Ride The Wave With Surfing
December 4th, 2008

Summertime brings to mind sun, waves, and surf. You probably have considered trying to surf at one point. You sit on the shore and watch in amazement as the pros perform their tricks and sometimes wipe out. Along with the pros, there are people of all ages taking to the sport of surfing. Learning how to stand on the board, ride the waves and they are having a great time doing so. This article will take a look at the beginning basics of surfing.

Before your feet ever hit the board, it is a good idea to know the rules about surfing:

Absolutely no alcohol - you need to be alert while surfing and everyone knows that alcohol impairs your judgment and being in the water intoxicated is not a smart choice.

Always notice where you are on the water and the other surfers and individuals who are in the water.

Those giant waves look cool sitting on the shore, but once you start surfing, be realistic and do not get into a wave that is too much for you. Stay in your comfort zone.

If you are not physically fit, start doing so now. If you were to lose your board at the end of a day and have to swim back to shore, you will need all the strength you have to make it.

The old adage applies to surfers the same as it does to swimmers - do not go in the water at least 45 minutes after you have eaten.

Notice the types of beaches you are surfing on, if they are patrolled then stay within the designated limits.

There is a rule among surfers that the person closest to the breaking point of the wave gets to ride that wave. Remember that and do not try to take someone else's wave.

Do not panic if you are caught in a rip - if you do, remember that you paddle across the rip not against the rip. Rips are strong currents that will carry you out to sea!

Now being out in wonderful sun and surf means you should not forget your sun block protection. You may want to consider purchasing a wet suit or UV rash vest for protection.

Never surf alone - a surf buddy is very important besides the fact that you have someone there to help you if you get into trouble it is always more enjoyable to share a sport you love with a friend.

Check the surf conditions of the beach you want to surf before getting out there. Talking with the locals of the area is always a great idea.

Do not enter the surf without doing some stretches to warm up your body. You want to enjoy the surf not have to leave due to muscle injuries.

Now that we have explored a bit about a surfers conduct, it is time to learn how to catch those waves. Normally the beginner practices how to "pop up" which is a term that refers to changing your position from lying on the board to standing on the board. Now you do not practice this in the water, first you do so on the sand. You need to find your surfing stance and as strange as this sounds consider the position you naturally take you are walking and go skidding across a patch of ice. Whichever foot you have out front while you are skidding across the ice will be the same one you use while surfing. Once that is determined it is time to learn how to pop-up. If you cannot learn the proper technique to stand on your board, surfing will be a bit difficult for you because the surfers stand on their board and not lie on it the entire time. If you are familiar with press-ups, you will not have a problem with pop-up, as they are very similar. The first step is to straighten your arms in front of you and then bring your legs up and under your body. As you prepare for the surfing position, make sure your feet are in the correct position, hands should be by your shoulders and "snap" to a crouched position in one flowing movement (yes, you will probably fall a couple of times) once you have mastered this it is time to try the water - have fun

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