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If you feel the powerful call of the raging, untamed sea and want to literally get your feet wet, there are a few things you need to know right off the bat. You may need to take lessons at some point for your own success and safety. But out of the water, you can learn about the tools you’ll need and where to find vital info about the techniques and mechanics of this super active sport. Doing some homework about standard positions will help you look less like a kook, even in your first lesson.
Though surfing might still technically make you kind of a rebel, you’re in good company with millions of other people. Statistics are hard to come by, but the Superstudy of Sports Participation Survey, conducted in 2000 set the number of surfers in America alone at 1,736,000. Surf industry group, Boardtrac estimated the same population to be 2.4 million in 2002. Australia contributes a similar amount and global surfer estimations range drastically 17 million (Surfing Australia), to 23 million (International Surfing Association).
So, where and how do you get started?
Talk to friends who surf and get the local flavor of the scene- who goes where, who does the best work, and of course where can you find waves. You can start participating in the culture before you jump in the water; just don’t be crazy about it. You’re going to learn a lot about the sport and lifestyle beyond just the mechanics of catching a wave. You’ll need some swim buddies once you get started, and be attentive to the vocabulary and slang you start to hear so you’ll know what everyone is talking about.
Now from the technical side:
-Start researching gear and considering your budget.
-Read surf guides.
-Make sure you’re in prime shape for surfing by getting plenty of exercise.
-Identify anyone in your area that gives lessons and check them out.
-Get familiar with some basic surfing etiquette. Mainly, follow the right of way rules and adhere to the sacred wave priority.
There will be grubbing, but stay positive. Surfing is challenging in ways that make you face your fears and insecurities. You can do it if you commit, and the rewards are going to be massive.
And your must have gear:
You can research your own gear and talk to your friends for their thoughts. Here is a roundup of some essentials and their price range. Be prepared, don’t be a beach leech. Nobody likes that.
1. Obviously you need a board. Buy the biggest one you can find; it’ll be easier to start with. If you can get a soft top board (aka, a foamy), even better. Here are a couple options ranging from less than $100 for a full board set up, to $250 for something a little more durable.
2. And of course you need something appropriate to wear in the water. If you’re hitting the beach in a cooler climate, you’ll need a wetsuit. Warmer climates will accommodate board shorts.
You’ll want a wetsuit that’s flexible. You can get a basic one that covers that priced around $130.00, but you can pay less with online coupon codes. Be resourceful. If you can save money on gear here and there, why not?
As for boardshorts, there are some great deals to search for and you’ll probably want more than one pair.
3. As for the “miscellaneous” stuff, if your board doesn’t come with a leash (the two options above do) then you’ll need to purchase it separately. With a leash, you won’t ever get separated from your board, but more importantly it keeps everybody around you safer too. Unless your board has a full deck traction pad, you also need some wax.
There is so much more to surfing than what’s in this article, but following some of these suggestions can set you out on the path of learning about this dynamic sport that speaks to the souls of so many people. Explore surfing and explore yourself.
