Surfing is a lifestyle in which people ride waves in either an upright or prone stance.
Surfers catch waves in the ocean, rivers, and man-made bodies of water and glide across the water’s surface until the wave breaks and lose its force.
Surfing is a sea sport in which a longboard is used to ride the waves. Surfing entails riding a breaking wave while standing on a properly built surfboard.
Having trouble learning to surf? Here are some high-quality surfing tips from a real surfer.
History of Surfing
Surfing is said to have begun around 200 years ago in the Hawaiian Islands.
People paddling on wooden planks in the water, then catching a wave, standing up, and riding it back to shore were observed by early European explorers.
Surfing has become more advanced since those early sightings, with people taking up the sport in almost every country with coast and waves.
Different Surfing Styles
There are many different types of ”surfers”, which really means, there are many different types of boards that surfers can use.
Very few surfers have the skill level to ride all different types of boards, so they tend to pick one at a time, and hone their skills on one particular board.
Surfing with a shortboard
This involves using a shortboard, usually less than 7 feet in length. It is extremely unstable, yet it is also quite maneuverable, letting the surfer make more maneuvers with ease.
They’re a stable board that’s easier to ride, but they’re also less maneuverable. The surfer is more concerned with maintaining constant motion, style, and elegance.
Surfing on a shortboard is the most advanced, here is how you can learn to ride a shortboard in a short period of time.
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is a type of surfing that uses the kite’s wind power to propel you forward.
This type of board is huge, and therefore cannot be used on a high traffic beach with many other surfers around.
You will only see kite surfers on a beach with small waves, extremely windy, usually bad blown out weather.
Wakeboard
Wakeboarding is when you stand up on a small board, while being pulled behind a boat.
But, some skilled people can use these in the surf, usually right on the shore, competing with bodyboarders for what is called a ”shorie”.
Skimboard
A skimboard is an extreme sport that involves overcoming a refraction wave, slipping on the water’s surface, and returning to the shore.
Surfing on the ocean waves
Surfing on the ocean waves needs some balance and stamina. Standing on the surfboard and in the water should not cause you to lose your balance.
You need to undertake some basic training to improve your balance and endurance before participating in this activity.
You may easily enjoy surfing if you strike a balance between the sea and the wind.
Surfing is one of the most difficult sports to learn. Here’s a full list why surfing is so tough.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing is not the same as wave surfing, as it does not require the presence of waves. The most important thing to remember while windsurfing is to maintain your equilibrium.
Surfing Equipment
Short-Board
A short-board is one of the most important pieces of surfing gear. If you’re new to surfing and want to buy your board, a foam surfboard is a good place to start. Beginners will benefit most from foam surfboards.
Wet-Suit
So important to get yourself a good wet suit, they are not only used for winter, in fact I find myself wearing a wet-suit quite often in summer too.
Especially in spring to early summer, because the water is still cold, even though it’s hot outside.
Rash Vest
You will get a long rash around your neck and even tear your nipples off, if you don’t have a rash vest for under your wet-suit.
Even if you don’t wear a wet suit, you will need something to prevent rashes and also stop you from getting sun burned.
Leg-Rope
You will need a life saving leg rope, this is so important. Unless the waves are small and you are an advanced board rider.
Booties
Surf shoes are one of the things that might aid you in your surfing endeavors. They’ll assist you both in and out of the water.
Surfing Clothes
Clothing developed specifically for surfing comes in a variety of styles. You should pick one that is appropriate for you and the weather conditions. But the real reason for surfing clothes is so you look like a surfer.
Surf Jersey
Depending on the temperature, you can wear a long-sleeved jersey or a UV-protected sweater. You can also wear surf lycra if you want to be comfier.
You should consider your clothing carefully because you will be at sea for an extended period.
Here are my best surfing blog posts
- Beginner to Intermediate Surfer Advice (Best one)