With the water temperatures gradually starting to warm up over here in Europe we’re sure there’s a few of you out there eager to give surfing a go. Maybe it’s been something you’ve wanted to do for years but have put it off until now or maybe you’re just having one of those time in your life where you feel the urge to learn a new skill and surfing is top of your list, whatever your reason for wanting to learn how to surf you’re bound to be asking the questions, do I need to book surf lessons?
It’s a pretty important question to ask yourself before venturing out and here’s what we have to say on the matter.
Getting a surf lesson or a few lessons booked in before you venture out into the ocean to try surfing for the first time is in our opinion always a good idea. If you’re asking the questions why then read our four reasons why you should have a surf lesson:
- You will learn how to stay safe in the water.
- You will learn about how waves are formed, the different types of waves and what do to if you get stuck in a rip current.
- Your surf coach will take you through all the basics, from how to carry a surfboard, how to avoid injury, what to do if you get into difficulty. All the really important stuff you won’t learn if you’re not taught.
- They will take you in the safest conditions for your first lesson, avoiding the beaches that have bigger waves or keeping you to the safest part of the beach.
Surfing can be a pretty dangerous sport to master and one that shouldn’t be entered into lightly. If you’re wanting to learn to surf but don’t fancy lessons they why not heading out with someone who can teach you the basics. Hire a foam surfboard and wetsuit from your local surf shop and let a friend take you through the basics. However, most of us prefer to take advice from those we don’t know and this is often the case with surfing. Also, a surf coach will know the correct way to teach the surf lesson and will get you excited to get in the surf for the first time.
Hints and Tips For New Surfers
Don’t be scared.
We all know that surfing can be a little intimidating a times but the worst thing you can do is enter into it scared. Leave your fears on the beach and enjoy the waves. It’s meant to be a fun sport after all.
Try learning with a friend.
If you know someone else who wants to learn to surf then bring them along with you. Book a double lesson and learn a new skill together. Learning to surf together will have you in fits of laughter.
Don’t expect to stand up the first time.
A lot of people go into their first surf lessons expecting to be able to stand up straight away and shredding the green waves out back. After your first attempt at padding into a whitewater wave, you will soon realise it’s not an easy sport to master and may take a few lessons or attempts to get to your feelings and ride the waves.
Be prepared to laugh A LOT.
