It’s perfectly acceptable and, actually, highly recommended to take a surfing lesson when you’re just picking up the sport. You might think surfing is logical and that you will have the natural ability to pick it up right away, but the reality is that surfing is a very awkward sport when you first start out and there are tons of little tips that you can acquire only from a surf instructing professional.

Surf lessons can be private or in groups and last for about an hour. You will likely ride on a completely foam board that is nearly 10 feet long and very lightweight, which catches waves easily and gives you a lot of float. Most surf schools guarantee that you will stand up on a wave. If you don’t, you can usually come back for another lesson for free until you do. It might appear unnecessary and dorky, but a beginning surf lesson will likely accelerate your surfing ability more than the trial and error of learning on your own. If you go it alone, your learning curve will likely be slower, more painful, and in some cases more dangerous.

Another thing you must keep in mind is that friends who surf are not the same as surf instructors. Some of your friends may have been surfing for years, but if you ask them to go surfing with you to help you learn, they could well be worse than your least favorite middle school teacher. You and your experienced surfing friends might paddle out together, but your friends might leave you treading water at the lineup while they’re catching all the waves.

That’s why you are much better off shelling out the $50 or so for a first lesson. Surf instructors get paid to answer questions and push you into a wave. Their main goal is for you to have a good time while riding your first wave. To take full advantage of the time you have with your instructor, it is advisable to prepare a list of questions you can ask. There’s no limit to the silly or stupid questions you can ask a surf instructor, so fire away.

Surf instructors take their students to beginner surf breaks that are usually a bit crowded. This will be a most humbling experience, but you will be among others who are in the same boat as you. One thing is for certain: Wherever it is you go with your instructor, he or she won’t paddle you out to a break that you can’t handle, so you know you will be safe and taken care of. For this reason, surf lessons ensure that you will paddle back out another day wanting more. Goodness knows you don’t want to be in over your head or get injured and be too scared to try the sport again. So start off on the right foot by taking one surf lesson. Once you get that initial lesson out of the way, you’ll feel far more confident going it alone thereafter.

By: Robb Bailey

Watching all those cool surfers showing off on the tv-screen, walking that ultra-cool surfer walk from the water to the beach, with the surfbroad held tightly under the arm makes anyone want to be a surfer. But how does one start? Join a Surfschule (surfing-school) of course. Anyone can learn surfing, or Surfen as it is called in German, age no-bar, *** no-bar. All one needs is an adventurous heart, and a good teacher.

Surfen is all about balance. It’s about keeping your center of gravity intact while the waves throw you around. You need a really good pair of legs and a keen mind to be a good surfer. On the surf-board, you’ll be battling the waves, fighting to keep your balance and still managing to have a huge amount of fun. Sounds tempting? Find a surfschule, and you can experience it.

Luckily surfing has become so popular of late, that there are surf-schools everywhere. Go to any good surfing spots, and you will find shops renting or selling surfen gear. A surfschule shouldn’t be far off. Many shops also arrange lessons on demand from local pros.

As a beginner you can’t graduate straight to the surfboard that professionals use. That surfboard called the shortboard is harder to maneuver and balance for beginners and surfen won’t be any fun for you on this board. Every surfschule has a longer longboard that is easier to balance on. The longboard is supported better by the waves, and even a beginner should be able to keep upright. The longboard is usually between 8 to 10 feet long.

The second thing that you need is a good wetsuit. Almost every Surfschule has wetsuits in a variety of sizes to fit different builds of people and you should be able to rent one. If you want to buy a wetsuit, make sure you but something that’s comfortable. Don’t ever buy a wet suit that’s too tight, because then surfen will be punishment not pleasure.

Most people prefer buying a wetsuit to renting one, because it’s a pretty personal clothing item. Also it’s cheaper than a surfboard, so you can easily afford one. Surfen is addictive, and once you get started, you’re going to come back again and again. You can buy your surging gear from any surfing store, but do ask your surfschule instructor about the type of suit you need.

If you’re wondering how long it takes to get started with surfing, the answer is a week. If you take daily lessons and work on surfen with dedication and seriousness, you’ll be surfing upright in a week’s time. Of course you must possess a certain degree of agility and good reflexes. The first few days of surfen will be hard, but your surfschule instructor will guide you, and once this gestation period is finished, you should find surfing much more easier.

One thing that you need to remember is that surfen exposes you to a lot of water, and if you have any kind of skin allergies or problems that are related to salt-water, you need to make sure surfing is safe for you. Also ask your surfschule if there’s any dangerous marine life like stingrays around, and avoid the areas that you’re asked to.

That said, here’s the last bit of advice. Take it easy in the beginning! Yes, don’t imagine that you’ll be able to surf big waves straight way and don’t be disappointed when you can’t. Surfen like any sport needs time to master.

For more resources about Surfen or even about Surfschule please review this web page http://www.portugal-surf.de

By: Groshan Fabiola

Surfing is one of the most thrilling sports there can be on sea. But unlike most sea sports, it does not require machinery of some sort. All you need in surfing are: a board, surfing gear, rippling waves and a sense of adventure. But just like any other sport, surfing can also drain your energy and patience. It can be grueling especially to the neophytes, as it requires perfect mind and body coordination. To have a body in total harmony with your inner self to get your body in the best surfing condition, surfers will recommend one thing and that is to practice yoga!

