Breaking Bad Surfing Habits
Breaking bad surfing habits is often necessary to advance. I am called by so many adults that have begun the learning process, but then find they can’t advance further because they have problems.
Precision in Surfing
The surfing process is very precise and timing is a central principal. Advanced surfers have mastered the timing of positioning for waves, paddling to catch waves, when to put their hands on the board, and when to pop up. Struggling new surfers usually have little concept of timing.
Surfing posture on the board must be precise to ride the board once the pop up is executed. Most struggling new surfers have moved into faulty postures. The main problem with their posture is they are not square on the board with their weight equal on both sides of the middle stringer. They may be surfing with one arm trailing and their butt over one rail. This causes an immediate fall.
Choosing the Right Beginner Surf Board
Many newer surfers are not surfing with the proper board for their level of expertise. In their excitement to advance or because they found a board on sale, they surf on boards with too low a volume to accommodate their skills. New students should begin on 8′ or 9′ soft tops and can remain on them for at least 6 months of regular surfing.
New students often lack the physical requirements of surfing. First is flexibility. New surfers should be flexible in their hamstrings, buttocks, and lower back. If not, they should do yoga or begin a daily stretching routine. You cannot do pop ups without flexibility.
Body Strength for Surfing
Upper body and core strength can be a problem. Surfers have to push off the board in the water which is more difficult than practicing pop ups on the sand. Core strength is the back and the many muscles of the abdomen that are necessary for pop ups.Gym work is one solution.
Learn More:
For Oceanside Surf Lessons, see the Home Page
See the Post Surf Lessons Begin with Foam Waves
See the Post What You Learn in a 2 Hour Lesson
See the Post How to Progress in Surfing
See the Post Breaking Bad Surfing Habits
See My Dry Land and In Water Demo video
See How to Catch a Green/Real Wave video