SoulSurfingMaui

WHAT DO YOU LEARN TAKING SURF LESSONS

Laperouse1 — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 02:45:01 +0000

WHAT DO YOU LEARN TAKING SURF LESSONS THAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW ? To begin with – EVERYTHING!

Once you start contemplating taking surf lessons, one of the key questions you’ll most likely ask is what do you learn in surf lessons. Some of the key things you’ll learn in surf lessons as a beginner are the most basic techniques and etiquette’s that set the framework for you to smartly build on. Once you have the basics down it is easier to advance your way up to becoming an Intermediate or even Advanced level surfer.

Surfing is a complex sport with much to know. One of the things you’ll learn is how to avoid dangerous situations such as paddling out into waves beyond your skill level. Learning to read the ocean and wave conditions is a skill you want to develop. In Hawaii surfers have a saying – ” When In Doubt, Don’t Go Out”. Having an excellent coach from the beginning of your surf career can help train your eye to the tells of the ocean and show you how to suppress your ego while always using concrete common sense. A professional surf coach will know the importance of spending time on such things. Where a friend who takes you out may skip this information all together and be more interested in having fun than keeping you away from dangers and seeing you succeed.

Your “Surf Stance” is a key thing to learn

One of the key things you’ll learn in surf lessons is your surf stance. Similar to being left or right-handed, you’ll have to find out which foot should go in front on your surfboard. One of the easiest ways to figure out which foot should be in front is to find out your dominant leg.

If your right leg is dominant, you’ll have your right foot in the back and the left one at the front. If this is how you ride, this is known as a regular stance or “Regular Foot”. However, if your left foot is the dominant and placed at the back, then its known as being a goofy-footed stance or “Goofy”.

If you’re yet to figure out if a regular stance or goofy-footed is more suitable for you, have someone push you unexpectedly from behind. Whatever foot you instinctively put forward is most likely your dominant ‘power’ foot. Another trick to figuring out what you are is think – If I kicked a ball what foot what I use ? Your kicking foot is often your power leg, and this should go in the back.

Paddle Positioning on the board

What you’ll learn in surf lessons include how to position yourself appropriately on the board when paddling. This is something you’ll first learn and practice while on the beach.

You can’t be too far up or too far back. When you lay on your surfboard it should feel level and balanced. If you are too far forward you’ll know it because the nose will be dipping into the water – this can lead to a “Pearl Dive”. If positioned too far back on your board you will see the nose lift up and do a “Wheelie”. Both of these issues are easy to correct by just moving in small increments forward or back.

Also, when you’re lying on the board and preparing to paddle, make sure your hips and shoulders are centered so the board does not list to one side. If this happens, stop what you are doing and correct your body so you are positioned right down the center of the board. Once positioned correctly on the board start your freestyle stroke and see how the board feels. If you need to make adjustments ( and we often do ) just fix yourself and continue on. A lot of this is all by feel and the more you practice the better you’ll get at it.

Mastering the pop up

Mastering the “Pop-Up” is a key thing you’ll have to learn during surf lessons. Once you’re at ease with lying on your surfboard and paddling, the next step is to learn how to get up on your feet. Done correctly it is a smooth and graceful action. Popping-Up is the trickiest fundamental move to learn and master as a beginner.

Your Pop-Up’s will most likely be weak and unsteady at first, but the more you practice the better you will get at it. Your coach will break down the mechanics of it so you understand how to twist your body as you come up, stay low and balanced through out the action and make your feet land in the the correct spot. With proper work and training your movements will soon become smooth and stylish.

This video tutorial is aimed at all the ‘Soon To Be’ Newbie Surfers in the world. Give it a check for some good tips and advice on starting out safely!

HOW TO CATCH UNBROKEN WAVES

Laperouse1 — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 02:14:56 +0000

So you’ve taken some surf lessons and learned the basics. You’re good at catching waves that your instructor picked out and pushed you into….but your goal is to learn to do this with out any help. Your dream is to be a competent surfer that can handle themself in any line-up. So whats the next step? How do you become independent in a line-up and learn to catch unbroken waves on your own with out wrecking everyone else’s session in the process? There is a lot to it, and there’s really no cutting corners. You’re going to have to practice and it’s going to take dedication. Timing, positioning and wave selection are at the top of the list of things to master. And of course you’ll need to up your crowd management IQ if you’re practicing in an area with other surfers. Much to know for sure – prepare for a humbling experience! This is an excellent video tutorial that will arm you with the knowledge you need so you can get out there and safely start trying to catch unbroken “green” waves on your own. A positive mental attitude is everything. Enjoy the process!