You might think that surfing and yoga are far out from each other but you are wrong. Both have similar concepts that really blend well to give you a better life. Here are five reasons why surfing and yoga is a great combination.

1. Yoga and surfing have a common denominator. They are ways of life.

Yoga is more than an exercise as surfing is more than a sport. Both are ways of living that help make people attain a fuller and more complete life. They also help you know more not only about yourself but also about your surroundings: yoga seeks enlightenment of your spirituality while surfing makes you one with nature. The yoga world is also similar with a surfing moment; a place of freedom, a place of peace, a place without time… Either way, you become your better person as you completely immerse yourself in the activity and in the process, rest your mind and spirit to release your fullest.

2. Surfing without exercise such as yoga can have health repercussions.

Although surfing is a good exercise, it is not perfect because it is not completely symmetrical. Surfing does not work all body parts as it concentrates only on some especially the shoulders and arms. In the process, the rest of the body does not get its proper exercise. That is why it is always recommended that surfing be paired with a form of exercise that gives emphasis on stretching such as yoga. Yoga can work the body parts that are not frequently worked out in surfing. With that, you are ensured that you have a complete activity for your entire body.

3. Yoga will teach you patience in surfing.

Starting to surf may be difficult to some people who do not have the skill of balance pros have. However, with a little more practice, you can gain more knowledge about reaching your body’s equilibrium but this may take time. Some may learn to surf in only a few days but some may take several weeks or months with a very long learning curve. With the help of yoga, meditation and breathing can make you become a more patient student surfer. The extended patience that you gain from practicing yoga can also be helpful while waiting for those surf quality waves to practice on.

4. Yoga will increase your strength and flexibility on the board.

Yoga can enhance your self-awareness and make your body and mind exist in perfect harmony. Yoga will sharpen your concentration, enabling you to attain perfect equilibrium. Because yoga includes stretching and different forms to be followed, it will improve the flexibility of every part of your body. Flexibility is the key to constancy on top of the board while surfing a wave. Flexibility gained by practicing yoga also helps you move with more freedom, balance and comfort. And in this area, it is obvious how yoga can really be helpful.

5. Yoga will help you improve posture and breathing.

Just like in yoga, proper posture and breathing is also important in surfing. You reach maximum performance when your body has proper amounts of oxygen taken in and is in the proper position. With yoga, you will learn to breathe and pose better. Yoga benefits such as minimized tension on the body especially on the back and the shoulders can maximize surfing performance. Proper breathing and posture will give you strength and balance that can increase stability while you glide on the waves.

Surfing and yoga is a perfect complement that assists in excelling each other to higher levels and that is why most surf schools have yoga activities as well. The pair not only enhances your spirituality and physicality but also harmonizes your mind and body in perfect balance. So the next time, before you surf, practice a few minutes of yoga and breathing. Then you’ll realize that surfing is not only a purely physical activity but can have spiritual liberation effects as well.



By: Me-Shell Mijangos

It is a well known fact that staying active helps keep you looking and feeling young. Not many activities come close to the effect surfing has on the mind, body and spirit. According to experienced surfers, the special bond the surfer has with their surf board and the open ocean is almost impossible to explain.

Fresh Air

Fresh air does a body good! Surfers all over the world enjoy lots of cool, refreshing fresh air and sunshine. No matter if you’re surfing a remote location or something closer to the city, the ocean air smells fresh and clean. Out on the surf, there’s virtually no smog. When you are on the waves, it’s just you, the water and the fresh air.

Stress Free

Out in the swells, you can let your stress and every-day worries float away with the tide. Out there, it’s just you, the breeze, your board and the water. No one yelling for help or that report you should have handed in already. When you’re out there, you’re surrounded by total peace and relaxation. The only sounds are the sounds of the wind lightly kissing your skin and water slapping against your surfboard.

According to the majority of surfers, this type of relaxation is hard to come by anywhere else in the world. Just a few hours of surfing a week can help release the tension that builds up at home or in the workplace.

Muscle Tone

Surfing and swimming go hand in hand and are great exercise. Swimming works muscle groups you don’t always think to work at the gym. Sometimes even seasoned athletes will complain of muscle fatigue after swimming simply because of the different muscles being used.

People who surf are generally slender and well muscled toned into their 60’s and even 70’s. Surfing is a non-impact sport, meaning it’s very easy on your knees and other joints. After all, you don’t jog or jump on your surf board!

Cardiovascular Health

Surfing provides an amazing aerobic workout that not only helps burn fat but also keeps your heart, lungs and entire cardiovascular system in tip-top shape. A healthy cardiovascular system keeps your immune system healthy as well as maintaining a high level of stamina, to keep you feeling young.

Fun in the Sun

Surfers love the sunshine for a wide variety of reasons. Besides giving surfers great tans to keep that youthful glow, the sun provides vitamins that maintain healthy skin and nails. Healthy bones, skin, hair and nails assist in a more youthful appearance.

Other Advantages

Aside from the previously mentioned advantages of surfing, avid surfers understand they have to eat well and exercise. Many surfers enjoy going to the gym and practicing some type of Yoga. Yoga helps keep the surfer’s muscles toned and flexible and their mind alert. Many people who practice yoga taut it as a vehicle to peace and serenity in their mental well being.

