The beginners' guide to surfing

Welcome to "The Beginners' Guide to Surfing." If you are ready to learn how to surf, then you'll find here all the resources, tips, requirements, and information needed to stand up on your first wave.

Surfing is an exciting sport. It has been an outdoor activity for centuries, but it only spread as a popular physical recreation in the early 20th century.

Surfing has many practical advantages: it is relatively affordable, it has a fast learning curve, it is a fantastic exercise for the whole body, and it can be enjoyed on any coastline.

You can become a surfer at any age. The sport of surfing is all about yourself, a surfboard, and the waves.

It couldn't be simpler. And you don't need much time and effort to ride your first wave. That is what's cool about surfing.

Getting ready can be important. That is why you should learn a few things before paddling out with or without a surf instructor.

With the right spirit, you can start surfing in less than 24 hours.

Just catch between 30 and 50 small waves or whitewater rollers, and you'll be up and riding in no time.

Know Before You Surf

But before anything else, follow "The Beginners' Guide to Surfing." Trust us. It's a roadmap to happiness.

1. Ask yourself: why do you want to learn how to surf?
2. Take a look at a few things you should know before becoming a surfer;
3. Surfing is an addiction. Do you know the reasons why you will surf for the rest of your life?
4. Get the best beginner surfboard. It will be the wisest decision you'll ever make in your surfing life;
5. Got the plank? Learn how to wax a surfboard. You will need grip and traction;
6. Are you planning on enrolling in a surf school? Know what to expect from surf lessons;
7. Learn how waves are formed;
8. Beginner surfers start in small ripples. And there's nothing you should be ashamed of about that;
9. There are many hidden surfer-related diseases. Know them and protect yourself;
10. Surfing is a safe sport, but accidents can happen. Take a look at the most common injuries;
11. Now, you're ready to hit the water. Remember that there is a Surfer's Code with the "unwritten and unofficial" rules of surfing;
12. Before you start, read our beginner surf tips;
13. Promise yourself you will never touch the salted water without a five-minute warm-up;
14. Learn where to put your feet on the surfboard;
15. Duck diving is an essential technique for all surfers. Master it;
16. Whitewater waves are your best friends. Catch them and learn from them;
17. Your session is over, and it is always good to know how to remove wax from your board;
18. Surfers tend to make the same mistakes over and over. Avoid them;
19. Surfing has its own dictionary. Do you know all surfing's terms and expressions?
20. Your first surfing experience is over. Relax and discover dates in the history of surfing;

Learn More

Now, for those willing to paddle the extra mile, we've got additional information on surf science, surfing techniques, and surf culture.

Remember that knowledge is power; yes, surfing books will make you a better surfer. Extend your know-how:

1. Which wave should you paddle for? Which waves "look" good? Do you know how to read a wave?
2. Discover the different parts of a wave;
3. Analyze the variables of an ocean swell;
4. What are the scientific secrets behind surfboards?;
5. Get a good surf forecasting book;
6. Get inspired. Read a surf classic;
7. Read Tom Morey's "10 Commandments of Surfing";
8. Uncover a few mysteries about surfing;
9. Take a look at ten details that might change your surfing forever;
10. Triangulation will get you more and better waves;
11. It's an unwritten rule. Never pick the first wave of the set;
12. Open your fingers while paddling. Do you know why?;
13. Kicking your feet in surfing might look odd, but it works;
14. Ninety-nine percent of all surfers are recreational surfers. Treat your body accordingly;
15. Surfing needs our muscles. Which ones?;
16. Do you want a surfer's body? Yes, it is possible;
17. Drink and eat well. You will surf better;
18. The shaka sign is cool, but what is the story behind the famous surfers' hand gesture?;
19. Who were the fathers of modern surfing?;
20. You can easily spot a surf conversation. What are the recurring words in a surf talk?