Why Do I Need a Surfing Lesson?
It’s important to understand what it takes to be a surfer and why getting a surfing lesson is essential if you’ve never been on a surfboard before.
Surfing is an Extreme Sport
Surfing is an extreme sport that looks deceptively easy. Especially in Hawaii, you might see people of all ages gracefully riding the waves, making it appear effortless. To the untrained eye, it might seem like surfing is literally child’s play. However, it’s vital to recognize that the surfers you see have spent countless hours, and often years, perfecting their craft.
In Hawaii, many people start surfing at a very young age, sometimes taking their first swim in the ocean with their parents as toddlers. Many surfers have grown up in the surf, learning to understand the ocean’s power. They’ve also had their fair share of wipeouts, crashes, and injuries.
Strong Swimmers Only
Before becoming a surfer, you must learn how to swim well. Swimming in the ocean is not like swimming in a pool because the ocean moves. The water rises and falls, crashes on the shore, and creates an undertow that can flip you over even in shallow water.
Learning how to get in and out of the ocean safely is one of the first skills you need, whether you’re bodysurfing or swimming between the flags at a surf beach. It’s critical to know how to hold your ground and avoid being flipped upside down to prevent head and neck injuries. Every year, dozens of people suffer broken backs or necks, with some becoming paralyzed for life due to being unprepared on surf beaches in Hawaii.
Athletes Need Lessons Too
Even athletic individuals, skilled swimmers, or experienced paddlers often don’t know enough to safely rent a board and surf on their own. Everyone needs a surfing lesson, just as everyone needs to learn how to drive a car.
Surfing is Like Driving a Car
Driving a surfboard is like learning to drive a car. It’s easy to get moving, but it’s much harder to stop or avoid a crash. Understanding the “road rules” is essential to navigating crowded surfing spots safely. All Hawaii beaches have traffic, and some surf breaks can become very crowded. Knowing the rules and how to maneuver your board ensures you’re not a hazard to others or yourself.
Don’t Hurt Yourself
Even if no one else is in the water, you can still get hurt by your board, leash, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Surfing has inherent risks, many of which are not intuitive. Instructors teach you about common dangers and how to avoid them, making lessons much more rewarding than trying to teach yourself.
Safe Location
Your surf instructor and school will pre-select a location for your lesson based on knowledge of the area. They assess ocean conditions, weather, tides, surf forecasts, and potential hazards to ensure safety. If conditions aren’t suitable, lessons are postponed or rescheduled.
The Right Board
Instructors will help you select the right board, a critical factor for success. Lessons typically begin on land, where instructors teach basic moves and discuss surfing theory. A one-day lesson provides the essentials for catching a wave and experiencing surfing.
Am I Ready to Rent?
If you’re considering renting a board, ask your instructor how many lessons they recommend before surfing solo. Your first lesson will be enjoyable but won’t make you an independent surfer. Becoming skilled requires a series of lessons and practice.
One Location
Even after multiple lessons, beginners are only qualified to rent boards in the area where they were taught. The instructor ensures familiarity with the traffic flow, wave patterns, and hazards. Venturing to a new location without local knowledge is risky and should be avoided.
Surf Guides
For experienced surfers, it’s always a good idea to go with a local guide when visiting a new surf spot. There’s much to learn about an area that you can’t discern from the shore. Surfing with a guide saves time and enhances safety.
Surfing Popularity
Surfing’s growing popularity has led to congestion at many surf spots. More people are trying to surf in a limited number of locations, increasing competition for waves.
Surfing is Competitive
In crowded surf breaks, surfers compete for limited waves, with the best surfers catching the most. As a beginner, you’ll likely struggle to catch waves or navigate the pecking order. Beginner-friendly spots exist, but not all waves are suitable for new surfers.
Beginner Breaks
Beginner surf spots are often supervised by instructors managing traffic and keeping students safe. However, self-taught surfers or renters should avoid these areas as they lack the necessary skills and create safety risks. Stay clear of teaching zones unless accompanied by an instructor.
Experienced Instructors
Lessons with experienced instructors provide access to years of wave knowledge and local expertise. Your instructor acts as a guide, chaperone, and traffic controller, helping you navigate the water safely. They ensure you paddle for the right waves, take off in the right location, and avoid hazards. Instructors also teach proper surfing etiquette and when to yield to others.
From Extreme to Exciting
Instructors transform an extreme sport into a safe and exciting experience through their skills and knowledge. Surfing lessons are a managed-risk activity, ideal for first-timers, occasional surfers, or those visiting a new location.
Fast Learners
If you’re a fast learner or athletic, private or semi-private lessons allow you to progress at your own pace. Instructors adapt to your abilities, providing advanced techniques as you master each skill.