If you’re looking to stay young and feel young, but don’t currently know how to surf and would like to learn, there is a wide variety of surf camps available. Women’s surf camps cater to the needs of women. Since they are only available to women, ladies of all shapes, sizes and ages can enjoy being themselves and learning to surf. You will also develop friendships and enjoy the fellowship of like-minded people from all over the world.

While some surf camps offer only women’s surf camps, there are camps that offer co-ed surf camps as well. They are a great way to learn to surf or learn a new skill or hobby while relaxing in the sun. Imagine returning to normal life, not only totally relaxed with a great tan, but also with pictures of you hanging ten, surfing like a pro and most importantly feeling and looking young.

Some say surfing keeps you young at heart. Seasoned surfers know surfing also helps keep them physically fit, looking and feeling much younger than their birth date declares.



By: Me-Shell Mijangos

Did you know approximately 10 million kids go to camp each year? A positive summer camp experience can mean everything to a child. Sending your kids to camp is part of the American way of life. When you think of camp, you probably think of roasting marshmallows around the campfire and singing songs. But there is more to the camp experience than that!

Many people seem to considering surfing summer camps in addition to, or as alternative for, traditional summer camps. Surfing (or surf) camps offer all the important benefits that traditional camps offer, such as the opportunity to make new friends and increase self-confidence and esteem. But surf camps offer something more: incredible health benefits for kids.

Not only is surfing a total blast and easily learned with a qualified instructor, but when kids go to surf camp, they get a total body workout from cardiovascular exercise to arm and leg strength to learning how to increase their balance.

When kids paddle out on their surfboards toward the ocean to catch a wave, they are developing upper body strength (including their arms, chest and shoulders), plus they are getting a nice cardiovascular workout.

Then, when they are actually surfing, they are using their leg muscles and developing important balance skills.

There are several sites on the Internet to find surf camps for your kids. You can do a general search for “kids surf camps” on Google. Or, or you can visit a site-specific search engine like Surf Camp Search.com where you will find many available surf camps for kids and teens everywhere in the United States and abroad.

It doesn’t matter if your child is a beginning surfer or experienced and learning to pick up tips from a pro, there’s a safe and fun surf camp out there for you…plus, the health benefits can’t be denied!



By: Shelly Cartwright

Sometimes the hardest thing for beginning surfers is the initial embarrassment of not being good at the sport. Keep in mind that all good surfers had to start on the bottom rung, just like you. I don’t know a single soul who paddled into the water for the first time and didn’t feel defeated and just plain bad about his or her ability. There is a steep learning curve, and the first month can be painful both physically and mentally, but remind yourself that everyone goes through it. You can’t get better unless you experience being bad.

So, it’s not surprising that you will become very familiar with the virtue of humility. As you’re out there in the lineup observing other people’s epic rides while you, in turn, paddle for a wave and falter, use that to your advantage. Consider your failures as something worth improving upon and try to understand what the good surfers are doing so that you can correct your technique. It’s okay to feel completely uncoordinated as you lie there awkwardly, belly down, on the surfboard. It’s better to be out there on the water than cooped up in your house or office wondering why you didn’t push yourself harder.

Tip #1: Once you go, keep at it for a month.

The best way to get through the difficult beginning stage of your surfing career is to make it as short as possible. Try to dedicate a whole month to your pursuit of surfing. Get in the water every day no matter what the conditions are. Rain or shine, just get out there, paddle around a bit. You don’t even have to catch a wave! The simple act of being on the water and trying will advance your ability is enough.

Tip #2: Choose the right place to learn.

If you’re heading out as frequently as you should, you should also consider choosing one good learning spot. Find a break that is convenient, where people are nice and friendly, and where you feel comfortable. You’ll establish a comfortable routine in no time, and most likely you’ll acquire some surfing companions! Once you begin paddling out to the same break day in and day out, people will recognize you and help you. Eventually, they may even wonder where you were if you missed a day and will keep you on track.

Tip #3: Observe advanced surfers,  and learn from them.

There are also ways to learn how to surf when you’re not even in the water! Pick up some good surfing videos and study them for your next session in the water. There are even some good instructional surfing videos at SouthCoast.com taught by pro surfers that are worth a look. Take mental note of the areas your surfing could improve on, like how to stand on the board, when to pop up, how to duck dive, how to paddle effectively. Then paddle out and work on what you’re having trouble with the most based on what you’ve seen. You can also learn a lot by observing surfers on the beach. Pick one or two that seem to be catching the most and best waves at that break. Then, analyze what it is they are doing that is effective. Maybe they are paddling longer or harder or popping up quicker. Maybe they know the right place to line up to catch the best waves and you don’t yet. Observing other surfers is particularly effective if you are having trouble paddling into waves. If you’re desperately paddling your heart out, but the guy three feet from you is catching every wave that comes by, you have some homework to do. Chances are that better surfers have better wave knowledge of your favorite spot, and their familiarity with the wave gives them an edge. Next time you’re on the beach, watch them and find out what makes your local wave tick.

Tip #4: Observe beginning surfers, then critique yourself.

Likewise, you can learn what not to do. Countless times beginning surfers make mistakes that prevent them from properly catching waves. Sometimes they lie too far back on their boards or don’t pop up soon enough. Other times, they seem heavy footed and not quick to respond to the conditions of the wave. Make a list of things that beginning surfers do wrong and strive to check your own mistakes off that list. Use it as a checklist when you paddle out each day. That, along with your list of what TO DO, will get you to the next level in no time!



