Ancient Castle, Scotland – Sebastian Jimenez – © 2020 – Arms of Ocean
Surfing is one of those sports that takes you closest to nature. If you are new to surfing, or want to find out some cool spots to surf in the UK read on! Here are a few tips for you at any stage as a surfer:
- Learn with others
Although surfing is something you can do alone, it may not be the best idea to learn it alone. For beginners, the best way to learn is with others at a camp or a professional surfer or coach. This will help avoid potential injuries by learning the ropes from the very beginning instead of endangering yourself and others. If you’ve been surfing for a while, it may be time to learn those advanced tricks with other professionals, because you can always improve. If you are a pro or at an advanced surf level, you can choose to teach the beginners to get a new perspective on the sport.
- Type of Surfboard to use
At the beginning use a lager surfboard. A large surfboard helps in learning the skill better as you are developing the basic mechanics and learning to balance. As you advance, you will learn that there are many boards with various rail types, designs, tail shapes and rocker.
The next step can be funboard or fish, but mostly it is difficult to catch big waves with them. The shortboard is the best for many manoeuvres, but paddling is difficult. So, while choosing the board, you’ll need to decide what kind of wave you want to catch today. Also, you can choose the fin set up according to the ocean condition.
- Exercise
Like with any other sport, the better in shape you are, the better your performance. Surfing needs paddling and balance. The constant paddling requires you to be very strong. For that, try cardio and resistance training in your daily routine. Always remember to stretch and do a light exercise right before surfing.
- Low center of gravity
While surfing, stay low by bending the knees. This increases your balance and equilibrium. It also helps if you want to go faster.
- Learn about the water
Make sure you learn about the ocean, tides, waves and swell. Try to understand the ‘wave period’. This is something you learn gradually with the other mechanics of surfing. But still, make sure to put in an effort into gaining knowledge about the water. You can also try to watch waves on videos to analyze and understand the little details that may not be possible to learn in real-time, like how are the waves formed, and how wind affects the process.
- Beach
If you’re a beginner select a beginner-friendly beach. As this will be able to determine how smooth your learning process will go. You can catch great waves at these places in the UK:
- Woolacombe, Devon
- Sennen Cove, Cornwall
- Portrush, County Antrim
- Lewis, Outer Hebrides
- Pease Bay, Berwickshire
- Be fearless
It will be important to conquer your fears at the beginning but it will be even more important as you proceed to further levels and try advanced skills. Remember: don’t be afraid!
- Move your feet
Learn to shuffle your feet from one position to the other, while paddling or surfing. This will keep you away from the danger of being stung.
- Nosedives
You should learn to avoid nosediving. For this, be sure to learn how to place the surfboard on the waves.
- keep your Posture
Don’t bend your back, as it will make you lose your balance.
The next time you hit the water with your surfboard, remember these tips!
