Many people watch surfing and they dream of how much fun it would be to glide through crystal blue water, but they never try to learn because they think it is going to be hard or a struggle. While those people are dreaming of how much fun they could be having, some people get out of their house and decide to give it a try. One of the first questions eager new surfers ask is, “How Many Surfing Lessons Do I Need To Be Able To Stand Up?” When people ask me this question I don’t know what to say. Then I thought to myself. What was is it? So I decided upon myself to find the answer.
How Many Surfing Lessons Do I Need To Be Able To Stand Up? Most people, although different for every person, take around 3 to five surf lessons to be able to stand up and ride a wave. After that, it is just a matter of practice and perfecting your newly learned skills. On average, it takes people between 2 hours to 1 month of practice to be able to stand up on a surfboard.
Some people get scared away by the thought of not being able to learn how to surf. Although this is a valid problem, with effort and hard work you will be able to prove yourself wrong and learn to surf. With a couple of surf lessons and enough time to practice, you will be well on your way to becoming a better surfer. Although that is true, there is still much more you need to learn about surfing etiquette and things that may help you learn to surf.
Basic Surfing Etiquette
Surfing Etiquette is a very important set of skills that many beginners go without learning. Much before you ever get on the board to surf the waves, you need to learn common courtesy between surfers. So here they are.
Dropping In
Don’t cut in front of people when they were on the wave before you. Make sure to always look down the line to make sure no one is on the wave. Dropping in on someone could result in bad vibes or even a fight,
Don’t “Snake” Waves
Don’t continuously go around people and take their waves. It’s so not cool. If someone was in the right spot at the right time don’t go and take their wave. Wait for your turn where you were sitting. Snaking people’s waves can get you a bad rep on the line-up.
Don’t Be a Wave Hog
If you catch every single wave, people are gonna get frustrated with you. Make sure you are being considerate of other people and letting everyone have a chance to catch a wave so that everyone stays happy.
Do Apologize When Wrong is Done
If you do so happen to make a mistake, just say sorry. It is actually really rude to not say sorry especially when you were in the wrong. Always be kind and admit when you were wrong. That is going to make sure no one gets aggravated on the lineup.
Respecting the Locals
A lot of beginners that I see have a tendency to not respect the locals. Some people think that they are entitled to their waves even if they are not from that place. Make sure to respect the people that live there and don’t be ignorant to anyone or else you might end up with a black eye and a tooth missing.
Learn Where to Correctly Paddling Out
Paddling out in the wrong place can irritate a lot of surfers. Learn where to correctly paddle out because if you don’t you may getting in the way of other surfers. Not only that but you could be putting your wellbeing or the wellbeing of other people at risk.
Help other Surfers That Are In Need
If you see a fellow surfer that is in need of help or assistance, be kind and help them. Being a kind and good friend to even people you don’t even know is a good habit to have and can help you in the future. You never know when you need help and someone will come and help you.
Respecting the Beach and its shores
No matter where you surf, the ocean and beach are what make it possible. Make sure to always pick up your trash and anything you left behind to guarantee a safe and flourishing future for surfers and the ocean ecosystems.
Have Fun!!
My dad always says that the person that is winning is the one that has the biggest smile. Don’t forget to have fun and spend quality time with your friends out in the water. Don’t be so serious that you miss out on all of the good times. Be sure to keep them in mind, but don’t let it control your day.
Try as hard as you can to adhere and follow these rules because it helps keep everyone safe and everyone rotates positions. As you gain more experience in surfing and following these rule you will start to understand and respect them. Be safe, be smart, and most importantly, have fun.
Giving up Hope
Never settle for just the bare minimum. Learning a new trade or sport can be difficult and sometimes stressful, but it takes a strong individual to push past it.
Many times when I was beginning to surf, I wanted to give up because it was getting hard. Let’s just keep in mind I started surfing at 2 years old, which meant that this was going to be kind of hard. I wanted to give up at some point, but when I look back at it today I think of what would happen if I did lose hope. As I look at it with a new mind and a new perspective, if I would have given up at that point I would have lost a huge part of myself and who I was.
Just like many people that start learning how to surf, they sometimes give up because the struggle is too hard. Like a wave crashing against the sand, you must not give up until what you have set off to get is accomplished and do what your heart is calling you to do. Don’t give up.
I just want you to know, as time continues you will become better and better at surfing because of you perfecting your skills. Don’t just give because its hard, keep the end goal in mind and strive to be your best.
Related Questions
How many people surf in the world?
Surfing has gained popularity from 10 million surfers in 2002. Now, there are roughly around 35 million people that practice surfing around the world in more than 162 countries. That is amazing. Hopefully, you will be or are some part of that number.
Are snowboarding and surfing similar?
Snowboarding and surfing are very similar to sports. If you know how to do one of them, then you would learn the other one very quickly. One of the differences between surfing and snowboarding is that in surfing you start off laying down and stand up as you gain speed. In snowboarding, you start off in a standing position and stay like that for the whole run.
Does balance have something to do with surfing?
Balance is one of the biggest factors in surfing. Before you can even stand up on the board you need to learn how to balance and evenly distribute your weight so that you do not fall over. Without balance, surfing would not be the same sport that it is today. Some people say that balance is one of the hardest parts of getting started in surfing.
Is there an age range on who can learn to surf?
There is no age range for who can and can’t learn how to surf. All you need is strong will power, determination, and time to learn and perfect your surfing skills. Not only it is good for your body, but it is good for your mind to let go of the troubles of the day and relax and have fun on your board.