By: Robb Bailey

Where “general” or “traditional” camp programs have historically been the norm, specialty summer camp programs for kids and teens — which focus on one just one activity or a few related ones — are growing in popularity year after year. Nowhere is this more evident than along the southern California coastline, where surf camps are one of the fastest growing segments in the specialty camp sector. The increased interest in the sport, especially among children, has led to the proliferation of surf camps up and down the coast. Just take a stroll along the beaches of San Diego or Los Angeles and you’ll see group after group of happy campers learning to surf from their caring camp counselors and surfing instructors.

If your child has expressed an interest in learning to surf, sign him or her up for a summer surf camp experience!

But how can you tell you’re picking the right one?

When you choose a surf camp, it’s always wise to narrow your search down to one that’s earned accreditation by the American Camp Association. If a surf camp has achieved this status, it means the camp meets or exceeds up to 300 best-practice industry standards running the gamut from program and activity quality to camper safety to staffing and supervision and more.

If the surf camp you’re considering is not accredited by the American Camp Association, then you should ask the camp director why that’s the case. If you are not satisfied with the answer, it’s time to move on to the next surf camp.

Surf camp accreditation status is certainly not the only criteria to rely on when choosing a surf camp. You must also be sure the counselors and surfing instructors are experienced, qualified and have basic safety certifications in CPR, First Aid and lifeguarding. (While the ocean environment is tremendously fun, it demands respect, too. So you want to be certain your child is being instructed by capable and qualified staff who are equipped to handle any potential scenario that might come up, particularly with respect to your child’s safety at the beach.)

Concerning the individuals who will be supervising and teaching your child to surf, you want to choose a surf camp with experienced instructors who are caring, nurturing, and capable of teaching children of all ages, temperaments, and ability levels whether they are beginning, intermediate or advanced surfers.

You also want to make sure the surf camp incorporates a heavy dose of beach, water, and sun safety learning components into its program so your child gets them most well-rounded surf camp experience possible.

In addition, the surf camp should provide new equipment (including surfboards and wetsuits), and the camp program should take place only in ideal learning environments such as oceans with soft sandy bottoms and consistent wave activity.

In addition, there should be a public lifeguard supervising the surf camp program at all times.

Often overlooked in a parents’ search for a surf camp is to confirm whether the camp has a high profile sponsor connected to it. For example, if you choose a surf camp that is sponsored by Billabong or Quicksilver (which are huge companies and very well-respected in the surfing industry), you can be fairly certain you’re on the right track because these organizations will generally only attach their names to trusted surf camps with respectable camp programs.

We hope this article has helped you learn how to choose a surf camp.

Copyright Eric Naftulin and Aloha Beach Camp. All rights reserved.



By: Eric D. Naftulin

Surfing is one of the most enjoyable water sports. There is nothing more exhilarating for a surfer than to ride the biggest waves for the longest time. However, people who want to learn how to surf, draw back from the sports even before trying a session because of fear of sharks.

Indeed, sharks are seen as hostile predators of the sea. They are large, strong, have saw-like teeth and are fierce looking to some. In fact, of all the world’s sea predators, sharks are the most feared. But sharks are perhaps also one of the most misunderstood predators. Although it is true that there had been victims of shark attacks, there are a lot of misconceptions about these creatures.

If you are a surfing greenhorn, do not give up the enjoyment of surfing just because of an irrational fear of sharks. Here are 5 reasons why a fear of sharks should never stop you from learning to surf.

1. Men and Women do not form part of a shark’s diet.

There is no such thing as a man-eating shark. Men are not staple foods of sharks. Although their diet comprises of meat including sea turtles, fish, seals, sea lions and whales, humans are absolutely not on their menu. Because their system has a slow digestion process, sharks are very choosy of what they eat. Other than the fact that men and women are too bony for sharks tastes, these animals prefer rich fat-content meats to maintain its temperature and to give it more energy, such as those coming from seals and sea lions.

2. Most cases of shark attacks involve mistaken identity.

Data reveals that 90% or more of shark attacks are mistakes. From below the waters, sharks sometimes erroneously identify humans as their common food. That is why in most incidents, after biting a person, sharks let go of the victim.

Another characteristic of sharks that are unknown to most people is that they are very curious animals. Once they see something not common to them, they usually test bite it. The act of biting is equivalent to the human act of feeling something with the fingers. If that unfortunate thing is a man and woman, he can be injured but in any event, the shark always retreats.

3. Only a few sharks have the potential to be dangerous.

It is a wrong to generalize that all sharks are dangerous. Out of 360 species of sharks, only 4 of these are responsible for unprovoked attacks on humans: the Great White Shark, Bull Shark, Tiger Shark and Oceanic Whitetip Shark. There is no evidence implicating the other species in unprovoked attack incidents, making the vast majority of sharks harmless to humans.

There is also no truth to the fact that the larger the shark, the more dangerous it is. The largest sharks such as the Whale and Basking sharks are meek creatures that feed only on planktons as food.

4. The odds of being attacks by a shark very, very low.

Sharks rarely attack humans unless provoked, making the risks of being attacked very little. In fact, only 15% of the shark species frequent the shallow waters or the coast, where anyone may possibly encounter them. According to the International Shark Attack File, a persons odds of being attacked by a shark is only 1 in 11.15 million. The risk of dying is only 0 in 264.1 million. That is why, in majority of shark attacks, the victim always survives and gets to tell the tale.

