Surfing Tips for Beginners

Need to know some surfing tips for beginners? If you are like most of us, your interest in surfing flared after seeing a documentary or watching some experienced surfers shred up waves during a day at the beach only to race home and have the light in your eyes dim at the lack of surfing tips written for beginners.  You also find out that in addition to a board, you need a wetsuit!  Both items combined can total close to $600, even at bargain prices. Surfers are hanging up or changing out their equipment constantly, so with a little hunting you easily drop the price tag of initial equipment for surfing beginners to $250 or less by shopping for used equipment online. 

1. Get a longboard at least 7 ½’ to 11’ in length depending on your height.  A 6’ man would find a 9’ board is just perfect.  As a beginning surfer remember; the longer the board, the more buoyant it will be.  Try to find a longboard that is free of cracks or dings (an indentation in the fiberglass surface of the board).  Foam boards are also available
2. Get the wetsuit.  A quick search on the Internet will give you a size based on your height, weight and gender.  Look for suits that appear to be in good repair and are without urination stains.
3. Wetsuit booties are optional. They are relatively inexpensive when they are purchased new and help keep a beginning surfer’s feet from going numb. 
4. Surfing can be dangerous for beginners, so moderate instruction is a great idea.  If you know someone who has been surfing for a few years, hit them up for a quick lesson.  If that is not an option there are plenty of people offering beginning surfing lessons, sometimes by the day.
5. If you have a fiberglass board, get some wax.  Wax can be acquired at any one of your local surf shops.
6. The most important surfing tip for a beginner is take your time practicing and try not to get in a rush to move on surfing beginners often experience frustration early and quit.  Be patient and soon you will find yourself standing on your board and riding the white water!  It's a rush!