How Beginner Surfers Learn Right Techniques
Many new surfers trying to learn on their own might wonder How Beginner Surfers Learn the Right Techniques. Surfing is more technical than anyone expects. It requires precision, focus, and a calm mind.
Most beginners have several default techniques that they do automatically even after participating in a dry land lesson. For some reason these are in our DNA. They paddle and then throw their hands in front of their shoulders in an already pushed up position. They want to stand on the board with one hand trailing and their butt over the rail like snowboarders. Both these moves result in falling.
Saying a Count Over Rides Incorrect Instincts
I teach the correct method and give surfers a count to say out loud to over ride their instincts. If they learn the count and follow it while catching waves and standing they are usually successful. They then default many times in a lesson to their instincts and have to be reminded to follow the count.
The count is paddle, stop and glide, push, back foot, stand up, front foot. The action is paddle hard three times as the wave hits the tail of the surfboard until the surfer feels the board take off. Then place the hands next to the rib cage and hold for a few seconds. This shows he is in control of his mind. Then push up. As the surfer pushes up, he places one foot under his butt (about 3′ from the tail) flat so he can stand up on it.
Standing Up and Releasing the Hands
Then he stands releasing his hands and as he rises to an upright position with eyes looking at the beach, he moves his front foot to the nose of the board. His stance should now be like pushing a tall box. His hands are in front, his hips and shoulders square to the beach, his feet shoulder width apart, and his knees flexed and body loose so he can move with the board.
This is not a natural process. Short cuts rarely work. Defaulting to instincts results in falling. This count and process must become muscle memory to achieve consistency. It is timing and rhythm so it must be done smoothly and include each step.
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Oceanside Surf Lessons for Beginners
Beginner Surfers Learn the Pop Up
How to Progress to Surfing the Short Board
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