need to do first!

Below are the basics of learning to surf the waves.

Step 1: Know How to Swim

It goes without saying that step 1 should be to make sure you are a competent swimmer.

Ocean waves, although beautiful, are also powerful. You want to make sure you have the fitness to keep up.

Step 2: Rent a Board and Take a Lesson

Most beaches that are good for surfing have spots to rent boards.

Don’t save money by skipping the lesson. A lesson will make your first experience more successful and increase the safety of your time in the ocean.

While you are learning, you will want to learn on a longboard. The bigger size helps to better displace water and improves your balance. Longboards range from the 8-12 feel and the size is dependent on your height.

Experienced surfers will claim they are harder to maneuver, but they are easier for beginners while learning.

Step 3: Get a Wetsuit or Rent One

There are many reasons to use a wetsuit when you are first learning to surf. First, the wetsuit makes you more buoyant in the water, making swimming easier.

Second, longboards are rough by design. The goal is to keep your feet on the board in the water. Their roughness also means they can cause rashes as you pop up or fall off, so a wetsuit can protect you.

Finally, ocean water can be cold and wetsuits are designed to keep you comfortable.

There are lots of wetsuits on the market, these wetsuits will give you a good idea of all options available.

Step 4: Learn to Use Your Leash

The leash on a surfboard is designed to keep you and the board connected.

Typically, it is wrapped around your back foot. This makes it secure without getting in the way.

You also need to be comfortable with taking the leash off in case you or your board get wrapped around something.

Step 5: Learn to Paddle Out

In essence, you lie on your stomach and paddle with your arms. This is another reason to ensure you are in good shape.

There are lots of different ways to take on the waves that are coming in as you are going out.

This is important to learn early on in order to make it efficient and not deplete all of your energy.

Step 6: Popping Up

Your instructor will have you practice on the beach before trying it in the moving ocean. Here are the steps:

1. Lay on the board face down.
2. Grip the side of the board with your body in the middle.
3. When you are ready, place your hand on the board next to your shoulders.
4. This is the hard part. While doing a push-up, spring up your legs to land on your feet.

While not quite as easy as it sounds, with practice you too can master this skill!

You now know the basics, but there is a lot more to learn about this beautiful, but challenging, sport.

Now You Are Ready to Learn How to Surf

Learning to surf can be a rewarding experience for anyone, but that’s not without a little effort.

After all the hard work you put into it to become a surfer, you get to experience the thrill of riding those waves.

Check out our website to find out more about surfing and other fun activities to try. If you are looking for interesting facts and useful tips, look no further than Lateet!