How to Play with a Surfboard: Surfing Tips

Summer, the surfing season is here. Are you ready to give it a try? Here are some surfing tips for beginners. Experienced surfers can skip this.

Tools/Materials

Vitra surfboard

Leash

Sunscreen

Methods/Steps

1. Paddling: Look ahead, keep your chest up, and paddle with both hands along the sides of the surfboard, from front to back, keeping your fingers together.

Adjust your position on the board according to your weight and the size of the surfboard, with your toes near the edge of the board.

Paddle back and forth along the sides of the board, adjusting your breathing rhythm. Avoid spreading your arms while paddling, as this will significantly reduce efficiency.

Paddling is the most basic skill in surfing. Most of your practice should be dedicated to this, as your paddling ability determines whether you can catch a wave.

2. Getting Up: When a wave comes and you've successfully paddled, and you feel the board moving forward and gaining speed, start to get up.

Find your ribs with your hands, place your hands flat on both sides of your ribs, and lift your body.

3. Standing Up: Once you gain speed, you can "stand up".

Use your arms to lift your body. Jump onto the surfboard, keeping your feet shoulder-width apart and your spine straight. Bend your knees slightly to absorb some bumps and stay stable on the board.

4. Turning

Move to the tail of the board, with your back foot above or a half-step in front of the fin. Shift your weight slightly back onto your back foot; turn your head in the direction you want to turn the board, using your head to lead your shoulders and your hips to lead your feet to control the board's turn. To turn the board in the opposite direction, simply turn your body in the opposite direction according to the turning steps. After turning, return to the center of the board to continue surfing.

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Precautions

Always wear a leash.

Don't attempt waves you're not confident in handling.