Surfing is one of those activities that look both effortless and fun. With professional surfers tackling and riding the waves with grace and gusto, it’s no wonder aspiring surfers dream of pulling off a 360. However, here’s news for beginner surfers: surfing is a skill, and like most skills, it needs time, effort, and seemingly never-ending practice. It also helps to have a bottomless pit of patience too.
Since surfing is one of the most popular sports around, it’s easy for beginners to find instructional materials on the sport. There are surfing guides and manuals in book, DVD, and video formats. Go online, and you’ll see dozens of article dealing with the subject. The message of these materials is that you can learn to surf by reading or watching what they tell you.
Granted, most of these surfing guides and manuals, regardless of the form they’re in, are accurate. And if you’re the type who learns from either words or pictures, these surf-instruction guides have got you covered. You don’t even have to spend a penny for many of these resources. They’re freely available, and you can read books and articles and watch surfing videos as much as you want.
While there’s nothing wrong with this method of surf instruction, it all boils down to the fact that you have to learn the SKILLS required to surf. This means that for you to get it right, you have to surf over and over until you get it right. Books and videos work great if you’re able to teach yourself. But if you’re like me, I need someone to show me how to do it, watch me do it and provide feedback. So for people with my learning style a better option is to enroll in a surfing class or camp.
Surf Instruction | The Benefits of Surf Camps or Lessons
Surfing lessons provide you everything you need to know about surfing. You’ll be taught thoroughly on the basics of surfing, such as equipment, technique, posture, the works. You’ll be taught safety measures on what to do for instances like when you fall off your surfboard. Whatever your surfing questions, your surf instructor can guide you.
But the greatest edge that a surf instruction from a surfing camp can bring you is the one-on-one feedback you get from your instructor. Nothing beats having someone correct you right away the instant you assume the incorrect form on the surfboard. Aside from pointing out what you’re doing incorrectly, an instructor can also show you right away how to do things correctly. For instance, when you’re not sure about something, you can ask your instructor if he/she would demonstrate it for you. It’s also a lot safer to have someone with you when you take your surf lessons as the ocean can be unpredictable.
On the way to the beach at Surf Camp in Costa Rica
If you learn in a camp or through group lessons you’ll also meet people who have the same level of ability as you. Exchange contact info with them and you’ll have someone to surf with once camp is over.
Stop by a local surf shop for a recommendation on lessons or camps. Check out your local beach and you’ll often find classes and instructors. Sign up for a day or a week of lessons. Be like a sponge and absorb everything your instructor teaches or tells you. Above all, be patient with yourself and enjoy your time in the water with the instructor.
