SIX COMMON SURFING BLUNDERS BEGINNERS MAKE
Most beginners that come around surfing think that it would be an easy job, they will get a few lessons, catch the first wave on their own and it will be a job well done. But that is seldom the case. Surfing is as peculiar as it gets, there are a lot of uncertainties that begin to surround you as soon as you set your foot into the open ocean. But the most terrifying aspect of it all as many beginners come to witness it later are the mistakes that they make.
Join a surfing camp
To make sure that you don’t end up making these mistakes you should join a surfing camp such as the Sri Lanka surf camp, The Surfer Weligama, where you come to learn all there is to about surfing, including the common mistakes that beginners do and how to avoid them. Following are the six most annoying surfing blunders and ways you could ensure your safety;
1. Selecting the wrong surfboard
The first mistake many beginners make as they imitate the pros is to use a smaller surfboard. These catch smaller waves, are extremely fast at turns and twists, and therefore very hard to control. On the contrary, they should be choosing wide and longboards as these can surf easily, catch more waves, and are easier to control. These are also very easy to paddle your way out of a gigantic wave as compared to a small board that requires an immaculate skillset.
2. Positioning yourself incorrectly on the board
The very method of catching the wave while on the board is to lean forward towards its nose so it can have more gravity to catch the wave. But on the other hand, if you lean too much then the chances of the surfboard tipping itself over also increase. To avoid this you must imagine the center of the board and position yourself on this imaginary line to catch the wave and avoid tilting it sideways.
3. Failing to contemplate the surf conditions
As a surfer, you must be able to read the surfing condition such as the intensity of the wave, wind speed, and beach conditions. If you fail to read these conditions correctly then it could result in the surfer being mashed up with strong currents of waves.
Get timely information on wave currents, wind speed, and other such conditions before you charter a journey into the thrusting waters. Joining a surf camp as there are many competitive surf camps in Sri Lanka can help you become a pro not only in surfing but also in reading the surf conditions.
4. Missing a foot leash
Be smart in making your safety decisions based on the fact that you are a beginner and not a professional. Many beaches advise you to wear a foot leash by law tethered to your surfboard. This will help you find floatation especially when your surfboard tips over and you are met with mighty rippling waves.
5. Wrong paddle speed and timing
Catching a wave is all about timing and the paddle speed. Many beginners would either start to paddle too soon or too late and the same goes for misinterpreting the paddle speed. Make sure that your power stroke is strong enough to match the speed of the wave and calculating the flow of the wave is also an important factor to consider.
6. Adding too much weight on the back of the surfboard
It might be tempting to lean a little back on your surfboard for the sake of slowing down and maintaining ground longer with a wave carrying you. But if you are not a pro or don’t know how to do this right then it almost always results in the board tipping backward and you falling off of it. Always place your weight forward especially if you are leaning to maintain the equilibrium of weight to ensure the board doesn’t tip over and you fall into the ocean.