5. The dangers of sharks as we know are exaggerated.

Sharks have been adjudged to be evil creatures by mere bad publicity. There are more animals that cause human deaths such as flies, mosquitoes and bees. Perhaps to be blamed for their bad identity is the media, which most likely sensationalizes every news of a shark attack. Other than the media, Hollywood must also take part of the blame for first giving the idea about the legend of a man-eating shark as portrayed in movies like Jaws.

Surf without fear. Leave your shark fear at shore

Surfing is a great sport, which makes the beach more special. Feeling the breeze of the wind on your face and the saltiness of the water against your skin while you sweep the waves with a surfing board is complete freedom. If you are a person interested in learning how to surf but later changed your mind because of recent news of a shark attack or a scary shark movie, then that is very unfortunate.

Sharks should not be feared. There is no such thing as a perfect creature, sharks included. Sharks are part of nature’s act to eliminate some members of certain species in order to balance nature. In Hawaii the locals even call these creatures “Aumakua” and they are believed to be guardians of the sea. In fact, it is the humankind who pose an unimaginably bigger threat to sharks as some of its species are already threatened and near extinction due to shark fishing and shark fin soup.

Sharks have ruled the sea for hundred millions of years even before people learned to surf. The ocean is big for both, for the former to roam and for the latter to surf. Now, you know that sharks do not relentlessly attack surfers and that sharks myths you know are not true, pick up that surfing board now and learn to ride the waves! What are you waiting for? Never let irrational fear get in the way of surfing because you do not know what you are missing.



By: Me-Shell Mijangos

There is a common misconception that surfers are laid-back dudes. While they may look the part, it is important to note that surfing is anything but laid-back. It takes a lot of skills and discipline to ride the perfect wave. But don’t be discouraged if you’re a beginner. Once you set your mind to it, surfing will come naturally for you. In fact, you will become so addicted to surfing, that it will be an art form in itself.

Surfers don’t just get onto a surfboard and miraculously learn to ride the waves. They achieved this sort of skill with discipline, practice and a whole lot of determination. If you are a beginner, perhaps the first piece of advice you’ll ever get is to learn not to be scared of the ocean. If you set your mind on conquering the seas with your trusty surfboard, then you’ve got the right outlook.

Before you begin your lessons, you have to make sure you’re fully-equipped. It pays to be prepared, and nothing beats having the confidence to start because you know you’ve got everything you need with you.

The Beach

Of course you need to find the perfect beach with the perfect waves. And you have to pick your beaches wisely. You can’t learn to surf if the waves are a dud. Nor can you get started if they are too big. So it’s best to pick a beach with waters that are mild enough for beginners. In a perfect world, where there are no responsibilities and financial factors, you would opt to go surfing in Hawaii. The waters are wonderfully mild, the temperature is palmy. Alas, time and financial constrictions may prevent you from taking a trip to Hawaii regularly. Good thing Baja California in Mexico, is a really good alternative. In fact, the beaches at Baja are famous for being perfect surfing spots. Todos Santos is the most popular place in Baja, where the beaches are perfect for beginner and expert surfers. The white sand beaches are perfect for that grueling but enjoyable task of learning how to surf.

Your Surfboard

If you’re a beginner, it is best to start with a beginner’s surfboard. Many recommend a soft-Doyle surfboard for the first few times you go out surfing. Your goal is to get a surfboard with as much surface area as possible, so you can practice on your balancing skills better. Your first board should be wide, thick, round, floaty and soft. It should be 2 – 3 feet taller than you. The more you acquire your skills in surfing, then you can upgrade your surfboard to something a bit more compact, and made of fiberglass.

Your Attire

Surfing requires you to spend a vast amount of time in the water. It is important, therefore, to be comfortable. And if you’re freezing your **** off, that means you’re not comfortable. Invest in a good wetsuit. Decide on which suit to buy, depending on the temperatures of the waters where you will be surfing. Aside from warding off the cold, the wetsuit will also be helpful in preventing rashes to your body as you will rub against your board frequently.

Other Accessories

Make sure you get a leash that is the same length as your surfboard, so you won’t lose your board all the time. For better traction, it is nice to have some wax around, though this is not a requirement. Now, try to find your guts and determination, and you’re off to your first attempt at surfing!

In learning how to surf, one must always remember to practice. Do not attempt to learn how to stand on your board as soon as you hit the water. Try to get your balance first. Learn the feel of the board on your body. Communicate with the waters. Once you’ve gotten used to finding your balance, then you can proceed to learning how to sit on your surfboard. This isn’t as easy as it looks because you would have to contend with the waves and your own balancing skills. Once you’ve perfected this, then you can learn to stand on your board.

Always surf with a partner, who is helpful, both as a spotter, and for safety purposes. Always remain calm, and you will go through less accidents. And finally, enjoy the experience. Though you may not be the most gifted surfer on the planet, savor the moment. After all, it is the closest thing you’ll get to actually walking on water.



By: Megan Foster

So, you’re on holiday in Cornwall, you’ve got a week or maybe two if you’re lucky, the sun’s shining, the sea’s turquoise, and the surf’s up. There’s two types of people out on the water: the cool dude, who stands easily, riding the wave to shore, and the guy with his wetsuit zipped up the wrong way, who spends his time trying to stay afloat whilst swallowing a bucketful of seawater. Which one do you want to be?

