Will These Help Me Learn To Surf Better?
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 at 10:45 am
I live in Rhode Island “the ocean state” and my house is right on the south coast of the state. I love to swim and am very comfortable in the water I probably won’t drown. There is a great surfing place near my house and in the summer, lots of people go there. I would like to learn to surf, this summer i am going to join a week long “surf camp” but I just wanted to know would it be easier for me than some others because I have experience skateboarding and snowboarding?
Category: Learn to Surf
July 8th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Yes, of course. Experience in any sport would help you in surfing. The more you know about your body and how to control it, the easier time you have. Now, with your experience with board sports, you have another advantage of being able to manage your weight and balance on the confined real estate of your board.
But! Do not expect anything near the feeling of snowboarding/skateboarding. Obviously, you’re dealing with water instead of snow/ice or concrete. There is an entirely different kind of tactile feedback received from the board on water. I say it’s “looser” than snow or concrete. Your balance only comes to play when standing on the board. It’s very possible for a yoga student to learn quicker and easier than you.
In my opinion, you shouldn’t even be worrying about standing and balancing on the board. Any surfer will tell you that a majority of surfing is the art of paddling. Paddling to the lineup, paddling to the shoulder of a wave and paddling to catch a wave consume surfing, and should definitely be the focus of your first few days of camp.
You’ll be gravy, and I’m glad you’re attending the surf camp. There are way too many kooks out there riding un-waxed, un-leashed shortboards that end up coming at an unfortunate beach goer. Just make sure to ask plenty of questions and have fun out there!
July 8th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
While any board sport helps improve your balance, they are extremely different from surfing, as you will find out.However, that with your comfort level in the ocean and some good formal lessons will put you way ahead of most of the people who will probably write you answer!
I have been surfing for 42 years, I hope you have as much fun as I have had. And thanks for learning the ‘right’ way, it will make all the other surfers in the water happier too!