HOW TO TURTLE-ROLL ON A LONGBOARD

Laperouse1 — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 01:35:05 +0000

WHEN YOUR LEARNING HOW TO SURF, GETTING CAUGHT INSIDE BY A BIG SET OF WAVES IS A REALITY! IT’S GOING TO HAPPEN, SO BEST TO PREPARE FOR IT: Here’s a common scenario: You’re paddling out on your longboard, look up and suddenly there’s a set coming that your not going to make it out past. It’s clear that at least one wave is going to break in front of you – your gonna get worked! You need to do something. So what do you do? Well, if it’s not too big maybe you can stay right side up and punch through the wave? Or if you’re on a shortboard you could maybe duckdive through ( if you know how). But if you’re on a longboard and the wave is big and powerful you really only have two options. The first is to Bail and try to swim down deep enough to get under the thump of the wave? Honestly sometimes this is all you can do, but it will lead to a loose board situation where your board could hit someone. So this should be a last resort. Ideally, and whenever possible, try to stay in control of your board. This can often be accomplished with a skilled “Turtle Roll”. This is a staple survival move that all seasoned longboarders can do at the drop of a hat. Below is a helpful video tutorial that touches on the fine points so you can go out and practice on your own. It will take some dedication, but keep at it and in time you will be doing it like a Pro!

TIPS TO TURNING A BIG LONGBOARD

Laperouse1 — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 01:08:41 +0000

Once you have learned to catch the wave, pop-up and make the drop, it’s time to think about doing your first turn. Most of us learn on a big longboard, usually a Softop or similar, and these are not easy boards to turn. You might even feel like all they want to do is go straight? But the truth is all boards will turn, no matter the length, once you learn the tricks of the trade. This ‘Learn to Turn’ tutorial has some good pointers for anyone just starting out on a big longboard. Check it out…..

BOTTOM TURN / TOP TURN COMBINATION

Laperouse1 — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 00:47:04 +0000

You’ve made the drop and now your at the bottom of the wave – what would you like to do? Pull into the barrel, do an Off The Lip, a Floater, or maybe just run out on the face to lay down a Cut Back. Whichever it is, your bottom turn will determine the success of what happens next. Beau Young breaks it down nicely in this easy to understand video tutorial ( pasted below ).

HOW TO DUCK-DIVE ON A SHORTBOARD

Laperouse1 — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 00:21:08 +0000

Duck Divng is an essential trick that you will absolutely need to learn if you plan on riding a shortboard.

Here are some tips:

When the waves are small it is relatively easy to get outside. All you need is to get the nose of your surfboard over the crumbling wave.

But when the surf gets rough, you must know how to survive the impact zone. Duck diving is the most efficient way of not getting pummeled and pushed back by a crashing wave.

The duck dive is teamwork between body and board.

The goal is to form a kind of imaginary pendulum or arc that swings from air to water and air again while suffering the slightest interruption.

Many times, surfers are confronted with massive walls of white water rumbling towards the beach, and their only option is to go under the chaos.

Inspired by ducks and birds, the surfer’s duck diving technique mixes timing and body skills.

Occasionally, you are challenged by falling lips, semi-broken waves, thunderous closeouts, or gentle-breaking rollers.

It is important to stress that, in some situations, duck diving might not be an option. In those cases, bailing out is the most reasonable alternative.

You first need to practice on flat water – a pool, a lake, or a flat sea. It will take a lot of time to perform the perfect duck dive, but only a dozen waves to make a basic move.

The Duck Diving Technique

The trick is to penetrate deep underwater and use your knee and foot
to get yourself below the breaking or incoming wave because your biggest
enemy is always the board’s buoyancy.

