6 TIPS FOR NEW SURFERS

1. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

The first lesson is to take a lesson – or a dozen – at a surf school. Surfing requires practice, fitness and understanding of the ocean.

2. PERFECT THE POP UP

Once you can lie on a board, balance, paddle out and catch a wave, the next goal is to pop up. This is when you go from lying down to standing up in one fluid motion.

3. GET ON BOARD

Know your way around your board, including the deck, ‘sweet spot’, nose (tip), tail (rear), rails (sides) and leash.

4. LEARN THE LINGO

Surfers have their own language, which includes terms like beach break, reef break, right and left hander, bottom turn, cutback and top turn. The faster you learn it, the easier it will be to fit in.

5. RULES RULE

To avoid upsetting other surfers – and to prevent accidents – there are surfing rules. Understand how to give right of way and avoid a drop-in on the same wave as another, as well as general respect.

6. BE GREEN

Show gratitude and give back to the ocean by spending a few minutes picking up plastic on the beach after your surf.