Looking to go to the beach but tired of tanning and just walking the shoreline? Why not try surfing? It is a fun and exciting way to connect with the ocean!
There’s nothing more exhilarating than when you catch your first wave! But, becoming a good surfer doesn’t happen overnight. It takes practice and resilience to master the art of surfing.
Today we will discuss things you need to know before surfing for your first time as well as my first time surfing experience.
Preparation
Before you surf, you must do certain things to prepare first. Surfing is a game of balance, so you must build up some core strength in order for you to balance on the board. Another activity that will help you prepare is yoga, which improves your flexibility as well as your balance.
Many surfers actually spend more than half of their time paddling for waves rather than riding a wave. Paddling for waves gives you a better feel for what you’re about to do. Lastly, having an overall comfort swimming and being in the ocean helps because the attribute of fear is taken away from you.
Familiarity with Rip Currents
An important aspect of surfing safety is knowing what to do if there is a rip current. Your natural instincts will tell you to swim away from the current and back to the shore line.
That however is completely wrong. The rip current is too strong for you to swim back that way. You must instead swim parallel to the shore in order to safely get out of the rip current.
Quitting
When you are about to catch your first wave, you will think in your head, “This looks so easy. I can do this in my sleep!” You will soon find out how mistaken you really are. LOL!
Professionals make surfing look easy and when people try it for the first time, they think they will get it on their first shot. As I stated earlier, surfing is not an easy thing to learn.
Don’t be discouraged because you messed up on your first few attempta. Just get back on the board and keep trying!
My Experience
My family starred on an HGTV show for our beach house and one of the family activities they made us do was surfing.
I was hesitant at first, because I had never done it before and I was scared of failure and not to mention it would be international TV!!!
My first few attempts were horrible as I couldn’t even stand on the board before falling off. Like most people, I wanted to quit because surfing just didn’t seem like it was for me.
After some tips from my instructor, I tried again and actually rode a wave! I was excited because I didn’t give up on something I once thought before seemed impossible to do!
Where to get Started
Now get out there and give it a try.!! Here are some places you can take lessons:
C-Sick Surfing Lessons
Water Sports Equipment Rental Service
Galveston, TX
(409) 770-9455
Ohana Surf & Skate
Surf Shop
2814 Avenue R 1/2,
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 763-2700
Good Vibes Surf Lessons
Water sports equipment rental service in Galveston, Texas
6300 Seawall Blvd
Galveston, TX 77551
409) 692-4844