How to Surf: The Complete Guide (Summer 2020)

Wetsuits

Wetsuits are made of the same material used in drysuits, namely, neoprene. Both provide thermal insulation and help with buoyancy.

The difference is that a wetsuit allows water to enter whereas the drysuit keeps it out. The latter is more appropriate for diving in frigid waters and can be quite uncomfortable if it’s warm.

You’ll need a wetsuit if you swim in moderately warm to cold water to prevent hypothermia.

It’s not a condition that you should dismiss because it can come on suddenly. Confusion is one symptom which could keep you from seeking help. Symptoms include:

If you or someone in your party shows these signs, seek medical help immediately. Hypothermia is potentially life-threatening.

Wearing a wetsuit can help prevent its occurrence. That water that comes in contact with your body will warm up and provide an insulating layer to protect you. You’ll find them with short arms and legs, known as a shorty. The full-length suit goes by the moniker, steamer.

You have several options to mix and match for the conditions. Types of wetsuits and their components include:

Which wetsuit you choose depends on where and when you plan to surf. It all boils down to your tolerance and temperature. However, also remember that active muscles produce a lot of heat. You may find that the adage of layering works well in the water too.

What to Look for in a Wetsuit

Wetsuits come in different thickness based on the water temperature. They run from 2mm which is appropriate for water around 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 6mm for temperatures below 40 degrees. You can expect to pay around $100 for one suitable for surfing. A steamer will cost $300 or more.

You’ll see wetsuits rated by a fraction as in a 3/2 millimeter wetsuit. The first number refers to the thickness of the neoprene that covers your midsection. The second denotes the thickness around your arms and legs.

The difference gives you more freedom of movement and greater comfort because your limbs will be active while you are learning how to surf.

In addition to the wetsuit, you’ll need a rash guard to protect your skin from chafing. Your suit should have a snug fit which means it may cause some rubbing, especially at the seams. It’s not hard to imagine how that’s going to affect your time out in the ocean, i.e., saltwater. You can think of it as something like thin thermal underwear. It’ll provide some added warmth too.

Care of Your Wetsuit

Wetsuits require some special care to get the most out of your investment. It’s also a matter of aesthetics. A clean wetsuit makes for happy surfing companions. The foremost rule is to rinse it after every single use.

It doesn’t matter if you surf in freshwater or saltwater. Sand rubbing against your skin is going to hurt either way.

The next important thing is helping it to dry quickly to avoid bacteria or mold formation. Turn it inside out first before worrying about the outside of it.

If you have to wash it, use a soap that is specially made for wetsuits. Whatever you do, never put in the washing machine or dryer. Nothing will ruin it quicker.

Surfboard Leash

The long cord that attaches you to your surfboard is the leash or leg rope. It is an essential part of your gear no matter what your skill level.

Basically, it is a urethane cord with Velcro straps that attach you to your surfboard. It makes it easier to get your surfboard back if you take a spill. It’ll also protect other surfers from your runaway board.

As a general rule of thumb, your surf leash should be at least as long as your surfboard. Beginners should add another foot. The length makes sense, if you think about it.

You need enough space to maneuver your board if you fall off so that you can get it in place again. Besides, if you take a tumble, you want it far from your head when you hit the water.

You attach it near the tail in an indentation called a leash plug. It hooks onto your ankle with a cuff. We recommend trying it on before you buy it to test its comfort. It may not make a huge difference if you’re wearing a steamer, but it may be another story with a shorty wetsuit where your ankles are exposed. Opt for a board leash with at least one swivel.

As you may expect, a leg leash will stretch over time, especially in those early days when you’re learning how to surf. Make sure and get a thicker one which will stand the test of time better. Some may say that wearing one will hamper your ability to get up some speed because of the drag they add to your ride. Our advice is to ignore them. Always wear a leash.

Surfboard Wax

Your board is going to need some love too. Unlike snow skis, waxing a surfboard doesn’t help you glide through the water.

Rather, it improves your traction on the deck. The procedure for applying it is similar. You’ll wax your board before you go and hit the waves. First, remove the old wax using a wax comb and surf wax remover. That part is important.

You may find it easier to do if you can warm your board in the sun for a while, especially if the water was cold. The comb will slide through the old stuff a lot easier. Make sure you remove all the little bits. Then, use your surface wax remover to buff it out for the final cleaning.

Next, apply your base wax on the areas where you’ll be standing. You should add some horizontal swipes from nose to tail too if you have a longboard. As you work it in, small bumps that are the traction will appear. Then, put on the top coat.

The type of surfboard wax you use will vary with the water temperature. You should completely remove all the wax about every two months because you’ll find that it grips less over time, and needs to be reapplied.

