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!
