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10 Obvious Mistakes Should Avoid On Your First Surfing: Beginner Guide

One of the most exhilarating, entertaining water sports you can try is surfing. I am a person who is always willing to do adventurous once in a lifetime. Ready to play with the wave of the ocean and ride it as the blue turns to foam. The 7,000 kilometres of Indian coastline have many spots favourable for surfing. Basic swimming is the only prerequisite for those who want to beginners to surfing. Here are 10 common mistakes first-time surfers should avoid. Then, let's go dive in:

INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY - June 15, 2024 - National Today

 

Want to dance with the wave of the ocean without any fear? But first, you need a Guider.

 

Don’t surf without proper supervision

One more crucial thing a beginner should avoid is finding yourself a qualified instructor If you are looking for surf classes. Your first two days are like an orientation. In the Initial days, the instructor will guide you through some fundamental tips. Your instructor will be the one who will guide you during the entire process. If you want to experience surfing in your life you can only make practice.

They will customise their approach depending on your needs. Thus, you must select one with the right qualifications and experience.

 

What spot is good to go?

9 Things Every Surfer Needs - Surfd

Don't go straight to spots like the Andaman Islands, which are not suitable for beginners. If you choose an SFI-recognised school, you can rest assured that the location is. A spot like Bali would be the best place for surfing for beginners. There are more than 50 SFI-recognised schools spread over different states along the western and eastern coast of India. Bali would be the best for beginners. Why these spots can let you surf because most breaks on the Indian, mainland are beach breaks and have sandbars. Thus, they are safe under the guidance of a certified instructor. Weather is another thing to remember when surfing in a certain place, the instructor will guide you depending on the conditions of the day.

 

Don’t buy a wetsuit to surf in India

Inspired by onscreen surfers, you may be tempted to buy all kinds of surfing paraphernalia, like attractive wetsuits. But remember that Indian waters are far warmer than those in Western countries. In India, we need wetsuits are redundant since they are only required in cold waters. It is also advisable to wear a rash guard, which will protect you from possible rashes due to touch with the wax on surfboards. Some surf may provide you with one, or you could get your own.

 

Choose the right Surfboard

Surfing | Wave Riding, Board Shaping & History | Britannica

If you think that a narrow and extra small surfboard will be easier to ride in the ocean than a broader one, you are in trouble. "Bigger boards are always suitable that given to the beginners as they have more volume and float better and are more stable. Don't even try to choose what looks good instead of choosing what is good for you.

As you get better, the boards get smaller. A narrow surfboard may look cool, a big one will keep you safe

Patience surpasses learning

It's okay to have mixed feelings as you go to the ocean with your surfboard but don't be impatient with yourself. Like any sport, surfing requires stamina, patience, and regular practice. You must have control over yourself, mentally and physically. Beginners who suffer are taught by taught only in the white water (this is after the wave breaks) You will have to do a 10-day course to be able to self-paddle and catch your wave. It may take courage, confidence, time and sheer practice to stand still on the ocean with your board. You will have to improve each skill. Your instructors will correct your mistakes, especially the way you stand. As a beginner, you will tend to move around for making the right balance on board. During practising, don't count your effort when you are capable of improving your posture anyway. If you want to master surfing, you need to put yourself practising, at least twice a week. After becoming a professional, it will take a few more years of hard work and discipline.

 

Never use your knees

One thing an instructor often tells you is to be careful once you are on the water. Also, you have to learn to be comfortable outside your comfort zone. When you go with a broad on water, you cannot take much time to stand on. It has to be quick. While some people tend to stand on their knees— that is wrong. It put weight on the surfboard and at this moment you will fall. Instead of using your knees, jump right on your feet and stand then you will make the right balance. For beginners, of course, managing a surfboard can seem more scary and challenging, here, do not let their fear hold you back.

 

Never look down

While surfing your focus should be on posturing, balancing and the way you move. you should set your sights on where you want to go rather than worrying about where you currently are. In the water, your body responds to how your head moves. As you improve, you might want to do a turn on the board. Where you are turning, that's where the board will go. So, be careful about this. You must never look down or you will lose your balance and get disoriented. You should look towards wherever you want to go. Beginners, Look where you go, not where you are.

 

Eat light, drink a lot

You need to be systematic about your training and remember what your instructors have told you. At the same time, “Don’t think too much. Go out there and have fun,” advises Vasu. “Surfing is a wonderful sport and a great way to keep fit.” Don't eat and drink too much before you surf, it is better to opt for a lighter meal. After surfing eat a good meal rich in protein. It is important to drink lots of water as the body gets dehydrated while surfing. You should also do a few stretches after you come out of the water.

Your surfing can get better on every turn, on every wave you catch. Learn to read the ocean better.

– Kelly Slater