10 Oct Tips to Follow When Surfing for the First Time
Surfing is one of those must-do activities when you visit Honolulu. The rolling surf, fresh waters, and warm beaches are a delightful combination that creates a lot of fun memories!
It is essential to remember that surfing is a sport. You can get hurt, sometimes severely, when you try this activity. Never try to get on a board without having an experienced trainer helping to manage those first waves.
When you have someone you trust on the beach to help (or attend a surf camp in Honolulu), follow these additional steps to ensure you have a fantastic adventure!
How to Go Surfing for the First Time
1. Use a bigger surfboard.
Don’t fall for the temptation to train on a short and small surfboard the first time you ride the waves. No one expects a beginner to look like an expert! Using a more extensive surface can help you develop more of the fundamental mechanics needed for a successful outcome. This tip also means that you’ll catch more waves while learning.
2. Use a soft-top board during your first lessons.
Most beginners spend more time sitting on a board than actually surfing. This option provides more safety when you spill – and you will. Epoxy and fiberglass models are best reserved for when you can keep your feet consistently during movement.
3. Don’t wait for the big wave.
Learning how to surf requires consistent, rolling waves without significant changes in height or velocity. The skill-development process works much better when a small crest is under your board. Even if you feel ready for something more substantial, listen to your teacher. No one wants to hold you back! You’ll get upgraded to the next level the instant you’re ready to go.
4. Avoid rushing into the water.
It helps to spend some time on the sand, learning how to stretch appropriately for surfing. This tip gives you the chance to check your leash, get familiar with the board, and understand wave movements. Some people find it helpful to watch other surfers and how they move to know what works and what may not when it is time to stand up.
5. Understand the risks.
A dangerous condition called surfer’s myelopathy is a possibility for first-time surfers. This injury affects the spine when you arch the back too much when trying to stand up on the board. As the body twists, less blood goes to the spinal cord, leading to eventual paralysis. Most people recover from this issue, but it can be a persistent problem. You can also face serious consequences when crashing out of a wave, smashing into the shore, or staying under a wave too long.
Surfing can be serious business here in Honolulu. Don’t let that attitude persuade you that it is impossible to have some fun! The best days on the water are better than any day at work, so remember that perspective during your stay. Every time you grab that board, you are going to get a little better.
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