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!