Step 1: Get Your Equipment Ready!
Surfboard:
The first item on every surfer's list should be a surfboard. Beginners will want to go for a soft top or foam board that’s at least 7 feet long.
Leash:
Having a leash attached to your board will help you not lose your board. You can attach the leash to your ankle and the other end to your board to keep it from drifting away.
Wetsuit (Optional):
Depending on where you’re surfing, you might want to consider wearing a wetsuit. For example, if you’re in the nice warm waters of Hawaii, you probably won’t need a wetsuit. But if you're surfing in the cold UK waters then you will definitely want to wear a wetsuit to keep you warm.
Surf Wax (Essential):
Apply surf wax to increase friction and make it so you can actually stay upright on your surfboard once you hit the waves. There are all kinds of surf wax available on the market.
Step 2: Master the Paddle Technique
First you need to lie down on your board with your head elevated, back arched, and your hands beneath your shoulders. If you're positioned too far back, your weight will drag down the board, preventing you from moving quickly and efficiently.
When it comes to the paddling motion, slow and steady wins the race – flailing your arms around will tire you out, but if you make each stroke count by utilizing steady, efficient movements to propel yourself forward, you’ll be way better off.
Step 3: The Perfect Pop-Up
The pop-up is the transition from lying down to standing up on your board, ready to catch a wave. Practice these steps on land before taking on the waves.
Initial Position:
Start off in a push-up position, but with your hands a bit lower closer to your ribs.
Swift Transition:
Push yourself up while bringing your back foot forward – the goal is to get yourself to a standing position without using your knees.
Steady Stand:
Push off with your front foot and lift your hands up as you rise to a standing position.
Step 4: Catching the Wave
Picking the right location: Don’t make the rookie mistake of picking a spot that’s too crowded or better suited for advanced or pro surfers. For beginners, a beach break with plenty of sand is the ideal location to catch some waves.
Spotting Waves: Paddle out and come to a resting spot, facing the incoming waves. While learning to surf, your best bet is to surf a whitewater wave that has already broken rather than a green or unbroken wave, which might cause you to nosedive or wipe out.
Strategic Paddling: Once you've spotted an ideal wave, use your paddle technique to match the wave's speed and position. Get yourself a few yards away from the wave and get ready to pop up.
Timing is Everything: As you start to feel the momentum of the wave lift your board, pop up, keep your eyes fixed ahead, extend your arms, and ride the wave as it heads to shore.