The code: The basic rules of surfing
We have all had to learn at some point. For this reason and so that you are one of those who enter the water with zero notions, we give you a summary of the basic rules of surfing.
The best tip for a beginner in surfing is, like in any other sport, don't start playing without first knowing the rulesDo it for your safety and that of others..
Here are some basic points of surfing rules, to enjoy good vibes in water.
Surf rules:
1. Notice for zero level beginners:
Our first recommendation is that your first sessions be guided with un licensed professional. NO, Youtube videos are not enough; the learning process will take off much sooner and you will save yourself a few unnecessary frustrations. We are lucky to enjoy a wide range of wonderful surfcamps, surf schools and certified coaches on all our coasts. No one like a professional to give you the necessary tips and if you also share this experience with others who are in similar circumstances: the fun multiplies. I assure you that 90% of the time someone tells me that surfing is not their thing, it is because their first contact with the sport was free, unsupervised and therefore frustrating.
2. Step by step:
The house does not start with the roof and, fortunately or unfortunately, surfing is not learned directly through tubes. be humble and look for suitable conditions at your level. How do you know when it's too much? Observe the conditions from the shore, analyze the level of the surfers in the water, also evaluate the entrance to the peak and the way the waves break. Find the balance between progress and responding to a challenge that you can handle without putting yourself at risk or being a concern to the rest of the surfers.
3. When you are in the line up, face the ocean, not the beach.
It's advice that seems pretty obvious, but It is very common to see beginners in surfing looking towards the shore without paying attention to what may come from behind. If you still don't know read the seaIt is time to start observing and trying to identify when a wave is coming and where it starts to break. If you don't know how to turn quickly and get into a rowing position from the moment you see the wave until it reaches you; It is also the time to learn. If you feel that all this is overwhelming you, perhaps you should rethink giving lessons until you feel comfortable. There are no excuses: you never wait for the wave lying down facing the beach unless you are teaching a class and this is indicated by your teacher.
4. The table don't let go lightly.
It is an extension of your body and you must keep it with you unless you have to. This note also includes softboards; as much as accidents with soft boards are usually more moderate. Obviously due to lack of experience, when you start surfing (more falls, wrong positioning on the wave...) you will find yourself in situations where it will be difficult to always stay in contact with the board, but this should be one of your objectives.
If there is no other choice, before releasing it, make sure there is no one nearby that you can hit. It is for this reason that we believe that a soft board or softboard should be the almost exclusive option to start surfing and for your first stage of evolution. We see options for beginners in fiber and epoxy that can create more than one altercation in the water, and in fact constantly happens due to lack of experience of the surfer. Without a doubt, seeing an insecure first timer with a hard board in the water is synonymous with tension for all those who share the bathroom. On the other hand, when the line up is crowded and the waves are kind, bringing a softboard, in addition to guaranteeing fun, can also be a good point to guarantee safety.
5. Respect the rules of priority:
The person who is closest to where the wave starts to break has preference.. If someone is paddling from further in (farther from the shore), he has priority… But this does not mean that you can paddle behind another surfer to steal his priority position; practice that is more than rejected by the community, and is known as snake. Make the session fun for everyone: paddle your own waves, watch each other's, and have fun with everyone.
6. Communicate:
If you are going to take a wave that breaks in both directions, indicate where you are going, if you think you can share it with another surfer paddling at the same time.
7. Enter the peak:
Use the channel, do not dare anywhere: keep in mind that there are surfers waiting to catch waves and that you should not be in their trajectory. If when entering you cross the trajectory of another surfer who is riding the wave, think that it is you who has to try to avoid the surfer who is on the wave and not the surfer you. He tries to paddle towards the foam since his logical path will be to continue towards the wall of the wave.
8. I know friendly y educated always.
Show that you know how to maintain respect in the water and that you respect the rules. If you see something incorrect based on the premise that it may be due to ignorance or mistake, you can kindly try to explain the error to that person; never in bad manners.
9. Common sense in your attitude:
If you are looking for enjoyment, fun, health, connection with the environment in surfing... The logical conclusion is that your attitude has to respond to all this. It can happen the day in which you find yourself in a confrontation due to a mistake that another makes or because of your mistake. If the first case occurs; be diligent, proactive and use empathy since we all have the right to make mistakes and do not use reproach with a destructive objective. If the mistake was yours, apologize and make the learning part of this experience sink in to avoid it in the future.
Hopefully these brief tips for beginners on the rules of surfing, help you feel more comfortable in the water, and that we can all enjoy this wonderful sport with respect. And remember, the soft tables are the solution to get started safely!
See you on the water.
Flysurf Team.