1. Always watch the ocean.
Good surfers always have their eyes peeled on the horizon, looking for what surprises the ocean may throw their way. Turning to face the beach is one of the most dangerous things to do as you might end up head first into the sand or coral. When you learn it is easy to forget that a wave may approach at any time and from any angle.
2. Rip Currents
Rips can be a blessing or a danger. Always know before you enter the water where rip currents are, what direction they are running and how far out to sea do they go. Surfers often use rips to help them get out the back, but they can become dangerous when you lose your board and cannot swim well. Flow with rip currents if you are in them and learn to read the ocean before paddling out.
3. Surfing Fitness and Surf Training
By participating in surf training and improving your surf fitness before you enter the ocean you enhance your own safety and will improve faster as a surfer. Surfing is a demanding sport that will challenge your fitness levels, strength and endurance. The best surf training is spent on improving surfing fitness combined with specific strength training for surfing and time in the water. Surf Training involves a lot of diverse movements that will help with your movements in the water.
4. Paddling Power
The ocean is very strong and you will find out very quickly that you need to be able to paddle with power when you go surfing. In order to do this work on your surf training and also ensure your paddling technique is good. Many surfers lose their energy and momentum because they cannot generate speed and power when paddling.
5. Wax all of your Board
So many learners forget to wax the spots where their hands go to prevent falling when popping up and also forget to wax the entire board, thinking they will only need wax for their feet. When out in the ocean you will move your feet to different area’s and will want to have as much surface area covered as possible for grip.
6. Catch the wave before you stand.
Many learners think the goal is to stand up, that comes second. First you have to use your surf training and paddle power to catch the wave. Only after you know you have caught the wave and you feel the waves power can you then stand up and start to surf. The only exception is when using a stand up paddle board.
7. Stay out of the impact zone
The energy area where waves are consistently breaking and good surfers are taking off from is the most dangerous area for anyone to be. If you get trapped there, point your board to the beach and go in for a rest before moving down the beach to paddle back out again.
8. Learn in a comfortable environment.
It is very difficult to enjoy learning when you are cold, shivering or in a place that is covered in rocks and reefs. Learn in a spot that has smaller waves and in a warm environment so you can spend more time in the water focusing on practice and technique.
9. Know your Limits.
It is very easy to look out at breaking waves and think they are small and easy to surf. When you paddle out you may realize you are out of your league. Surfers like to push themselves into bigger and faster waves, just know what your level is and avoid endangering yourself or others by going out in conditions that may be too much for your current limits.
10. Weight Training for Surfing
Being strong with good muscular endurance for surfing can be effectively achieved in the gym. Weight training for surfing in a circuit format is one of the best ways to improve surfing fitness as it challenges many energy systems in the body used for surfing. Avoid doing any form of training that is not surf training specific.
11. Surround yourself with Friends.
Learning is a humbling experience and also a fun one when shared with friends. Find a group of people and develop your skills together.
12. Treat others with respect.
There can be a lot of people in the water at one time trying to catch waves. Treat people with respect and share the waves, another one will always come along and sharing the ocean is what surfing is all about.
So enjoy the ocean, use these points to improve your surfing and remember surf training and improved surf fitness is the base of catching more waves.
Hayden Rhodes has coached professional and amateur athletes improve their performance through scientific personal training, hormonal testing, nutritional coaching and performance principles.
If your a professional surfer or just getting started and want to improve as a surfing athlete then please visit http://SurfTrainingSecrets.com. Do you want to improve as a surfer?
For a free 5 day coaching guide on boosting your surfing performance please visit http://SurfTrainingSecrets.com
I look forward to your questions and comments.
Thank you for being ON BOARD with Hayden Rhodes
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