by Peter Curilla

Is your dream to learn surfing? This wonderful water sport is steadily becoming more and more popular and new surfing locations are being discovered every year. Each step that you take on your journey to discover the magic of riding the waves on a board will be exciting – and you will understand why thousands of people in the world have made it a part of their lifestyle. You can, too!

First principle to remember is that you need lots of patience to become at least an intermediate surfer. Nobody can become a top surfer in a couple of weeks, no matter how many shortcuts you take. As a newcomer, you will need to learn basics like identifying the types of waves suitable for surfing, paddling, catching a wave and learning a correct stance on board. But don’t forget – every surfer, even the professionals, started as humble beginners and had to learn the very basics before riding those 9-foot monsters off Mentawai Islands or Bali coast. The best start is to find a good surfing school with some experienced guides to give you some solid basics that you can build on once you return from your first surfing holiday.

Surf_School

Once the theoretical part of your first lesson is finished, (and you will cover interesting and useful topics like surfing equipment, basic techniques, types of waves and surfing etiquette), you will learn paddling, catching your first wave and maneuvering it! But beware – you need to know how to swim so you don’t put yourself in a danger once a bigger wave comes. There are also other dangers out there – be aware of the marine creatures like jellyfish or stingrays, rip currents, potential drowning and collisions with other surfers – may you surf in a busy location. But don’t let me put you off from learning this fantastic sport that has its own culture, music and fashion. Initially, you will be learning safely, close to the beach, under the supervision of your mentor.

Respect the others and don’t be ashamed of yourself making mistakes or falling off your surfboard. The key to success is listening to your guide and more experienced friends and to be ready to practice everything they show you. Before you start learning, make a decision you will not get frustrated and upset with your first failures. With learning how to surf, it is all about getting it right step by step and practicing. Also, surfing has certain etiquette and you shouldn’t drop in someone else’s way if they are already riding the wave or paddle straight through the heart of the lineup where people are surfing.

Have fun! Surfing is all about freedom of mind and a positive spirit. Setting small goals and reaching them along the way certainly is the part of the fun. We can guarantee you from your own experience: those “first times” will get you so stoked for more! From the first time you stand up, to the first time you steer your surfboard a bit and the first time you ride a nice wave – it’s truly an experience. Celebrate the small steps.

Beginner

Find a great location to learn! If you would like to remember your first steps on a surfboard for your lifetime, fly to a great location and have a great overall experience of good food, nice accommodation and meeting other keen travelers learning to surf. Bali absolutely rocks, with some awesome surf camps and schools that we handpicked before we put them on our website. Europe, Brazil, Hawaii and Mexico also offer some sweet options.

The Perfect Wave’s mission is to help those who wish to learn this exciting sport – and the way of life – by offering some very good product for their surf holiday, to help you reach your goal to learn, or improve your skills. Going through the process ourselves, we can recommend some really good surf schools in some of the most beautiful corners of the world.

Bali always comes to our mind as the first option. Beautiful island full of great accommodation, lovely weather, fantastic food and awesome prices offers quite a value and several options for your surf experience. Padang Padang Surf Camp is a great place run by surfers that share your passion and offer you their wealthy experience. This camp consists of 2 well-equipped villas and other activities like swimming and tennis for your free time. The Chillhouse in Canggu boasts 5 luxurious Bungalows, The Surfers House, and Tree Top Loft that are set amongst 1500sqm of exotic tropical gardens in a natural, tropical atmosphere. Besides surf lessons and guiding, they also offer yoga session, massages and other activities and great organic food! But there is also an option to combine your choice of accommodation with a great surf school that does free hotel pickup and offers beginners, intermediate, children and families surf lessons – and it is Bali Surf School. They are passionate and knowledgeable people who will be happy to assist you with your first steps on the surfboard, help you improve your skills or take you on a great Surfari to a location of your choice!

For the full range of our “Learn to Surf” packages, please check out this section, send us an e-mail or give us a ring on 1300 00WAVE – and we will be stoked to assist you in finding your surf holiday and advise you along the way.

Written by:
Ben Horvath

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