Let’s break the duck dive down:

Paddle vigorously toward the incoming wave;
Before the wave reaches you (five to
ten feet), grab the surfboard’s rails with both hands about even with
the center of your chest;
Push off the board and extend your arms;
Take a deep breath;
With your hands on the rails, move your body weight slightly forward;
Bury the nose of the board as deep as possible in the water;
Point your head down;
Bend and move your dominant leg forward (deck) and use that knee to push the board underwater;
At the same time, use your other foot and toes to apply more downward pressure on the surfboard near the tail;
Continue to push your body forward until the board is entirely underwater;
Kick your back foot to propel you down under;
If you can, open your eyes underwater to see the wave pass by;
Slide your hands up the board, creating an upward trajectory;
Whenever you feel that the turbulence is gone, arch upwards;
Resurface and begin to paddle to avoid being dragged backward;

An efficient duck dive will save you a lot of energy and will get you
out in the lineup in no time, even on big wave surfing days.

Some surfers prefer to use both knees; others combine knee and foot, or knee or foot only to push through waves.

NOTE: The more volume your shortboard has, the more difficult the duck dive
will be – a Malibu will necessarily be harder to duck diver than a
standard shortboard.

HOW TO GET REALLY TUBED, EVEN ON A SMALL WAVE!

Laperouse1 — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 20:12:36 +0000

Ask any seasoned surfer and they will tell you getting barrelled is the best move in surfing, and sometimes all you have to do is stand there!

Here are some helpful tips that are sure to make you a better tube rider:

BEND AT THE KNEES, NOT THE WAIST: This tip applies to all surfing at all times, actually. Waist-bending is stylistic cancer that you have to consciously fight and unlearn — especially with barrels. Picture the awkwardly squat-stanced surfer with his legs locked stiff, his rear end high in the air, bent in half with his head down at hip-level trying to poke his face into a two-foot tube. And then claiming his “cover-up” later. Don’t be him. Bend at the knees.

SQUARE YOUR SHOULDERS: Keeping your shoulders open and square to the exit will keep you moving in the right direction. You shouldn’t find them closed and parallel to shore, facing out to sea (frontside) or toward the beach (backside). There are exceptions, of course — watch any surf video — but while you’re still getting comfortable in the barrel, square shoulders will help you keep the right line. The one that takes you back out of the tube. That is, after all, the point here.

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN: This seems obvious but tube novices are prone to shutting their eyes at the first sign of a pitching lip — as though they’re bracing for something bad. Don’t brace. You wouldn’t close your eyes at the plate right when the pitcher winds up, so don’t do it here. Stay calm — or at least capable of seeing.

TRAVEL: Another “duh” tip but its value can’t be overstated. A week or two in good, hollow waves is like boot camp for barrel riding. Your surfing will transform. You’ll progress so much further in a few days abroad than you would in years of hunting the odd lucky head-dip at home (unless home is Hawaii). Among its many other benefits, a surf trip will fast-track your tube skills, so book one and skip a few levels. Sumatra’s nice.

PULL INTO CLOSE-OUTS: It doesn’t count if you don’t come out, but that’s not very helpful. Closeouts are a tool — they’re your driving range, your batting cage, your practice field. For decades low-rung surfers at Pipe and Backdoor have gained respect and experience by forcing themselves into closeouts nobody wants. The same will work for you. Use closeouts to get familiar with the tube, with getting in and traveling. The exit can come later.

For decades low-rung surfers at Pipe and Backdoor have gained respect and experience by forcing themselves into closeouts nobody wants. The same will work for you.

DON’T WON’T GO: Guys in the Momentum Generation used to use “You won’t go” on each other as a little reverse psychological nudge in heavy waves. The natural human response to “You won’t go” is an emboldened, “Oh yeah? Watch this.” You may have to use this trick on yourself to maximize tube opportunities, because a lot of the best ones will look like closeouts. Too ledgy. Too deep. Too shallow. Unmakeable. But you have to be in it to win it. Silence your doubts with an imaginary friend taunting, “You won’t go,” then show that punk he’s wrong.

Stay low on the face …Particularly on small waves with small barrels. They’re hard to fit into, so the tendency is to hug the face, stall hard and lean into the wave, trying to squeeze under a tight lip. But this pulls you up the face of the wave. You cease forward motion, get sucked upward and pitched. Done. Instead, stay low on the face and as compact as possible (see: bend at the knees). If you have to try that hard to fit in the tube, it’s probably not worth it.

