1. Surfing Has Been Around a Long Time
Sailors on an English vessel traveling from Tahiti to the Big Island of Hawaii recorded the first sighting of surfing in 1779. The Englishmen were amazed when they watched these big Hawaiians lay on long, smooth pieces of wood about the size of their own bodies and paddle out past the huge Pacific Ocean waves. They were even more amazed when they watched the men stand up on the boards and ride the surf into the shore.
2. The Paddling Is Grueling
For beginner surfers, it's not the standing and falling that makes their muscles scream at the end of the first lesson - it's the paddling out to catch the wave. Lying forward on the surfboard, you must raise your head slightly to avoid a mouthful of seawater as you paddle beyond where the waves break. At the same time, you paddle with both arms over the side of the board. Veteran surfers develop a large callus on their breastbone. Prepare for surfing by working those abs and arm muscles.
3. Don't Paddle Farther Than You Can Swim
While there is no actual swimming involved in surfing, you must be a fairly proficient swimmer to take up the sport. Your surfboard is attached to your ankle so that it doesn't stray far when (not if) you fall. However, it is usually easy to grab the board and get back on, allowing you to float, paddle or ride it back to shore. The Velcro can come off your ankle, however, and you will lose your board. It will usually make it back to shore without you, or another surfer or boater will rescue the board, but you need to swim back. This means you should never paddle out further than you are able to return on your own.
4. Learn Surfing Lingo
Surfing is a sport that has its own lifestyle and culture associated with it. If you want to be cool on the surfing scene, even if you haven't made it up on the board yet, learn some of the lingo. The deck is the place on the surfboard where you stand. You "carve" when you turn on a wave and "cut back" when you turn around smoothly. A "mullering" is a big wipeout. You "duck dive" when you're paddling out. Finally, the leash is the cord attached to your leg that holds your board.
5. Buy a Board in Person
While you can find a ton of places to buy a surfboard online, it's best to get this piece of sporting gear at a surf shop. You want to talk to someone who is knowledgeable, especially if you're new to surfing. You also want to look at and pick up the board to ensure a good feel for your body.
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