ADVICE AGAINST THE MOST COMMON BEGINNERS MISTAKES WHILE SURFING
In common linguistic knowledge, the following applies: no master has yet fallen from heaven. Of course, this unbeatably important insight also applies to surfing. Mistakes happen, especially as a beginner among surfers. And that’s a good thing – because wisdom number two says: “You learn from mistakes.”
… But not every beginner’s mistake is necessarily an instructive cornerstone for a steep surfing career. How you can avoid the most common and useless beginners mistakes, we have summarized for you in a few tips:
1) WITHOUT LEASH, WITHOUT ME!
Surfing without a leash? Goes. But is not one of the recommendable things that a beginner (or advanced) would advise. Especially on your first surf trips, you will often involuntarily leave the board. Then it is important that you are connected to the surfboard via the leash and that the surfboard is always close by. This is not only safe but also saves time and energy that you would otherwise need for your paddling way back to the surfboard.
2) ATTENTION PLEASE!
Do not be surprised. A good rider also needs to observe. Focus your gaze on the waves. This is the best way to react when the wave comes towards you. When paddling the wave, you should switch to the all-around view and have an overview of all sides. This is the best way to see if you are paddling in the right direction and at the right angle to the wave.
3) SAFETY FIRST! OR ALSO: THE STVO APPLIES HERE!
There are beginners’ mistakes that neither the waves nor the other surfers forgive you. If you do not plan to make yourself unpopular at a spot, you should observe the basic rules of right of way. And very important: never drop someone into the wave or even take the wave of a local. 😉 if a bit of a surfing bug happens to you, at least a friendly smile and a regretful “sorry” are a must!
In addition, you should have at least one short “short training” on safety in advance. An experienced surfer can best answer you where to go in the water, when to paddle out and how to assess the currents.
4) THE RIGHT TIMING!
Even if you can’t wait for the waves: take your time. Surfing has a lot to do with watching … and waiting! Take a moment to “get to know” the sea and the waves from the beach.
As a rule, the waves roll towards the coast in so-called “sets”, followed by a short break. Use this short break to paddle out into the lineup and successfully surf the next set. That saves strength … and prevents disappointment when the waves are stronger than you.
5) SUN IS GOOD, SUN PROTECTION IS BETTER.
Summer, sun, sunshine … and above all: sun protection. Back from a surf vacation as a cellar child? No way! Concerned that you would not be able to see the hot sun during the sweaty surfing trip, many forego adequate sun protection. After all, as a well-tanned surf trip homecoming, you want to take the sun home with you.
But be careful: the sun reflects so strongly on the water that instead of a crisp brown you will quickly turn red as a crab. You should therefore always ensure adequate sun protection with a high sun protection factor, not only for visual reasons but also for health reasons. Means: 30+ or better 50+. Your face and sensitive feet are best protected with zinc cream.
… But not every beginner’s mistake is necessarily an instructive cornerstone for a steep surfing career. How you can avoid the most common and useless beginners mistakes, we have summarized for you in a few tips:
1) WITHOUT LEASH, WITHOUT ME!
Surfing without a leash? Goes. But is not one of the recommendable things that a beginner (or advanced) would advise. Especially on your first surf trips, you will often involuntarily leave the board. Then it is important that you are connected to the surfboard via the leash and that the surfboard is always close by. This is not only safe but also saves time and energy that you would otherwise need for your paddling way back to the surfboard.
2) ATTENTION PLEASE!
Do not be surprised. A good rider also needs to observe. Focus your gaze on the waves. This is the best way to react when the wave comes towards you. When paddling the wave, you should switch to the all-around view and have an overview of all sides. This is the best way to see if you are paddling in the right direction and at the right angle to the wave.
3) SAFETY FIRST! OR ALSO: THE STVO APPLIES HERE!
There are beginners’ mistakes that neither the waves nor the other surfers forgive you. If you do not plan to make yourself unpopular at a spot, you should observe the basic rules of right of way. And very important: never drop someone into the wave or even take the wave of a local. 😉 if a bit of a surfing bug happens to you, at least a friendly smile and a regretful “sorry” are a must!
In addition, you should have at least one short “short training” on safety in advance. An experienced surfer can best answer you where to go in the water, when to paddle out and how to assess the currents.
4) THE RIGHT TIMING!
Even if you can’t wait for the waves: take your time. Surfing has a lot to do with watching … and waiting! Take a moment to “get to know” the sea and the waves from the beach.
As a rule, the waves roll towards the coast in so-called “sets”, followed by a short break. Use this short break to paddle out into the lineup and successfully surf the next set. That saves strength … and prevents disappointment when the waves are stronger than you.
5) SUN IS GOOD, SUN PROTECTION IS BETTER.
Summer, sun, sunshine … and above all: sun protection. Back from a surf vacation as a cellar child? No way! Concerned that you would not be able to see the hot sun during the sweaty surfing trip, many forego adequate sun protection. After all, as a well-tanned surf trip homecoming, you want to take the sun home with you.
But be careful: the sun reflects so strongly on the water that instead of a crisp brown you will quickly turn red as a crab. You should therefore always ensure adequate sun protection with a high sun protection factor, not only for visual reasons but also for health reasons. Means: 30+ or better 50+. Your face and sensitive feet are best protected with zinc cream.