PLAN TO COME OUT:. One of the simplest barrel-riding mistakes is that surfers put all their focus on getting in — but forget that the real goal is to come out afterward. When you set your line and pull in, do so with full intention to make a clean exit. There should be no question in your mind that you’ll come out. It sounds simplistic but this makes a giant difference. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Don’t be surprised. Beginners, or anyone rarely tubed, are often so shocked at finally finding themselves in a barrel that they freeze up. They get stage fright. They don’t want to blow it and waste their shot, so of course they do, and that’s frustrating. But avoidable! Don’t be surprised when tubes happen. Relax. It’s just like being on the open face, but with a ceiling.

DON’T CLAIM: Finally and perhaps most importantly, please mask your private awe at having successfully come out of your little barrel. Nothing will ruin it faster than a self-serving fist pump or two arms in the air. Don’t even look at the beach. Be cool and yawn if you can.

MAKING A BUTTERY SMOOTH “BOTTOM TURN”

Laperouse1 — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:26:46 +0000

The Bottom Turn is your first and most Important turn as it sets up your repertoire for the rest of the wave. This is a staple maneuver you want to perfect on both your Frontside and Backside surfing. Soul Surfing Maui Surf Lessons can help you achieve this. The best place to practice is in the waves of course, but reading up and watching tutorials on key moves like this can help prepare you. There are many variations of Bottom Turns to practice for different situations: Shallow Bottom Turns can take you on to the wave face to to do say a ‘Cutback,’ while a deep Bottom Turn can take you straight up in to the lip to perform an ‘Off The Lip’ or ‘Floater’. Study this Bottom Turn Tutorial for beginner and intermediate surfers. Whether you ride a Shortboard or Longboard this tutorial will help you big time. With practice and dedication you can be doing Surfing Bottom Turns like the pros!

There are many variations of Bottom Turns to practice for different situations…..

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MASTERING YOUR SURFING “POP-UP”

Laperouse1 — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:25:57 +0000

Probably the most crucial maneuver in surfing is the “POP-UP”, and instructors at Soul Surfing Maui can help you perfect yours. Popping Up is the transition maneuver of hopping to your feet from the paddling position in one smooth action. It’s easier said than done but with a little practice you can have a smooth Pop-Up like the Pros. The Pop sets up your stance and body positioning at the beginning of your ride so you need to master it. This SURF RESEARCH ‘How To’ video (pasted below) breaks down the worlds best surfers Popping Up in slow motion with detailed verbal analysis. Notice all the Pro surfers have a unique pop-up style, but the sure footed result is the same. It never hurts to study the masters 🙂

Probably the most crucial maneuver in surfing is the “POP-UP”!

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Surfing Pop Up

WHY SURFING LESSONS ON MAUI ARE IMPORTANT

Laperouse1 — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:24:54 +0000

Surfing lessons on Maui are important because surfing isn’t as easy as it seems. Spending some time to take surfing lessons on Maui gives you the huge opportunity to learn all the basics of surfing and acquire the relevant skills you need to become an accomplished surfer.

More so, surfing lessons on Maui are important because surfing involves being out there in the vast ocean which can be as dangerous as it is beautiful. In large wave conditions only seasoned surfers with strong swimming skills should venture out. No matter your experience level Soul Surfing Maui surf instructors will teach you to be aware of the risks and safety measures required to surf safely around Maui.

You also need the right equipment to make the most of your surf session. Whatever board you opt for should be suitable for your body specs, ability level and surf conditions. For instance Long Boards are easier to paddle, stand on and ride making it a good option for beginners. Foam Long Boards are recommended if you are just starting out – these are wrapped in a soft layer that offers more safety than a hard board in the event of a wipe out. Hard Long Boards are a common choice for advanced surfers in small to medium sized waves because they are lighter and perform better than soft boards. Short Boards are the most difficult to ride and only an appropriate option for experienced surfers that have excellent paddling and balance skills. FYI It typically take years of die hard dedication to get good on a short board.

As for your surfing attire in Hawaii, most just skin it or where a rash guard. But if you intend to stay in the water for long periods consider wearing a neoprene wetsuit Top or ‘Shorty’. It’s nice to be warm!

SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN WITH SOUL SURFING MAUI SURF LESSONS.

Here are the core skills you’ll learn and acquire when you go for surfing lessons on Maui:

Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure

laborious physical exerciseOn the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment, so blinded by desire, that they cannot foresee the pain and trouble that are bound to ensue

HOW TO PADDLE YOUR BOARD

There are two key methods you can use to paddle your board in the water. These include:

Freestyle Prone Paddling – this method involves using your arms paddling one after another like a swimmer. Long, deep strokes are the goal while making a slight S underwater with your hands. You want your freestyle stroke to be both efficient and graceful. This requires that you position your body correctly on the board, then keep your feet together and paddle gracefully with your arms one after another while keeping your torso arched and chin high.

Breast Stroke Style Paddling – This is where both arms come out of the water and go back into the water at the same time. This is similar to a ‘breast stroke’ in swimming. Breast Stroke paddling is appropriate for high volume long boards. Many seasoned Long Board surfers will choose this stroke when riding a ‘Log’ or ‘Tanker’. It’s an Old School technique and an art form when done properly. But most agree that the Freestyle Prone paddle is what everyone needs to get good at, with this paddle style you always having one arm in the water propelling you forward.

OTHER SKILLS YOU WILL ACQUIRE:

Core stability – during surf lessons you’ll learn how to hold your shoulders, torso and pelvis in form while surfing long periods of time. Once you understand how to hold your posture, you’ll be able to keep the board stable and ride gracefully.

Breath management – during surf lessons on Maui, you’ll learn how to hold your breath without panicking during a Wipeout or being caught inside. Breath management is also a must when it comes to ‘Duck Diving’ and ‘Turtle Rolls’. Staying calm is always the goal.

Flexibility – you’ll learn how to improve your mobility while surfing. Being flexible will go along way in having graceful movements on the the board. If you are not a very limber person you will want to work on that! Most surfers have a daily pre-surf stretch routine that they do before paddling out. The more nimble you are the easier the experience will be on your body and this will help you steer from injury.

SURFING ETIQUETTE

Surfing is a free and recreational sport. However, if you are new to it you still need surfing lessons on Maui to understand the key etiquette’s of the sport to help you and others stay safe while in the ocean. Here are ten key etiquette’s you’ll most likely learn during surfing lessons on Maui.

if you cause a collision or make a mistake, don’t hesitate to apologize and make sure everyone involved is okay.2) If a surfer is already riding a wave and coming your way, hold back and do not drop-in. Drop-In’s are never ok unless it’s with a friend who gives you the okay to go. Careless dropping in on someone can be very dangerous and many accidents have happened this way. And always avoid paddling around another surfer that has priority.
If you’re having a bad day, don’t take it out on other people. Bring only good vibes to the water. The quality of your session is largely in your attitude.
Whoever is closest to the peak of a breaking wave has right of way. Always communicate with the other surfers in the water if you are not sure who’s turn it is. A simple smile and friendly nod go along away.
Respect other surfers, their belongings and their gear. Not just in the ocean, but on the beach and even in the parking area. Everyone should be ‘looking out’.
Respect other surfers right of way. If you do not understand the rules of ‘right of way’, ask your instructor to explain the fine points so you can do your part to keep it safe out there. Right of way (or Right Away ) is important to exercise at any surf spot you go to.
Don’t be greedy and ‘steal’ other riders waves. This often called a ‘Snake’ maneuver. Never do this on purpose – It’s just bad style. Rather, share the surf and pay it forward by giving a wave to another surfer even if you feel it was your turn to go.
If you’re surfing on a State/County patrolled beach, don’t forget that surf board riders cannot surf in between the flags during ‘Black Ball’ hours. Flags may be posted for other reasons as well. Always check in with an on duty lifeguard or surf instructor if your not familiar with flag rules.
If you are surfing in a crowd be polite and don’t try to catch every wave that comes your way. If you see someone who is struggling to get a good one, maybe see what you can do to help get them started with a fun wave. Always pay it forward. Remember, even Pro surfers started out as Newbies.
Keep your eye out for other surfers that look distressed or need a helping hand. Helping others out of a tough spot puts Stripes on your shoulder and will be noticed by other seasoned surfers in the water. Remember, one day it may be you that needs help!