Things to know about surfing - Get ready to stand up on your first wave

 Nothing is more thrilling than sliding down your first wave with a board underneath your feet. Similar to playing the guitar or riding a bike for the first time, surfing can be a bit challenging until you master the art. With your consistency, time and effort, you will be able to learn it quickly. Here are a few things to know if you are a novice.

                                                              Img via Unsplash
    

Learn, learn & learn

Needless to say, that surfing is an exhilarating water sport and it becomes more fun when you practice it. Before you start surfing, you need to know one thing: it is one of the most complex water sports in the world to master. Your playground is the waves in the ocean. Not every wave is in favour of you and it is challenging. Environmental elements such as swells, wind and tides affect the waves you surf. One important thing to take into account is that it is a challenging yet enjoyable learning process. You will be hooked once you catch your debut 'green wave'. Above all, it is important to prepare your attitude and experience for this sport.

Choose the best spot

If you are not sure where to find suitable waves for a beginner, just ask an experienced surfer or the local community. Thinking why location matters? It decides whether you are going to have a good time or the worst time practising surfing. Go for a beach with small, easy and rolling waves to have mellow rides. As a word of advice, avoid beach breaks. If you are spending your holiday in Sri Lanka and on the lookout for sandy beaches for surfing, try staying at one of the many Pasikuda hotels the likes of Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa. You will be a few feet away from the beach from your room.

Surfboard balance

In any sport, it is important to have the right equipment to enjoy its thrills and spills. Surfing can be a bit different. The difference occurs between surfing 20 or zero waves. Choosing the right surfboard is not about purchasing or having a brand-new model. It is all about having the right rocker and volume (function of width, length and thickness). Once you start surfing you will feel the need for more volume. Therefore, it is better to have a foamboard or longboard. The 7″4 Gnaraloo foamboards are a top fit for beginners since they are very wide and thick.

Have someone to show you the techniques

Learning this technical and complex sport on your own is not going to work. Imagine the consequences of learning the wrong techniques and reverting to the correct ones? It will lose the motivation to learn the sport. It is recommended to get guidance from experienced inland surfers before you ride your first wave. If you are very serious about learning this exciting sport, try to learn it the right way. You will not regret getting to know the basics from a coach or one of your experienced surf buddies.

Surf ethics

You will have to keep in mind a set of rules when surfing. Any idea as to what is the main violation of surf ethics? – Drop-in! In simple terms, it means stealing someone else's waves. Quality waves can be ridden by a single surfer because many people cannot do it at once. Only one surfer can fit in and experience the powerful areas of a quality wave. Therefore, never try to do it as a group. The next ethic would be to choose the ideal spot corresponding to your ability. Finally, respect the locals. Take some time to analyse the vibe of your chosen surf spot and be positive and respectful for the local surfers.