sportstartup

Learn to Surf 1-2-3-4

Standing Up on a Surfboard

It may sound silly, but before you can stand on your surf board in the water, you need to be able to do it on land. By perfecting your stance on land, you can make it easier on yourself in the water.

Lay on your board or some other flat surface. Try the push up method. Do a push up and when your arms are fully extended, bring your knees forward and hop up on your feet. Practice this move until it is no longer something thought about, but just a motion that is done. Do this quickly so you learn to gain your balance swiftly.

If you can’t seem to get up on both of your feet you may also try the monkey method. Place all of your weight on your arms and walk up the center of your board. Keep a knee on the center of your board and push up on your front foot into the standing position.

Once you have managed to get comfortable with standing up on land try it out in the water. You know its time to rise up on the board when you feel the board moving faster than you can paddle. Remember everything on land, and even try to visualize yourself on land instead of moving. Keep both feet planted and this will allow you better balance.

Do not stand straight up. Keeping your body low and centered on the board will help you stay up longer. Stay calm and enjoy the ride before you wipe out.

Remember the 3 steps of standing up and you will be a pro in no time.

1. Push up and extend both arms fully to push your body up.

2. Pull your knees to your chest

3. Keep your feet firmly planted and stand low on the board.

It’s all about balance. Your board will follow your body, but right now just concentrate on standing up.

Jakob Culver is founder of the website – http://recreationsportsite.com and has a solid background in water sport and surfing. To find out more information about this topic or water sports visit: http://recreationsportsite.com

Surfer's Start-Up Guide If you want to learn surfing in an easy-to-understand format, Surfing Expert Doug Werner has done just that with Surfer's Start-Up. Both surfing pros and surf instructors agree that his guide book is ideal for beginners. (great color photos) Doug shows you:

• The right surfing gear to get, safety and surfing etiquette (surfing in a crowd)
• Learn the correct paddle techniques for surfing and how to find the right waves
• How to catch a wave - and over 100 instructional photos.
• Get Started >> Beginner Surfing Guide 
• Also see >> The Girls' Guide to Surfing

Beginner & Intermediate Surfing Techniques 1&2 DVD This instructional DVD set is for both beginners and intermediate surfers. In fact, it's priced about the same as a single surfing DVD - so I think it's a great deal. Watch and learn, and you can improve your surfing skills while taking fewer lessons.

Get basically the same information as the written guide above - but in video DVD format. Go from catching your first wave to intermediate surfing tricks. Learn surfing and get better faster - your friends will be impressed. 1&2 DVDs >> Beginner & Intermediate Surfing Techniques

What to Get: Surfing Gear

When you're learning to surf, you want a board that you can sit on comfortably, paddle easily and not sink! The length of your surfboard should be as tall as your hand raised above your head. Avoid thin, small boards, and look for boards about three inches thick and 22 inches wide in the middle.

• Surfboards - Long
  Generally about 9 feet or longer. Since longboards are bigger with a greater planing surface, you'll be able to paddle faster abd catch waves sooner. They do require more footwork because of their size.
• Surfboards - Short
  Usually 7 feet or shorter. Shortboards are more maneuverable because they're lighter, thinner and have a tighter turn radius. You can stand in one spot and simply shift your weight.
• Surfboards - Hybrid
  You guessed it! These boards are in between longboards and shortboards. You get a little more maneuverability while keeping a little more planing surface area. 
• Surfing Wetsuits These guys are the wetsuit experts, plus you get a low price guarantee, low flat-rate shipping & you can talk to a real person for wetsuit advice.
• Full Wetsuits  | Rash Guards  | Wetsuit Hoods  | Wetsuit Gloves  | Wetsuit Booties
  If the water is cold, you may want to rent or buy a wetsuit. Get something that is snug and comfortable and doesn't have holes or tears in it.
• Surfboard Wax  | Traction
  Wax is rubbed on the topside of the surfboard to prevent slipping. Don't wax traction patches if your board has them.
• Surfboard Leashes & Surfboard Fins
  Don't worry about fin placement if you're a beginner, just make sure you have at least one!
• Surfboard Repair   

Where to Go: Surfing Spots

• Find a Surf School
  Find information on surf camps and surf schools worldwide. Plus international surf travel.
• Surfing Vacations
  Select your favorite surfing destination with the world's leading surf tour operator for an awesome getaway

Who to Surf With:

• Find People to Surf With
  Find people in your area who are interested in surfing, and make new friends who enjoy spending time in the ocean as much as you do.
• Surfing Groups
  Find a group of beginner and experienced surfers near you and around the world through a free online service called Meetup.com. Surfing can be done individually or in groups, but it's always safer and a good idea to go with at least one other person.

Surfing Articles

• The Art of Surfing 
• Learn to Surf in 6 Days 

Surfing Organizations: International Surfing Association