If you want to be the “cool dude” or dudette, then you will be wise to sign up for some lessons. You will also learn how to put your wetsuit on the right way, avoiding the first cardinal sin of surfing!

Taking surf lessons in Cornwall with one of the renowned surf schools such as Waves Surf School (see bottom of this article for links) will get you standing up and riding a wave within your first two hour lesson. And yes, that’s true for everyone, for all ages and abilities, from Gran to Uncle Albert. What can you expect from a surf lesson? Well firstly, your instructor will probably be good looking, which some might say is the best perk of all! Seriously though, here are the perks:

* Firstly, you’ll get the best wetsuit around, in a size that fits, and one that will keep you warm.

* Equipment: your surfboard will be big enough to keep you safe, but soft enough to make sure that you don’t get hurt.

* You’ll have the best two hours of your holiday, and are sure to go home with the surfing bug!

* You’ll be standing and riding a wave within two hours. Some beginners take to it like a duck to water and, with the right instruction, open up their lives to a whole new hobbie.

Surfing can be fun for all the family and is suitable for all ages and abilities, especially if you have surf lessons where you will be provided with a big, soft board. Waves Surf School of Cornwall say that their youngest learner has been six, with their eldest being a 65 year old Grandad.

The one criteria of going out into the seas to learn to surf, is being able to swim. It is recommended that you can swim 50m before taking surf lessons. Remember, surfing is an excellent form of exercise and is great for keeping fit. You don’t see many overweight surfers paddling out to sea on their surfboards!

Cornwall is the perfect place to learn to surf, with gentle waves for all the family. There is a whole coastline to be explored, with the surf beaches found mainly on the north coast from Porthcothan to Harlyn, and Padstow on the doorstep and Newquay just around the corner. And for those in the family that don’t want to surf, there’s plenty of other things to do in Cornwall, from exploring the golden beaches, to eating in many of the fine restaurants.



By: Rach Eden

“A cool way to enjoy and be adventurous in the beach of Oahu is through surfing. However, if you are a first-timer, hitting those huge waves won’t be that easy. It’s a good thing that in Oahu, surf lessons are being provided to let tourists like you take more pleasure in experiencing the wildness of nature.

A surf camp in Oahu offers a wide variety of surfing techniques and moves, which are always demonstrated by professional surfers so that learners are properly guided.

Not knowing how and what to do when surfing is really quite embarrassing at times. This feeling, however, should not be since professional surfers also started with zero knowledge about surfing. If not for enrolling in a surf school in Oahu, they wouldn’t have learned the basic and advanced techniques of the sport. Besides, you’re doing this just for fun, right? You do not need to pressure yourself into becoming a surfing pro all at once.

Learning to surf is similar to writing for the first time. In writing, you need to know how to hold and maneuver your pen while in surfing your surfboard represents the pen. As you proceed in writing, you gradually learn the curves and lines of each letter; in surfing, the waves might seem scary at first but eventually you’ll learn how to be one with it. Surfing is almost always perceived a difficult and complicated sport in the beginning but a reputable surf school in Waikiki will teach you all you need to know so you don’t have to worry about messing up in the beach. Concentrate on the basics as you take up Surfing 101.

Aside from learning how to control the waves, taking up Waikiki surf lessons will open you to the beauty of this kind of sport. Imagine yourself standing up on your surfboard for the very first time, it’s a personal achievement, isn’t it? As you go out there to practice what you have learned in school, there will be instances you’ll fall and start all over again. Such situation should never let you down instead serve as your inspiration to do better next time. To improve yourself on surfing, don’t hesitate to ask questions and simple techniques from your trainer. Be observant and try to understand how the pros do it in preparation for your next endeavor with the waves.

If you are planning to take surfing more seriously in hope of joining a competition someday, select the right surf school so you can get an excellent training course. Choosing the right place to study in plays a big factor in honing your surfing skills. Make your surfing classes more fun by inviting your friends to enroll, too. Getting moral support from people you trust and love will surely motivate you to do your best. If you can’t seem to grasp your surfing lessons, walk up to your trainer and be honest about it. This way, he can slow down a bit and be more conscious about how far you’ve gone. Remember, there’s always room for improvement, don’t pressure yourself too much. Happy surfing!”



By: Andrew Beene

Steamers Lane can be found near by Santa Cruz’s Surf Museum. If you are used to go in populated areas then this is the great place to visit. You can walk over the blunt and look down the wave. I have an experience of surfing there very much due to when I used to normally drive to Santa Cruz. I had reached a far and felt I was better off (skill and crowd wise) with other far reaching at Pleasure Point.

The last time I was at Steamers Lane, I took off on a wave but some one act of curling – basically I dropped in and had room to pull off. But some one dropped in on me and then some one in front of him. I stuck there in a ridiculous manner. So as per my experience Santa Cruz is an excellent place to surf but its a thronged too.

Capitola is a delighted point at the south of Santa Cruz, very nice point to watch. At 38th Ave you can take a look at sharks and lots of other good things to watch around. Back in my single long boarding days normally I used to drive before going to work and love to watch these spots for at least some time, and then get back to work at my latest possible start time with blood shot eyes and screwy hair.

While surfing Santa Cruz you felt that you are close to nature. Not only less wind and fog, Sans Francisco’s bay area glassy nice and lovely sunsets and cute sea otters (do not see them around here)are to add to the effect to watch. It was as thronged as much more populated now so I am not going frequently anymore in mid of the week.

