How to Learn to Surf Over the Weekend

A lot of people, both men and women, are looking for tips on how to learn to surf. Most of them have no plans to become the next Kolohe Andino or Lakey Peterson. Unfortunately, they’re too old to become the next Stevie Pittman. They’re learning how to surf because they want to experience the feeling of getting amped. 

In addition, a lot of these people are visiting a known surfing city (Narragansett, represent!) and tourist guides tell them that they should try to surf and since they’re just visiting for the weekend, they want to learn how to surf over the weekend. You'll be happy to know that not only is it possible, but a lot of people have already done so.

Prepare Yourself Physically and Mentally

Since you have limited time, you’d want to hit the surf paddlin’. This means that you should be prepared physically and mentally or else, you’ll end up as a paddlepuss. 

How do you prepare yourself physically? Well, it’s either you’re physically fit or you’re not. Either way, you can do the following exercises in preparation of your surfing trip:

• Swimming
• Flexibility exercises
• Skateboarding
• Pushups (to help you with pop ups)
• Arm exercises (no noodle arms!)
• Core exercises

How do you prepare yourself mentally? Well, knowing that you’re physically fit for learning how to surf is a good start. Here are other tips on how to prepare yourself mentally before learning how to surf:

• Check the surf forecast so that you’ll know what you’re up against. Of course, you’re not going to try surfing in extreme conditions.
• Read guides and how-to posts. You can also watch videos on YouTube to pump yourself up.
• Know surfing etiquette. This is especially true if you’re a Benny (a non-local) at the surfing spot.
• Dress for the part. You don’t need to buy a surfboard just yet. Just rent one to start. However, you do need a wetsuit. If you know that you have the gears needed, it can give you a mental boost.
• Familiarize yourself with surfing lingo. Speaking like a surfer can boost your morale. On that note, practice doing the shaka sign. Hang loose!
• Set realistic goals.
• Know what to expect and be okay with it. Wipeouts are inevitable but if you’re mentally prepared, they’re almost something that you’ll look forward to.

Learning How to Surf

Now that you’re physically and mentally prepared, you want to know how to learn to surf over the weekend. The best way to do this is to get lessons. Unfortunately, no one is born to surf. You have to train for it. Since you want to learn over the weekend, you’re better off taking a guided lesson than wasting time trying to learn on your own.

Taking a surf lesson allows you to learn in a controlled environment with the guidance of a trained pro. You’ll learn how to surf in an established break so chances of dirty lickings are slim to none. 

You can join group surfing lessons but it’s better to sign up for private lessons. You can check Warm Winds for details. Make sure to check out the extended private lesson. Better yet, sign up for the Triple Session or the In for 4 session!

Akaw!

4 Things to Expect when Checking Out the Rhode Island Surf Culture

The Rhode Island surf culture is so underrated that it’s almost a crime that a lot of surfers, beginners and experts alike, disregard what the little state has to offer. While the surf RI industry is not at the level of Hawaii, California or even Bali in Indonesia, it does have its own charms that more and more surfers are acknowledging. If you fancy yourself a surfer, even if you’re just beginning, you have to check it out.

Don’t let its small stature fool you. After all, there’s a reason why it’s called “the Ocean State”. It boasts of more than 640 kilometers of coastline that has over a hundred beaches. With these numbers, it’s safe to say that you can find a good experience.

It’s the Warmest Among New England States

Not a lot of people will argue against the fact that Rhode Island offers the best surf experience compared to the other New England states. You just have to take a look at a Rhode Island surf report. While surf conditions vary depending on the season, it’s safe to say that they’re often favorable.

For example, the water temperature is often 10 degrees warmer than other New England states. For example, 62 degrees is considered to be normal around early June in Rhode Island when it’s around 52 degrees in the other New England states. Once July rolls in, you can enjoy a surf RI experience even without a wetsuit on.

You can Expect Fairly Good Swells

Rhode Island has the benefit of a good geographical orientation of west to east. During the summer when winds come out from the south and southwest, it leads to good sized swells. This is especially true on beaches that face the south.

Swells range from 2 to 8 feet around March. While these are good sized swells, locals look forward to hurricane season. If you want the best Rhode Island surf experience, monitor the Rhode Island surf report during hurricane season. You’ll be salivating.

There are a Lot of Beginners

If you can’t be bothered with kooks, then it can be a frustrating experience for you. However, remember that you were once a kook, so you have to be patient with them.

Besides, it just shows that Rhode Island offers an amazing surf experience since it’s a favorite of beginners. It also helps that it’s home to some of the best surf schools in the US like Warm Winds. But just to set expectations, you can expect mammoth crowds especially during the summer. Again, take it positively.

You’ll Find Yourself Checking Out Other Attractions

While known for their beaches, Rhode Island has a lot to offer. In fact, tourism is the 2^nd largest industry in the state, with Narragansett Bay providing most of the attractions. With a lot of things to do in RI, a weekend vacation wouldn’t be enough.

This also means that you’ll enjoy the state even if you’re not really looking to surf. There’s something for everybody that they will enjoy.

4 Things to Do in Narragansett RI in the Summer

Narragansett is a popular tourist destination. While it’s popular among tourists all year round, it’s especially popular during the summer. It’s so popular that a lot of people are planning a Rhode Island vacation in Narragansett specifically. With all the things to do in Narragansett RI in the summer, it’s easy to see why this is the case.

Here are 4 things to do in Narragansett Rhode Island for your summer vacation.

