A beginner surfer, in the process of learning to surf waves that have not yet broken, has difficulties catching the wave they choose. In today's tip, we teach you a vital trick that will help you understand how to read the water's face to master the art of successfully learning to surf.
Often, a beginner surfer who is learning to surf makes the mistake of seeing a wave on the horizon, paddling for it, turning around and starting to paddle with all their might without looking back, losing sight of the wave and the timing to coordinate their paddle with the moment it breaks. We've put together a guide to help you know where to position yourself on the wave.
Why is it vital to look at the wave when learning to surf?
Not looking at the wave you're paddling for will often cause you to waste your effort paddling for waves that won't break, or trying to catch waves that are already breaking behind you.
Continuously looking at the wave you are paddling will help you coordinate with it and adjust your position and paddling.
For this, we give you the steps to follow when you are going to paddle for a wave that will be great for making sure you catch it.
Step-by-step guide to learning to surf waves (not whitewater)
Learning to surf waves – Step 1:
Wave selection: Choose the wave you are going to catch when you see it coming on the horizon and turn around to paddle for it. If you have doubts about how to calculate where a wave will break to understand which one to choose, you can look here.
Learning to surf waves – Step 2:
Paddling: Paddle for the wave looking back every second to see where the wave is and where it will break.
Learning to surf waves – Step 3:
Orientation for the takeoff: When you see that you are near the breaking point and the wave is about to carry you, look to both sides of the wave to make sure which way the wave is breaking, and orient your surfboard in that direction.
Conclusion: Patience in surfing
Make sure to look at the wave every time you paddle for it. You will see how little by little, you will gain experience in understanding the exact point where you should position yourself to catch the wave. Don't despair, learning to surf waves (not whitewater) independently takes time, but with practice, you will see that you are able to catch more waves per session.
