10 Surfing Tips For Beginners

First timers all need at least ten surfing tips for beginners before hitting the waves. Hopefully these tips will help you to catch some waves, instead of fall off your board. These tips are designed to help beginners, just getting into surfing.

1. Pick a good destination. The place a beginner chooses to learn how to surf plays a huge role in their success. Popular places for surfing are Hawaii, California, Florida, Australia, and Mexico. Don't get overly ambitious though and attempt to learn to surf in a place where the waves are as tall as buildings. Follow this surfing tip and pick a place with moderate size waves to learn how to surf.
2. Select an appropriate board. The type of board you choose makes all the difference in the world for beginner surfers. That 6' board may look awesome, but it's extremely difficult to learn on. For beginner surfers a tip would be to try between a 7'8" fun board to a 9' long board. Also, it will be easier if the board has a three fin setup instead of a single fin.
3. Take a surfing lesson. Instructors will help beginner surfers how to approach a wave, sit on the board, catch a wave, pick the right wave, stand on the board and much more. A surfing lesson will be invaluable to a beginner surfer, as the instructor will be able to give you even more surfing tips.
4. Wear a wet suit, or other protective clothing. One of the most dangerous parts of surfing, is actually your own board. Since beginner surfers will probably wipe out a lot, protective clothing is essential. A wet suit will keep you warm in those chilly waters and protect your skin from rubbing on your surfboard.
5. Stay hydrated. As a beginning surfer, you're going to drink lots of saltwater. This surfing tip is essential to your well-being. Saltwater is bad for the body and will dehydrate you. On top of that, surfing is a physical activity, you will be in the sun and you might not realize how long you've been out catching waves. All these factors could lead to dehydration. It's important to have lots of freshwater on the beach to drink and rehydrate.
6. Get the surfer stance. Surfing requires a great deal of balance. One of the biggest keys to staying on the board, is the stance. It's very important to keep your knees bent and your feet firmly planted. Also, it helps beginner surfers to keep your arms out and focus on a stationary object in front of you.
7. Wear sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen is important to your health. You're going to be in intense sun for extended periods of time. Sunscreen will help prevent sunburn and prevent skin cancer. And if you follow the surfing tip to wear a wet suit, which you should, you'll want to avoid an awkward tan. 
8. Learn how to fall. Whether you're riding horses, snow or waves, it's important to know how to fall to best protect yourself. As a beginner surfer, you can be sure you're going to fall. So when you do, cover your head and the back of your neck with your arms. Stay underwater for a moment before rising to the surface. You'll avoid getting beat up by your board.
9. Respect others and their space. Some beaches can be crowded with surfers. It's important to give them their space and be careful not to hit anyone. Like driving a car, surf defensively. As a beginning surfer you want to be very careful not to be rude, and give others the right of way, or in this case, right of wave.
10. Wear a leash. Unless you want to chase your board every time you wipe out, which as a beginning surfer will happen a lot, attaching the board to your body will save you from the extra hassle.