Learn To Surf 101

Learning how to surf can be one of the most exciting and exhilarating sports to learn. However, because of it's difficulty, it can also be one of the most challenging. Learning a few tip and tricks, such as the pop-up can help you master learning to surf much faster and easier.

If you want to learn to surf you must master the pop-up first on land before attempting on water. Many newbies go right out to the waves without first learning the correctly way to do the pop up. This will cause you go spend many disappointed hours out at sea. To master the pop-up on land, first land your surfboard down on the sand and lay stomach down. It is imperative that you notice the angle of the noise of your surfboard. It should be somewhat parallel to the ground. If the nose is pointing relatively high or low, you need to adjust your position on the board. Once the nose is parallel, take note of your position on the board. This will help keep you balanced when it comes time to attempt on the water.

Once you have a seemingly balanced position, it's time to place you hands palm down near the edges of the board, directly underneath your shoulders. Once in this position, quickly press up and while at the same time, swing one of your feet forward, whichever you are comfortable with, to the center of the board. Your back foot should follow naturally and be spaced apart enough to be comfortable. Practice this motion until you can do it comfortably, quickly, and relatively smoothly. Make sure to bend your knees as well, this will help keep you center of gravity low, allowing you to balance more effectively.

Once you have masted the pop-up on land it's time to try in on a wave. Once you are in the water with your stomach on the board begin to paddle out from shore. If you are having trouble balancing, again notice the position of the nose. It should be about 1-2 inches from the water. If not, adjust accordingly. Spreading your legs out a bit will also help you to keep your balance.

Remember, as you paddle out from shore it is best to paddle directly into the waves. Approaching them from the side will most likely tip you over. Once you are out beyond where the waves break it's time to look for your perfect wave. Remember, waves usually come in sets so you dont have to take the first wave you see. Usually taking the second or third one will give you time to prepare. Once you see the wave you want, use both your legs to turn your surfboard towards land and assume back to paddle position. When the wave approaches you, try and match your speed with the wave. You will soon notice the wave will begin to power the board. When you feel this happen, it is time to attempt your pop-up.

Hopefully, you will be able to stand on the first try. If not, no worries, this is the hardest thing to learn. If you have mastered the pop-up on land, you will only have to worry about trying to balance on the water instead of both at the same time. Like any new skill, practice is the key. Remember not to get discouraged and that the more mistakes you make the faster you will succeed. Happy Surfing.