Ahead of the Curve- Teaching Yourself to Surf

If Blue Crush is your all-time favorite movie, Kelly Slater is your all-time favorite crush, you don’t mind severely chapped lips, and you consider yourself adventurous then it may be time to try your skills at surfing. But let’s face it girls, times are tight, and the probability of some talented surfer offering up his expertise cost-free is slim. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Step 1: SLEEP TIGHT Getting a good night’s sleep will do wonders for your energy and determination the next day- don’t underestimate it. Eat a light, but filling breakfast, like a bowl of oatmeal or some eggs and whole wheat toast. Don’t forget to grab some bottled water for hydration.

Step 2: GEAR UP Find appropriate gear. Along the coast, there’s bound to be a handful of rental stores you can choose from. You need a wet suit, rash guard, and a surfboard with a leash. A foamy long board is the equivalent of training wheels, and will give you the best chance to catch a wave.

Step 3: WARM UP If you are alone, make sure your gear is stashed in a safe place so you can go for a short 10 minute run. Afterwards it’s time to get down and dirty in the sand for a good stretching session. Cramping up when you finally get past the break is kryptonite.

Step 4: DRY RUN Lay your board in soft sand so as not to tweak the fins. Then position yourself on your board slightly edged towards the front. Practice some paddling strokes by digging out the sand directly to your side, keep fingers closed together with an open palm to create a sort of cup. Getting out there when the waves are fighting you is often the hardest part.

Step 5: POP UP Brace yourself by grabbing the rails (sides) of the board just behind your shoulders. After you’ve found your balance, do a quick push-up into standing position with one foot in front. Don’t worry about which foot should be your lead, whichever is most natural for you is the way to go. It must be a quick motion, otherwise you’ll lose energy quicker and just end up on your knees.
Step 6: FINAL WORDS When you feel comfortable popping up, it’s time to go for the real thing. Don your wetsuit, attach your leash, and head out. The only difference between practice and the real thing is, well … the water! But remember: it’s a crazy variable that must be respected.

QUICK TIPS:
• Always know your water before you surf. Go in for a swim first and familiarize yourself with the depth and any rocks or coral that could be dangerous.
• Don’t turn your back to a wave unless you’ve committed to catching it. Otherwise you’re in for nice tumble.
• Use your common sense when it comes to getting past the break. If a wave is already starting to curl, use a “turtle roll” and flip onto your back holding your surfboard tightly to your body. Essentially diving under the wave. If you can make it, paddle as quickly as you can to get over the wave.
• If you have difficulty popping up, try arching your back first with your hands gripping the rails, chest off the board-which gets you halfway there and helps to center your balance.