LEARN TO SURF!
The Polynesians, particularly the Tahitians & Hawaiians, were the first to take to the ocean & ride waves as far back as c. 1000. In the 1700's Hawaiian royalty rode long "olo" boards while shorter "alaia" boards were ridden by the common adults.
Fast forward to 1910 & Duke Kahanamoku put surfing on the world's radar with his demonstrations as he toured the US, Australia, & New Zealand. In 1959 Gidget brings surfing to the Hollywood screen & every beach kid is asking for a surfboard, board shorts & surf music.
Fast forward to 1910 & Duke Kahanamoku put surfing on the world's radar with his demonstrations as he toured the US, Australia, & New Zealand. In 1959 Gidget brings surfing to the Hollywood screen & every beach kid is asking for a surfboard, board shorts & surf music.
Surfing as a lifestyle
The love of surfing and its lifestyle continues with vigor today as more and more people want to be a part of the experience. Once you catch your first wave, stand to your feet & make gliding turns on the liquid surface you will be transformed.
Surfing is not an easy sport to learn, however, & can be quite frustrating to tackle all the necessary skills on your own. Proper equipment, choice of break, ocean safety & surfing etiquette are paramount to a successful experience.
First & foremost, in my book you need to be a proficient swimmer. There will be times when you will get away from your board & need to either swim to it or dive under waves without holding onto your board. It is really important that you are able to swim, hold your breath & dive under whitewater that may look quite imposing all the while being relaxed & confident in your abilities to swim.
In my Learn to Surf! program you learn
Surfing is not an easy sport to learn, however, & can be quite frustrating to tackle all the necessary skills on your own. Proper equipment, choice of break, ocean safety & surfing etiquette are paramount to a successful experience.
First & foremost, in my book you need to be a proficient swimmer. There will be times when you will get away from your board & need to either swim to it or dive under waves without holding onto your board. It is really important that you are able to swim, hold your breath & dive under whitewater that may look quite imposing all the while being relaxed & confident in your abilities to swim.
In my Learn to Surf! program you learn
- A brief history of Surfing
- Specific fitness training tips
- How waves are formed
- Anatomy of various breaks: beach, point, reef
- Ocean safety & appreciation
- Surfing Etiquette
- Surfboard design
- Wetsuit design
- Dry land introduction to prone position & paddling
- Paddling in flat water skills
- Prone white water riding
- Dry land introduction to knee riding
- White water knee riding
- Dry land introduction to standing & board control
- White water stand up riding
- Catching your first wave
Locations
When learning to surf it is best to find a beach break with a sandy bottom such as this one. Waves that break far enough out to allow for a long ride in the whitewater make for a good learning experience.
In North Carolina we really only have sandy bottom beach breaks. Wrightsville Beach is probably our best local learn to surf beach with safe waves & currents in the summer. Oak Island is a good second choice too especially if you live near OKI.
Surfing is such an absolute joy & my favorite activity for sheer pleasure!
In North Carolina we really only have sandy bottom beach breaks. Wrightsville Beach is probably our best local learn to surf beach with safe waves & currents in the summer. Oak Island is a good second choice too especially if you live near OKI.
Surfing is such an absolute joy & my favorite activity for sheer pleasure!
