There are a lot of articles out there about the best surfing in Bali and a whole host of other things, but when it comes to actually stepping on the board, it can be tough for beginners to find info on what works best. That’s why the team from Aloha Bali Surf has collected some of the best beginner surfer tips for you here. With these tips hopefully, you’ll feel more comfortable next time you paddle out into the waves and confident that you’re learning as much as possible.
Here are six surefire tips for beginner surfers that will have you up on the board and carving the waves in no time.
1. Work with an Experienced Instructor
Luckily, there are a lot of experienced surfing instructors out there that can teach anyone from total beginners to more advanced surfers. If you’re new to the sport, working with someone is essential, not only for your safety but to help you progress properly. Not only can they provide important advice on how to get up on your board and ride the waves, but they’ll also help you read the waves properly to determine what waves you should pursue and the ones you should let pass by.
An experienced instructor will also be there to answer any questions you have about surfing both in and out of the water and motivate you when you’re feeling frustrated. All of the staff at Aloha Bali Surf are trained to work with surfers of every level, so we’ll have the right one for you.
2. Spend More than a Few Days
Learning to surf in a day or two is tough, even for the most sports-savvy people. This is because it involves balance, body strength, focus, concentration, and intuition, all of which take time to hone. That’s why if you truly want to learn to surf, many recommend immersing yourself in the sport at a surf camp or taking a trip for more than a few days to learn the ropes. Part of the reason a couple of days is necessary is that, unlike other sports, with surfing, you’re at the behest of nature; every wave is different and depends upon the weather, location, season, and time of day.
3. Try to Surf in Solitude
This is especially important for beginners. Try to find a place to surf that’s not already full of surfers. Busy waters can not only create confusion but also more stress, which won’t help you when you’re ready to hit your wave. Look for areas with fewer people that are safe and look to have waves you’re comfortable with surfing. For those who don’t feel safe paddling all the way out to a certain peak, there are usually plenty of breakers that sit closer to the shore that are often overlooked by others.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Fall
This can be one of the most frustrating aspects for anyone learning to surf. Getting up onto the surfboard and staying there is one of the hardest things you’ll do, and you’ll fall…a lot. But don’t despair. It’s a normal part of learning to surf. What’s important is that you don’t give up and use each fall as a learning experience to try and do better the next time. It’s important to understand that every time you fall off the board you’re one step closer to standing up on it.
Again, working with an experienced instructor will provide you with the advice you need and the motivation when you fall to turn it into a positive experience.
5. Remember the Dimensions of Your Board
If you attend a surf camp or go somewhere for weekend surf instruction, be sure to carefully note the dimensions of the surfboard you’re learning on. You’d be surprised at how often after someone learns to surf, the next time they go out to hit the waves all they do is fall because they’ve chosen the wrong board size.
Board size is one of the most important aspects of surfing. Longboards will help make it easier for beginners to stand up on them and offer more room to move about, plus they’re lighter and float more easily.
To avoid choosing the wrong board the next time you go surfing after learning the basics, take down the length, width, and thickness of the board you learned on, then choose one that’s similar. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with trying out different types of boards, but if you don’t have much experience, expect a lot of trial and error until you get used to them.
6. Remember to Have Fun
It can be easy to get wrapped up in trying to learn to paddle properly and stand up but remember to have fun while learning to surf too. Take a moment to take a look around yourself, at the beautiful beach and the sea and sun, and remember you’re there to enjoy yourself, not simply complete a mission. This is when attending a surf camp can help too, because you’ll be surrounded by peers and other folks who elicit a friendly, positive, and encouraging vibe, all while you’re learning how to surf as well.
Contact us for the best surfing in Bali and more
Are you looking for comfortable accommodations and a location that offers the best surfing in Bali? Aloha Bali Surf would love to tell you all about our surfing camp and yoga retreats we offer for every level. Whether you simply want to get away for a while or improve your surf style, we’re always here and happy to accommodate your needs and help you explore the island.
For more information, contact us online today or call 1 (949) 942-2907.
Leave a Reply