So after you have bought yourself a surfboard, the ultimate goal is is how to catch a wave surfing. Learning about the different types of waves to learn on and which ones to paddle for, which ones to let pass, getting the timing right, when to start paddling, when to get on your feet- are just a few of things you can only learn by practicing and spending as much time as you can in the water
Here are some steps to follow : Start at a less well known beach with gentle waves and sand at the bottom. The less people, the easier it will be for you to get on a wave hassle-free. Start off easy and work your way up paddle out and read our tips on how to paddle out there.
When you are first getting out into the water and learning how to catch a wave, pick out a gentle, broken waves. We call the waves that have broken and washed out white water or white wash, white wash waves are easier to get onto compared to the green water waves, as green water can be a bit too steep
Once you’ve picked your gentle white wash wave,paddle your board around so the nose of your board is facing the shore. You want the white wash to be coming towards the back of your board so it can pick you up, giving the board momentum
5. Paddle, paddle, paddle!
To ensure you get onto the wave, paddle hard and let the wave pick you up
6. Stay patient
On your first wave riding just stay on your belly. This will let you know if you need to adjust how far forward/back you lay on the board. You'll want about an inch of room between the nose of the board and the surface of the water. tay on your board and you are launched toward the shore
7. Paddle back for more
Once you are comfortable with your ability to pick and catch the wave, paddle back out and try to catch a wave standing!
8. Repetition
Follow the same steps as before, but as you feel the wave pick up you board and you gain momentum, use your arms and push yourself up; we call this movement the pop-up. We have a few tips and tricks on how to pop-up here. Foot placement is crucial to the success of riding the wave. Your back foot should be near the tail, and your front foot should be somewhere towards the middle of the board. You mayneed to move your foot placement depending on the size of the boar You want your body to be facing one way (not straight forward), and allow the wave to take you for a ride
9. Safety First!
Remember, once you’ve rode the wave, you need to jump off your board! DON’T DIVE off your board, this could cause serious injury by hitting your head on the sand. Instead, jump feet first off the board
10. Kick it up a notch
Once you've got these steps under your thumb and you've got the basics down on how to catch a wave, you're ready for the next step. As you’re up and riding attempt to angle your board and turn it side to side, by paddling a certain direction and using your feet and arms to guide you. This is a movement that you will master with plenty of practice (and a couple of blunders)