The ocean is always a good place to be. It’s an environment of freedom, relaxation, and fun. Who doesn’t want some freedom? What about relaxation and fun? If you enjoy the ocean’s company as much as we do, then you’d better start preparing for your first surfing trip right away. If you’re new to surfing, the thought of taking your first trip can be a little daunting. But with proper preparation, you can make the experience much more enjoyable and safe. Here are ten tips to help you get ready for your first surfing adventure.
Keep a Positive Mindset
You’re going to have a great time. No matter what happens, keep your attitude positive and open to the possibilities of this surfing trip. You might get really sick or you might not catch any waves for two days straight, but don’t let that get the best of you. Keep in mind how excited you are to be experiencing something new.
A positive mindset will help you more than anything on this list. If you go into the experience with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a desire to have fun – you can accomplish anything. Don’t think about how much better the other guys surfing are, or how stupid you may look – just have fun.
Know Your Surfing Equipment
If you’re renting surfing equipment, it’s your responsibility to know how to handle it properly. So, it’s important to spend time researching the top wetsuits, the best ways to wax and tune your board before leaving home. It doesn’t matter if you’re renting or buying, treat your body with respect by caring for it the best way possible. One way to avoid any issues with equipment on your surfing trip is to have a place at home where you can practice tuning and waxing your surfboard. This way, when it’s time to pack your board away, you can be sure of how to prepare it for transit.
Be Prepared Physically
The ocean is unpredictable. Always be prepared for the surprises it might throw at you. If you’re planning to go surfing in cold water, don’t forget your wetsuit! Even if you ignore our advice and go surfing in warm weather, bring lots of sunscreen and hydration with you anyway. You don’t want to end up dehydrated and burnt.
Most important, be prepared physically by training and preparing to surf. If you already know how to swim, time spent in the ocean is much more rewarding; this leads us to our next topic.
Trust the Process
Surfing is one of the most rewarding and physically demanding sports. You don’t get good overnight, and you definitely won’t be good on your first surfing trip. But if you can remind yourself that improvement isn’t a straight line, but a series of steps forward and backward; everything becomes more manageable.
Surfing teaches you to take each moment, each wave, and each experience as it comes. The ocean will pull you in many different directions – sometimes you’ll feel overwhelmed. But always remember that the tide rises and falls every day. If you’re patient, calm, and prepared – you can do anything.
Start With the Basics
If you’re visiting a new beach or surfing spot, get to know the area before even putting your board in the water. Look for flags and signs that indicate where the best places are for swimming and surfing. Then move on to finding out what the weather conditions will be like throughout your trip.
After finding out about local amenities at your destination, you should begin learning about how to surf. The internet is full of free information, so take advantage of it! Check out videos on YouTube and articles on websites dedicated to surfing. If you have any contacts who are experienced in the water, ask them for advice as well.
Find A Good Teacher
Some of the best advice we can offer is to find a good teacher and take surfing lessons. Surfing takes a lot of time and patience, not only to learn how to do it well but to stay safe as well. You’ll pick up all kinds of things from your instructor that will make you a better surfer – such as etiquette and safety practices.
You can find surf schools and surf instructors all over the world. Do a little research and see if there’s one near you or where you’re planning to go! You’ll be glad you did.
Understand Water Safety
Every surfing trip should begin with a conversation about water safety. You can never be too careful – even if it’s your tenth time surfing. Most beaches don’t have shark nets protecting bathers, and even if they do – sharks can still get in. As a surfer, it’s your responsibility to know the area and its dangers.
This includes understanding rips that may drag you out into deeper water or other unseen dangers that are unique to your beach. Don’t enter the ocean if you feel unsafe, don’t surf without a buddy, and always factor in time for a long walk back to shore. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you can’t get back.
Verify the Swell Conditions Before You Leave
Every surfer knows that swell conditions are one of the most important factors in deciding if their trip is going to be amazing or not. There are multiple websites and apps that allow you to check on ocean swell before leaving home. You should be using one of these as a first step to ensure you even go surfing.
If surf conditions are poor, you can avoid unnecessary stress by staying home or finding an alternative activity (such as kayaking or paddleboarding). After all, if the waves aren’t surfable – there’s no point in wasting your time! Or worse, going out in poor conditions and injuring yourself.
Take Gear With You
Staying warm and comfortable while surfing goes a long way to ensure you get the most out of your trip. This means taking plenty of sunscreens, plus at least two or three changes of clothes, including a wetsuit if the water is cold enough.
You may want to think about taking a surf mat or other buoyancy aids to help you get back up on the board if you’re struggling. Even just packing some snacks and drinks may be helpful in keeping your energy levels up while surfing.
Eat Well Before You Go
Surfing can be a strenuous activity, so you should ensure that your body is ready for it. Make sure to have a solid breakfast before you leave and pack some energy-boosting snacks to eat on the way. Eat at least three hours before entering the water – anything less will make you feel tired and sluggish.
When you’re surfing, you need to focus on what’s in front of you; therefore, you can’t afford to focus on how hungry or thirsty you are. If your stomach is growling during the surf session, it could be distracting and make your surf worse than if you had eaten beforehand.
The above article provided tips to prepare for your first surfing trip. Whether you’re a pro or beginner, these preparation ideas should help make the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating. Have fun on your surfing trip.
