6 Beginner Tips on How to Catch a Wave

Every surfer at some point in their life started from the bottom and wondered how they could catch a wave. This is a very common and popular question amongst beginners because they are eager to head out into the water and ride their first wave. There are different approaches taught by different trainers on how to catch a wave. However, there are certain basic steps that you must learn for you to ride your wave successfully. 

In any case, having a trainer or an experienced surfer teach you will help you become a better surfer. So let’s get straight to it, below you will find a few essential steps that beginners must learn on how to catch a wave:

Do Your Research 

Just like any other sport or activity, you must do your research and understand everything you can about surfing. By doing so, you will know what you expect and prepare yourself accordingly. 

While it can be easy to learn, it is a physically demanding sport so make sure that it covers all aspects of surfing before stepping into it. 

A great way to understand surfing is to speak to people who have been surfing for years and ask them about their experience, this will help you create realistic expectations for yourself. 

Understand Waves 

One of the most vital steps, when you are learning how to surf, is to know the different types of waves out there. While a surfer does look cool riding a wave, understanding the waves and what lies underneath is crucial. 

Waves are formed for several reasons and these breaks are sometimes friendly and other times dangerous. This is because waves form on rocks, reefs, river mouths, and even sandy bottoms, and each of them is suitable for a surfer’s ability. 

Understanding how these waves are formed and recognizing them will ensure your safety in the waters. 

Know Your Gears 

When you are learning to surf, you need to have the right pieces of equipment so that you can ride your wave. The surfboard is the most crucial element because without it you cannot surf any wave. However, there are several types of boards that are designed for different waves and also the surfer’s ability. 

As a beginner, you must start with a longboard so that you will be able to learn surfing easily without any hassle. Other essentials would include a wetsuit that will protect you from the sun and other weather conditions, a leash so that you are always connected to your board, and surf wax which will give you grip and help you balance yourself on the board. 

Along with your surfing gear, you should consider getting these beach essentials too. 

Paddle With Purpose 

Paddling is one of the most important surfing techniques which will help you line up to the wave. Without this, you will probably struggle to even reach your wave and get in the way of other surfers. 

Paddling requires a lot of strength because you need to keep moving from one point to another. As you know waves are quite unpredictable which means you will also have to read them well and paddle yourself into position efficiently. 

Staying fit and active can be very beneficial to you because when you head out into the water you would want to spend hours surfing waves and not tire out within a couple of minutes. 

Practice the Pop-Up

If you want to catch a wave, you must learn to perfect the pop-up because without it you just cannot catch a wave. The pop-up is where an individual gets on his feet from a prone position just as the wave breaks. 

When you get on your feet successfully, you will then be able to ride your wave properly without falling off. This surfing technique is often practiced on solid ground first so that you understand how to balance your weight and feet displacement accordingly. 

For some people, this skill may take a few hours to master while for others it may even take days because when you are in the water, balancing yourself is crucial. Learn to master the take off with this guide from Ombe and have a great time surfing different waves. 

You Will Fall!!

When you are learning to surf, you must know that everything won’t be easy going. There will be some ups and downs during the process and falling is part of the journey. Everyone and anyone who started to surf has fallen, sometimes even experienced individuals lose their balance. 

But there are certain tips and tricks that you can use to make your time better, like listening to your coach who has the most experience amongst the both of you. In any case, do not give up just because others have progressed before you because all you need to do is practice. 

Once you do that you will not only be able to surf your wave but also learn tricks that will enhance your experience. 

Conclusion 

These are just some essential tips that will help you catch a wave successfully. While you are at it, make sure that you follow surfing etiquette so that you and your fellow surfers can ride waves and have fun together. Mauritius can be a great place to try surfing as it provides several other unique activities too, read here to know more.