The Surfing Blog

If it hasn’t happened to you yet, you will probably someday be asked to teach someone how to surf.  This does not have to be a bad thing.  Too often we hear so much animosity towards people learning how to surf for fear of overcrowding our beaches, but in reality, the ocean is for everybody, and sharing something you love with someone only increases your own enjoyment.

I think my first lesson was to a six year old.  He had already had lessons by two of my friends before who are really good with kids, and he convinced me that he ripped.  I took the little guy’s word for it, and pushed him haphazardly onto the shoulder of a 3 foot wave.  He buried the nose of the board, plunged face first into the water, and after tumbling with the wave, came up coughing and fluttering.  By the time I caught up to him he choked up a request that I take him to shore.  Luckily he has since returned to his former teachers and overcome the fear of waves that I instilled upon him that day.  However, that day, and so many other days like it, helped open my eyes to a few necessities for teaching someone to surf.

First, help people understand the ocean.  I am sometimes surprised by the lack of knowledge people have about the waves, rip currents, flags on life guard stands, simple surfing etiquette and even swimming.  I have rushed into the water too many times without taking a second to explain some simple facts about the ocean that will help the learner and the people around them stay safe and have a good time.

Second, practice on the beach.  It may seem goofy, and something straight out of a beach blanket movie, but having someone practice snapping to their feet from their stomach really helps.  As simple as it sounds, the less time they spend trying to get to their feet, the more success they will have.  Give them a few tries to get used to the motion of snapping to their feet before they have to do it while balancing on a wave.

Third, the board.  It seems like everyone wants to be a ripper right away and surf some type of a potato chip.  Using a longer 7-8 foot board (preferably foam, for safety reasons) is really about as good as it gets.  I recommend the Wavestorm.  No, they are not going to look like Kelly Slater, or the girl on Blue Crush, which might irritate them, but they will have a much better experience for their first time.  A bigger board helps beginners catch more waves, and gives them stability while learning so they can actually ride and get up a few times on their first trip.  It might take some convincing, depending upon who you are teaching, but a fun board size is really the best option for beginners.

Third, the waves.  A lot of people, whether they admit it or not, are afraid of waves.  Let’s be honest, waves can be terrifying.  You want to make sure people feel as comfortable as possible on their first try.  I think the ideal conditions are a sandy beach break at a lower tide with knee to waist high waves so the learner can stand up if necessary.  If the waves are too big, either don’t go out, or focus on the white wash. Definitely don’t try too much too soon.  We had to rescue a guy from getting pounded on rocks one time after just assuming he could handle head high waves on his first day. Turned out to be a few of the scariest seconds of my life. 

Fourth, help them out.  Regardless of age, everyone can use help on their first try.  I have taken some people out before and just surfed by them, hoping that they could just figure it out on their own.  This typically leads to them simply paddling around and getting pounded by the sets they didn’t see coming.  It is so helpful to go out in the water with them and really direct them on what to do.  If the conditions allow it, go out without a board and push them into their first few waves to build up their confidence and help them see what it feels like to catch and ride the wave.  Depending on their age and size, it can also be helpful to ride on the back of their board for a little while to help steady the board as they stand up.

Five, positive attitude.  Sounds cheesy, but I am telling you it is the best kept secret.  I learned this one from two of my cousins.  Every time I watch them teach someone how to surf, they are so encouraging and everyone walks away feeling great.  We all know how frustrating surfing can be.  There is so much involved, from paddling, to timing the snap up, and balancing on the board, all while trying not to drown.  Whatever level they are during or at the end of teaching them, help them see their progress and the things they are doing well.  This gives them hope to continue trying and really makes their first time a whole lot of fun. 

Now, these are just a few simple ideas to keep in mind next time you end up taking a beginner to the ocean, but I feel like they are important to consider and would love to hear any other suggestions out there about teaching beginners.

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