Boards up, here are some surfing 101 tips for newbies! Are you heading to the beach to catch some waves with your friends? Don’t fret; we’ll provide tips to help you enjoy the waves and return for more.
As thrilling as surfing sounds, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy your day surfing and riding the waves. But if you’re nervous about how you can surf awesomely, then here are some valuable tips:
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Take a Lesson
Since you’re a beginner, you should consider taking a lesson from a certified instructor. By taking a lesson, you’ll know the basics, such as paddling techniques when catching the waves and the proper body positioning. Taking a lesson is highly encouraged for newbies as it provides a safe surfing experience.
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Choose the Right Beginner’s Beach
Next, pick a beach with small, slow-breaking waves suitable for beginners. We know that there are a lot of surfing beaches in the Philippines, such as Siargao and Baler, but we can attest that La Union is an excellent beach for beginners. Fortunately, you may select from various San Juan La Union Beach Hotels offering the best surfing experience.
Remember to avoid crowded surf spots again, ensure safety, and give yourself space to practice.
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Practice Popping Up
The pop-up technique, which they call it, is the movement where you go from lying on your board to standing up. Practicing to pop up is a surfing tip for newbies, as mastering this technique will help you get up on your feet quickly when on the water. You might think it’s easy to go up the board, but once you’re there, your mind would circle from thinking about when to stand up since the waves are unpredictable.
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Focus on Balance
Another critical factor in surfing is balancing. So, you must practice your balance on the board to ride the waves more effectively. Remember to shift your weight and keep your center of gravity low to help you stay on the board. But don’t worry, as eventually, you’ll learn how to place yourself on the waves along the way properly. As they say, practice makes perfect!
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Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
We know that you are engrossed in the experience of surfing. But you should always be mindful of your surroundings. Keep an eye on other surfers and watch out for swimmers because the last thing you’ll want to happen is to clash with another surfer or hit a swimmer with your board. As fun as surfing is, you must be mindful of others.
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Stay Safe and Respect the Ocean
Of course, the last yet most important tip is always to stay safe. The water is not the safest place, as you can’t see what’s below, so practice and understand basic ocean safety. Remember to wear the leash to keep your board attached and respect the power of the ocean, as it can have cautious changing conditions.
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Wrapping Up
Just remember that surfing is a skill that takes time to develop. Getting it great the first time or not, that’s still an excellent job on your end. The experience is what you are aiming for that would eventually lead to a skill. So be patient and enjoy the learning process as you’re still a newbie. Further, always prioritize safety and have fun catching waves!