You’ll know when it’s happening because it’ll become next to useless for traction. It’s worth noting that you don’t want to get any wax on your wetsuit. It errs on the side of impossible to remove.

Other Surfing Accessories

Those are the basics to get you started, but, of course, there are always more things you can add to your kit. Some other options include:

Bring along whatever you need for a fun day at the beach. There is sure to be some downtime in between sessions of learning how to surf.

Getting Fit to Surf

As we mentioned in the beginning, knowing how to swim is a vital skill for a surfer. But it’s also a great exercise and can help you get into shape for surfing.

The better shape that you’re in, the longer you’ll be able to stay out in the water. Surfing isn’t a powerhouse type of exercise like running. However, this sport will challenge you in several ways. Cross training will make it more enjoyable and improve your performance.

Working Your Core

Your abs will get a serious workout with surfing. Have a strong core is essential to keep you on the board.

The plank and its variations are excellent ways to work all of your abdominal muscles for maximum balancing ability. Pilates and yoga are other great workouts that can target these areas and improve your flexibility.

Cardio for Fitness

Let’s face it.

When you learn to surf, there is a lot of aerobic activity involved if just from paddling out to the white water again and again. Cardio activities like running or bicycling can improve your cardiovascular fitness to better manage the physical demands of surfing.

You might consider doing a self-assessment to gauge your strength and endurance to target areas where you need to pick up the pace. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise each week. You can even do short sessions of 10 minutes if you’re pressed for time.

Strength Training

Surfing will also tap into the resources of your upper and lower body in ways you probably never thought possible. That’s where strength training comes into play. You should aim for at least two sessions each week and target all of the major muscle groups.

That’s not just for surfing. It’ll improve your quality of life and get you that sculpted body you always wanted.To maximize your effort, do exercises that work several muscles such as push-ups or rowing.

Flexibility

Flexibility is essential for keeping your balance on the board and for preventing injuries. You will likely find yourself making sudden moves in awkward ways to stay upright.

By focusing on flexibility, you can help prevent muscle strain and sprains.

Plyometrics

Unless you’ve taken an aerobics class, you may not be familiar with these types of exercises. Essentially, they are jump movements.

These explosive moves are high intensity with major calorie burn. As a kid, you probably didn’t give jumping rope or hopping off of playground equipment another thought. You were likely in great shape because of it.

Plyometrics are an important part of your surfer fitness training because they mimic moves you’ll need to make on the water. They will also work a lot of muscles to get the most out of your workouts. A good exercise to try is the burpee. It has both a cardio and strength element to it. But we won’t kid you. It’s not for the faint of heart.

Tips for Beginner Surfers

Before you hit the beach, there are several other issues we need to cover so that you can get the most enjoyment out of your time on the water.

It’s easy to forget the common sense things you need to do when you’re caught in the excitement of how to surf, so we’ll bring them to your attention.

Know Where You’re Surfing

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it bears mentioning nevertheless. It’s not just about knowing where the best surf bars are to wrap up your day.

It also means learning other essential things such as:

Some areas may be better for beginners than others. It pays to check before you start booking your hotel reservation.

You’ll have a better idea of what gear you’ll need and any extra supplies you’ll need to get such as the right surface wax for the water.

Protect Yourself

The first rule of protecting yourself at the beach is to wear sunscreen. It’s especially important when you’re out on the water because its surface will make the UV rays more intense.

You should use a product with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it at least 15 minutes before you hit the beach. And no matter what the label says, re-apply it every two hours.

Water Safety

Accidents happen, especially when you get distracted. You’ll be focusing on so many things at first. It makes sense to build good habits from the start. Before you head out, always check the forecast. Water is a powerful conductor which is something to remember if storms are possible.

The same precaution applies to your gear. Make sure everything is in good shape.

Never hit the waves without letting someone on land know where you going. It’s not about being overcautious; it’s being smart. When you’re on the water, be aware of other surfers and swimmers.

And, of course, you’re using your board leash, right? Finally, always make sure to check the rules. Some places may have restrictions on when you can surf.

Regular or Goofy Foot?

First, let’s define the terms. Regular means that you surf with your left foot forward. Goofy foot means the right. It’s the same thing as saying you’re either right or left-handed.

Despite how the words sound, one doesn’t mean it’s more correct than the other. It’s just a preference. What is important is to know which one is dominant because that one has to do the heavy lifting in the back for steering.

You’ll see this expression in other board sports too. You can easily test it by letting your instincts take over with some simple techniques. Try not to think about but let Nature take its course. What you want to find out is which one is more comfortable to you. Once you find out, you’ll have a good tool for improving your stance on the surfboard.