Surfing has been an activity enjoyed by many throughout the world. Because no matter where you are you are still surrounded by Mother Nature’s backyard – the ocean.
As a learner surfer or someone who is thinking of starting your journey in surfing you will be faced with plenty of challenges. You will have to ask yourself before fully starting your journey. You’re in luck because today I will tell you three of the many choices you will have to face before you learn how to surf.
A little background, surfing has always been a passion of mine and it all started 38 years ago when I first started and fell in love with it. After 26 years, I started coaching; it has been 12 years now since then.
1. SELF TAUGHT Vs. SURF COACH
“Do I teach myself or do I go to a surf coach,” has been asked to me plenty of times and no, not because I’m a surf coach I’d tell you to go to one, immediately. Why? Because both of these have their own pros and cons. What do I mean by this? Continue reading to know more.
People who are passionate about surfing but are on a tight budget are usually the ones asking this question. Since they are excited to catch their first wave or to improve their surfing level but they don’t quite know-how. As a learner surfer, you will have to decide whether or not you will have to invest your hard-earned money in professional lessons both online or person. Yes, there is also plenty of free online course available for you, take YouTube videos for example.
If you are really starting from scratch, then familiarizing yourself with the activity by yourself isn’t a bad decision. Especially if you are doing this with a friend by your side. There is nothing wrong with self-teaching as not only can you save money but you can accomplish the goals you set for yourself. However, we suggest that if you were to take this route to ensure that you have a friend by your side during the first few times you get in the water, for your safety.
Now, here’s the other side of the coin. On the other hand, it’s not money that you’ll be saving but time. You can save money from self-teaching but you will save time when you invest in some professional coaching and lessons.
From my experience, everyone can easily learn how to surf with proper guidance. Sometimes, a single lesson or surf program can clean up some of your surfing skills. Plus, you can improve your surfing level faster than if you are teaching yourself. Plenty of people won’t tell you these but every surf coach has their secrets and you can’t find these if you decide to teach yourself. Lastly, teaching yourself can only get you to a certain level of proficiency.
It's a matter of priority, is it money or time.
2. BEING A LEARNER SURFER IN A LANDLOCKED COUNTRY
“How far am I will to travel to go surfing?” Surfing is a worldwide enjoyment and passion for many, no matter the geographical location. But what happens if you are in a landlocked country, with no access to water/waves?
It will surely be a challenge because unlike other countries or regions you can’t easily pop out for a quick surf. So you have to ask yourself before you start how far are you will go? But no worries, we have a solution for you. Ever heard of wave pools? Yes, wave pools have been surfacing around the world, especially in landlocked countries. You should go and check out the closest one to you and try to learn from there until you can face Mother Nature and her beautiful gift to ever surfers, professional and learner alike.
Another option you have is trying skateboarding. It may not be the same but surfers and skaters can relate in plenty of things. This is because plenty of movements and skills that are learned in skating can be transferred to surfing. For a learner surfer in a landlocked country without any wave pools close by this may be the best choice for you.
It’s not all about the time you spent on the ocean, but theories are also a vital piece of the puzzle. As a learner surfer, you need to learn how waves work as much as possible. Anyone in a landlocked country who is trying to learn how to surf can start to learn about the ocean and waves by themselves or you can seek out online programs that you can try to further understand the basic skill you will need.
Here at Andrew Goodman Surf Coaching, we offer learner surfers plenty of online courses available for learner surfers. Plus, if you are one of the people who are willing to go no matter the distance to learn how to surf, we also have luxury surfing trips and an empowered surfing retreat. You can find more information on our website.
3. TIME INVESTMENT IN SURFING
Learning how to surf takes time, like with most physical activity or sport. The more time you put into it the more results you can get out from it. Hence the question, “How much time do I want to invest into surfing?” However, surfing is more than that.
As truthful as the first statement was you have to remember that surfing is also a fun activity. It’s something you do to enjoy and to connect with yourself and nature. You don’t have to invest too much time to learn how to surf. You don’t have to be in the water 24/7 for 365 days to learn how to surf and reach a level when you can start enjoying it.
Most people can learn to surf even with a small amount of time, and that’s fine. Surfing is all about having fun, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It is an undeniable fact that surfing is addictive, especially once you do enjoy it or experience the ecstatic feeling of successfully riding a wave. In the end, people end up asking themselves, “Wasn’t this supposed to be just a once-a-year thing?” I can’t blame you, I also found myself in that position.
I have been through these choices. I have made these choices, choices that turned my life for the better. It’s time for you to take your step and ask these questions.
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