5 Mistakes New Surfers are Known for Making

When you're a new surfer it's easy to get caught up in the thrill of the sport and forget about the importance of technique and safety. While it's only natural to make mistakes when learning a new skill, it's also crucial to become aware of those missteps. To help all the new surfers out there, we've put together a list of some of the most common mistakes made by beginners.

• Not taking surf lessons is an oversight new surfers often make. A surf instructor will walk a beginner through the basic skills they'll need to become a successful surfer. Not only will they go over the correct techniques, but they'll also focus on important safety measures.

• Selecting the wrong surfboard can make an individual's first foray into surfing much harder than it should be. As a beginning surfer, it's wise to pick a longer, wider, and thicker board due to its increased buoyancy. While shorter and thinner boards are great for performing those wild tricks pros are seen doing, they are not ideal for new surfers who are just learning how to stay afloat.

• Picking a surf spot that is beyond their skill level is a mistake inexperienced surfers tend to make. While they may think the challenge will bolster their ability, the opposite is usually true. Not only are they risking their safety, but they are also impeding their learning process. It's best for a beginner to start with smaller waves, which provide them with a chance to fine tune the basic surfing skills they'll need to conquer tougher waves in the future.

• Overlooking the physical demand surfing carries is a huge misstep new surfers are often guilty of. An individual's fitness level plays a large role in their ability to advance their surfing prowess. The more physically fit a surfer is, the greater amount of time they are able to spend practicing. A person's strength and agility also play a big part in their safety.

• Hitting the waves alone is never a good idea, especially for a new surfer. Being unfamiliar with general safety precautions is one reason surfing with friends is best. On-top of that, the unpredictability of nature makes surfing without companions a dangerous affair. Bringing a few buddies along can also provide a beginner with the chance to learn from more experienced individuals.

If you're looking to purchase your first surfboard or you're in need of an upgrade, please contact us today to view our large inventory of surfing equipment.