Most inside break is of steamer lane is Cowbells. The perfect place for learning surfing is just north of the Santa Cruz. Due to bad conditions I am unable to teach my friend to surf a there, so I took her to Cowells for surfing. At the day she surfed the right place to learn the basic. Like other Thronged favorite spots you will see lots of other beginners are taking the lesson by rent a board from this beach.

When first attempting to surf it can be a challenge, but if you believe that you can do it, you might just find yourself up on that board surfing the waves before you know it.



By: Chris Jensen

 

The Ladies Surf in Style in this year’s Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest Stand-Up Paddle Surfing held August 22nd and 23rd at Queens surf spot in Waikiki.

C4 Waterman, Honolua Surf and Blue Planet hosted the Stand-Up events for the men, children (juniors) and women.

The sport has grown leaps and bounds. This year’s event had 80 SUP surfers.

“I’m not surprised at all, to be honest” said Todd Bradley, one of the founders of the C4 Waterman company. “From the start, everybody we turned on to the sport got hooked.  So to see all these kids and women and new-comers to the sport … I think its just the beginning.”

Stand-Up Paddle Surfing- also known as SUP is the latest and fastest growing ocean sport. It combines the basic elements of two ocean sports canoe paddling and long-board surfing.

Women surf the SUP with style

In 2007 C4 Waterman’s first year hosting an open SUP event and only one women who surfed along side the men was Maui’s Tiare Lawrence. Ms. Lawrence was of the first female to try SUP surfing. Ms. Lawrence as an outrigger canoe paddler and, short boarder, and Tiare was hand picked as the first top acrobatic performer in the Hawaiian version of Cirque de Soleil at the Ulalena Theatre. When I first saw her surf her C4 SUP surfing in big waves at Makaha, I was like whoa!  I had ridden big waves for years, but this was a new angle of riding waves and Tiare was charging full on with a classic style in big waves with the boys.

Ms. Lawrence said “The fitness aspect is so rewarding.”  When you go surfing you are lying down most of the time, so you work two times more muscles than surfing when you are doing SUP.”

This year Tiare and ten other women performed in all-female SUP heats.  They were so graceful with Hawaiian style with the best technique I had ever seen to date.

Jennifer Koki of Honolulu grew up on the south shore of Oahu long-boarding. Ms. Koki is a real stylish surfer to begin with and now on a SUP she really shines.  Ms. Kohi said “The first time I tried it, I stoped because it was so hard”  “But I tried again and now I Love it.”  “You can paddle for long distances, and it’s a super workout.”

Also from the family of champions the Moniz’s, there is their daughter teenager Kelia Moniz a Roxy sponosored surfer girl and her four brothers with Mum Tammy and Dad Professional surfer Tony Moniz who all now do SUP and they surf the SUP with style.

Kelia is only 15 years old and is the most stylish new breed of surfer girls to come out of Hawaii on a long-board. And , can Kelia shred with grace.  Kelia kept on doing some tip riding back side, but the off shore winds kept on blowing her off, but finally she held on and got a great score and the crowd on the beach was all in a roar over how hot her ride was. Kelia rips on a short board as well. Kelia’s nose riding out topped all the girls in the event. If she would have caught some of the set waves she would have won hands down, but came in second place.

Then 23 year old UH Uni student Candice Appleby took first place for that day and took home $2,000.  Other women in the finals were Waikiki’s  Pinoi Makalena 3rd Place, Geodee Clark 4th Place, Maui, Hawaii’s Tiare Lawrence 5th place and Honolulu’s Heather Jeppesen 6th Place. And Crystal Dzigas won for Style and won $3,000 dollars.

My class mate Tom Holbrook, an executive VP for Quiksilver came over from California with his wife to enter the SUP event.

 “I equate this to the early years of snowboarding,” said Holbrook.  When it first came out, it was sort of this curiosity, and then it kept growing and growing.  I see the same potential for (SUP).” “You can have as much fun paddling out as you can catching waves.” Holbrook said.

Equipment cost of SUP

If you are thinking of getting into SUP know a SUP equipment, board and paddle can cost between $1,300 and $2,800 dollars depending which boards and paddles you pick.

The best CORE exercise

Its  a lot more expensive ocean sport than short or long-boarding, but the best CORE exercise you can do for any sport, that enhances any sport one loves to play.

In fact Lance Armstrong professional bicycle road racing seven Tour de France titles from 1999-to 2005 is putting his legacy on the line with a comeback with a return to racing in the Tour de France to raise cancer awareness.  Lance has been training with SUP to support his physical and mental direction to give the Tour de France a great op to win.

Mike Fox, Hawaii’s famous all around waterman and stuntman Brian Keaulana and Bradley founded the C4 Waterman company in 2006.  At that time it was only company focused on high end quality sport of equipment of SUP.

How to get started

At first when you give it a go it’s a bit new to get the balance on a SUP board for a beginner, not already a surfer, but as long as you RELAX and keep your hips loose & eyes up looking forward, your performance moves forward fast, as long as you practice.   You have to get use to it. And doing that, one has to put some time into it. It is very different than surfing.  Not in the way you surf, but rather in the way you catch waves.

Some of the key elements in learning is to relax and keep your heads and eyes up and looking forward. Once you get it, its really fun, and keep’s you in great shape for when you do go surfing.

