The world of Surfing Tips and Tricks can be confusing for the beginner surfer. It can feel like all the other surfers around you are speaking a different language; terms such as floaters, sushi rolls, and bottom turns can be confusing. To make it easier for you, this article will break down the basics of surfing so you can understand what all the hype is about.
Surfing Etiquette
One of the most important rules to learn when beginning your surf journey is surfing etiquette. This is essentially how to treat other surfers and other people on the beach while surfing. In most crowded conditions it is important to paddle out in the channel or on the shoulder rather than directly in front of another surfer as this will avoid getting smashed by a wave. This also allows you to catch the most waves while avoiding getting in someone else’s way or causing them to crash.
When deciding to take off on a wave, you must always look over your shoulder and check if someone is already riding the wave. It is very bad etiquette to take off before someone else has ridden the wave and could be dangerous for both you and them. If you see that the wave is too large and you are not able to surf it, you should kick out instead of risking getting smashed or ruining someone else’s surf session.
Observing Your Own Surfing
A great way to improve your surfing is by watching yourself surf on videos afterwards. This will allow you to see where you need to focus your attention and what you need to work on in order to progress. This is a great trick that will help you learn quickly and it is recommended that all beginner surfers use this method to improve their surfing.
Surfing Tricks
The most basic but fundamental surf tricks that any surfer should be familiar with are the front side and back side snaps. A snap is when a surfer rotates their board in the pocket of the wave and can be incredibly effective for creating speed on a ride. The timing of the snap is key, too early and you’ll be smashed by the lip of the wave, too late and you may lose control of the board as you rotate through the trough of the wave.
Other surf tricks that can be used to create more speed and flow while surfing include a back hand cutback, a roundhouse cutback, and a tail slide. A backhand cutback is a turn that can be used to change direction while maintaining speed while a roundhouse cutback is a full figure of eight movement. A tail slide is an extension of a snap and is done by letting go of the back foot as you reach the lip of the wave.
Learning these simple Surfing Tips and Tricks can help you make your surfing more enjoyable, faster, and less stressful. It is also essential to know the physics of a wave and what wind and tides affect it in order to get the most out of your surfing experience.