Why Take Up the Sport of Surfing and How to Choose a First Surfboard

Surfing is a sport where rider meets ocean. The ability to ride a wave is one thing that surfers fully understand and and non-surfers will never fully grasp until they have also experienced surfing. Surfing waves connects the surfer to the energy of the ocean and also the storm that produced that energy. When you are surfing, you are riding the energy from a storm that generated waves in a far away place. To most surfers, surfing is a zen experience that takes over the surfer when riding a wave and connecting with the ocean. That thrill of riding the wave keeps many surfers hooked for life.

People may compare surfing to other board sports. Snowboarders and skateboarders do ride boards that are much the same in look and style to a surfboard. Even so, the boards designed for these sports are very different and the ride and feel is quite different as well from a surfboard. When a surfer rides a wave, the wave is in existence for a single moment in time and then it is gone. A surfer can decide to surf the wave or sit back and watch the wave go by. Regardless, after the wave has passed, there will not be any other wave like that one ever again. Snowboarding and skateboarding focus on riding permanent media like snow or concrete allowing repetition to get better in contrast to surfing which demands dedication and commitment to improve as the media is fluid and ever changing.

Learning how to surf is difficult. I would recommend a lesson from a professional instructor to start with a large SoftTop surfboard. Friends may offer to take you surfing for your first time, but unless they are qualified and are ready to devote time and energy to you, there is a good chance you will not catch a wave. If you sign up for a lesson from a qualified surf instructor, you should be able to stand up on at least a handful of waves your first day. Following your first day and catching a couple of waves, surfing requires a whole lot of determination to master for the reasons mentioned above.

As you progress and become a better surfer, the payback is huge. I remember my first times out surfing as a significant experience, but I still believe that you get more enjoyment the better you become. Surfing larger more powerful waves is a feeling and rush similar to no other for the expert surfer. As a new surfer, you should not try to surf these larger or more aggressive looking waves as you could end up hurt. If the wave looks difficult, that is because it is for a beginner. Take your time and make certain you learn proper surf etiquette in your surf lessons before venturing out to a crowded surf break where more advanced surfers are out.

Once you have mastered the basics, go out and find yourself a surfboard and wetsuit. Take a look at some surfboards for sale to find something that will work for you. Used surfboards can be a good way to start and save some money. A nice full bodied longboard surfboard would be a good choice with a decent amount of thickness and width. Look for something around or over 3 inches thick as that is key for a beginner.

The payoff from learning to surf is great. Who knows, you too may end up with a long term sport and passion as you see with lots of surfers. Have fun in the surf and be respectful to other surfers!