Join the Annual Narragansett Summer Running Festival

 

This is New England’s best running festival right here. Widely considered as the “Race of the Year”, this race regularly sells out. In fact, a lot of runners are already planning their Rhode Island vacation for the summer as early as now so they can join this year’s version which will be happening on July 16 to 17.

This festival is not just a racing event. In addition to racing, it promises to be 2 days of live music and beer!

Ride the Block Island Ferry

The Block Island Ferry is quite an experience all year round. It constantly ranks as one of the best things to do in Narragansett RI. However, it’s best experienced during the summer so you can really experience the smooth ride so you can enjoy the view. Speaking of the view, make sure to secure a spot on the top deck of the port side with your camera on hand.

The ride itself is just a preview of what’s to come. As soon as you arrive at the destination, you’ll see why a lot of families take a Rhode Island vacation on Block Island. In fact, a lot of families in Rhode Island and surrounding states make it a yearly vacation.

Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Galilee

Plan this before or after riding the Block Island Ferry. You won’t regret it. A Rhode Island vacation won’t be complete without enjoying lobsters and other fresh seafood at a restaurant in Galilee. This is an authentic fishing village which gives you an idea how fresh the seafood is going to be.

Go to a Beach

 

Narragansett Town Beach is the place to be during summer! It does get crowded during the summer which shows just how good this beach is. There are a lot of things that you can do here. While it can be enjoyed all year round, it’s best enjoyed during the summer. You can even join a fun and competitive beach volleyball match.

Thanks to its popularity as a destination for a Rhode Island vacation, it’s one of the best-maintained beaches in the state. While you’re here, make sure to head over to Warm Winds. Checking out the shop is one of the best things to do in Narragansett RI especially if you love to surf! Even if you’re just looking to try it, they have you covered with their surfing lessons!

Stay Updated with the Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island with the Help of these RI Bloggers

Don’t let the haters fool you. There are a lot of fun things to do in Rhode Island. While there’s a common misconception that only surfers have all the fun, there are more than enough Rhode Island things to do and countless of Rhode Island attractions that should excite you even if you can’t stay on a surfboard for half a second.

Warm Winds: Helping Rhode Island Tourism

 

Warm Winds has been doing its part in helping boost tourism in the state. Of course, the surf shop has been attracting traveling surfers to the Narragansett Town Beach. While the beach itself and its swells are more than enough to attract surfers to Rhode Island, Warm Winds have been holding or helping organize fun events. Surf Fest Newport attracted record crowds while the Billabong East Coast Tour at Warm Winds allowed fans to meet and greet the man himself, Mark “Occy” Occhilupo. Oh, and who can forget Booth Bash 2012?

With the surf shop’s goal to give back to the community that has warmly embraced it, the people behind Warm Winds continue to hold community events that are among the fun things to do in Rhode Island. After all, they only know one way to do things – the fun way.

Stay Updated on the Top Rhode Island Attractions and Rhode Island Things to Do 

Warm Winds is not alone in boosting Rhode Island tourism. There are several online resources that can provide you with information. Thanks to these hard-working bloggers, locals and tourists alike can stay updated. In addition to knowing the Rhode Island things to do, you should know the top Rhode Island attractions and these blogs can help.

Here are some of the top RI bloggers that you have to follow to stay in the loop:

·      RI Blogger

In addition to blogging about fun things to do in Rhode Island (e.g. blogging about Occy’s visit to Warm Winds), this is also the state’s top directory for Rhode Island attractions and businesses.

·      The Rhode Less Traveled

Thanks to this blog, Rhode Island is not that “less traveled” anymore. This blog has the latest information on Rhode Island restaurants, farms, food trucks and more. Oh, and the blogger has been surfing for 10 years now, and has recommendations for surf shops to check out in Narragansett, including Warm Winds.

·       Rhody Bloggers

This is not a single blog but rather a group of women bloggers in Rhode Island. These bloggers provide a wealth of information on just about any topic from parenting to Rhode Island things to do, so check out The Rhody Bloggers!

·      Rhode Island Monthly

It has this popular category, Best of Rhode Island that you have to check out. You’re welcome.

There are several others but this is already a good list to know all of the top Rhode Island attractions. Subscribe to their blog to stay updated on the fun things to do in Rhode Island.

Where to Buy Pyzel Surfboard in Narragansett

It’s understandable if you want to know where to buy a Pyzel surfboard if you’re in Narragansett. First of all, a good Pyzel surfboards review will tell you that the company manufactures some of the best surfboards in the world. After all, there’s a reason why John John Florence wouldn’t be out in the water without a Pyzel surfboard.

About Pyzel

The name Pyzel is trusted in the surfing industry. This is because the man behind the company, Jon Pyzel, is a trusted name in the industry. If he’s had his hands on something, then you can be sure that it’s high in quality. He’s one of the most sought-after board shapers and you just need to look at his boards to know why.

A Lot of Surfers were Frustrated

They’ve watched John John Florence dominate competitions after competitions with a Pyzel surfboard. They’ve read great reviews about these surfboards. They’ve seen these boards with their own eyes and they’ve seen how beautiful they are even from afar.

They want to own one, but they couldn’t find one. Fortunately for the people of Narragansett, they can now buy a Pyzel surfboard for sale.

Where to Buy One

It shouldn’t surprise you that Warm Winds is now carrying stocks of different Pyzel surfboard models. The surf shop has full runs of the Pyzalien, Slab and Rat Skull models and you can now check them as they’re on display. Find the perfect Pyzel surfboard for you. It’s going to be love at first sight.