One thing is very important that without really knowing how to surf it can be very dangerous.  You don’t want to have people who may know nothing about surfing in the waves.  Its important they learn to surf first from a professional non McDonald surf company, that gives the total surfing foundation and who teaches etiquette and respect for the ocean and other surfers in the line up.

Here are some excellent companies to choose from if you want to learn SUP:

www.surfclinics.com

www.noosalongboards.com/

 

 



By: anonymous

When you think of a vacation, you may simply mean a time to hang out and take a break from the stressful routine you may have back home. But when you are considering vacation in a far away place that you are not familiar with, it is better to get the fun that you need at the same time learn about that particular place. In Ecuador, there is a school that mixes fun and learning Spanish language in practical setting. The fun incorporated in teaching is literally a break from regular teaching routine as it involves lots of activities where you can practically apply what you learned.

The Montanita Spanish School in Ecuador is a school on the beachside. As Montanita is known for surfing beaches, it is perfect place for tourists’ vacations at the same time learn Spanish Ecuador. Montanita Spanish School is right in the middle of a vacation spot. This Ecuador Spanish School aims to teach Spanish language to travelers while maintaining the vacation spirit.

Whether your vacation in Ecuador is for a short time or longer period, Montanita Spanish School can offer you courses that suit your needs. If you intend to stay for a short time, there are courses that may suit you. This Ecuador Spanish School will teach you Spanish language in what takes on daily phase to help you “survive” in a Spanish world as you learn Spanish Ecuador through the Survival Spanish course. This will run for a week in two hours per day. If you intend to do surfing, diving, or kite surfing while in Montanita, you can enroll in either Spanish and Surf, Spanish and Dive, and Spanish and Kite Surf courses that offers practical Spanish language. These courses help you learn Spanish Ecuador at the same time learn surfing, diving or kite surfing at different levels and schedules. This course runs for a minimum of one week as well at more hours required per day by Spanish lessons plus the activity specified. In this course, your stay with Ecuador will be worthwhile the vacation and learning experiences. Finally, if you intend to stay longer and learn Spanish Ecuador at the same time, you can choose courses on Medical Spanish, Spanish and Volunteer, and Explore Ecuador. Medical Spanish is for medical related students and professionals who want an experience on their field in Ecuador. This course will help them learn Spanish Ecuador at the same time do internship or practical medical practice in rural Ecuador hospitals, clinics, or medical university. Spanish Volunteer would be a worthwhile vacation experience while you learn Spanish Ecuador as well. The fun in this course comes from volunteering ecological development or helping teachers in Ecuador elementary school while applying the learned Spanish language in a practical way. Explore Ecuador is another long term course which teaches Spanish language at the same time tour around four different location in Ecuador. The experience in learning the life and culture of the places in Ecuador is also a worthwhile experience. These long term courses in the said Ecuador Spanish School range for a minimum of one month.



By: Vikram kuamr

Like most sports, the best way to learn to surf is to do it. Learning to surf is a fantastic way to have a lot of fun, learn something new and get in some great exercise. Undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to learn to surf is Australia. The surf culture is so deeply rooted in Australia that coupled with the extensive coastline means that practically anywhere you go in Australia you will be able to find a good cheap surf school to get you through the basics and to the fun part within a few hours.

Now is the time you have been waiting for, jumping up and riding on the surf board. Buying a Surf board: Your first board can really be the breaking point when it comes to whether you will pick up the sport or quit in frustration, many of us see the pros riding on their slick 6ft short boards slamming the lip and making it look like not only a hell of a lot of fun but also a real easy thing to do. It isn’t, Taj Burrows the current world number 2 surfer claimed that surfing was without a doubt the most difficult sport to progress in period. Unless you choose the right equipment to match your level you are just adding to the difficulty. Your first surfboard should be a big buoyant soft-top fun board. Reasons, well first they are very stable so standing up will be possible within one or two attempts, they are soft so you won’t slash open your flesh with the fin, or ***** open your skull on the first wipeout, they are cheap and lastly they are very easy to paddle and generate speed on, which is one of the most fundamentally important part to surfing!

This is when the real work begins – paddling. Paddling will get you out to the good waves, and paddling will help you catch one. Beginners quickly learn that surfing is mostly about paddling. Paddling well takes some time to learn but you need to do it. Without the ability to paddle you will not only never catch a wave, but more than likely never even get to the line up! So many times I have seen a beginner surfer spend a stack of coin on all the latest cool hi-tech gear and then spend an hour getting thrown around in the white water, wondering how everyone else made it out the back, it is 90% in your paddling ability.

The Inevitable Wipe Out: Once you learn to paddle the first type of wipeout you are likely to experience is the cleanup, this is when a wave that has already broken slams into you and throws you around like a ragdoll, at first far from fun. The second type of a wipeout and without a doubt the most horrific is going over the falls, this is from not having enough paddling speed to catch the wave early enough, getting ****** up the face and pitched over with the lip. This kind of wipeout is very common with new surfers as they have yet to learn to read the waves properly and don’t have the technique to rectify the problem! YOU WILL GO OVER THE FALLS get used to the idea, it is no fun at first, but it will make you a better surfer the more you do it.

The best way to learn to surf is to go surfing. But remember to be safe, take a lesson or two and be respectful out there, surfing can kill, but it is without question the most amazing feeling on earth!

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By: Inform 4 free team