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!