1. Surfing Around the World
Study up to find the best surfing conditions and don't ever forget to check out the time of year when the surfing is at its best. In Hawaii, for instance, the ocean is pretty calm in the summer. You can get some nice rides on small waves all year round, but the famous North Shore is a virtual mirror in the summer. To get the big waves in Hawaii, you've got to go in the winter. Same thing in Indonesia, a trendy place to surf on the big waves in the winter months. The South Pacific, Southern California and Australia have sporadic wave tables, based on weather patterns going on any given year.
2. Sleep is for the Weak
The tide tables at any location can give you a good idea when the biggest waves will be coming. Typically, the best rides are going to happen early in the morning and at sunset. Surfers will gather at a beach at sunrise and wait all day for the biggest waves. Long into the evening, before the sun begins to set, they will still be there. Big wave surfers are a patient kind of athlete. They have to be.
3. Longboard for a Long Ride
The bigger the board, the further out you can go to ride the biggest waves. Big wave riding is a harrowing experience that requires a lot of guts and oftentimes, very little glory. An 11 foot board is big enough to take you to any wave in the world; waves that send you on the 20 foot drops big wave surfers crave. Lighter boards can help you to catch the bigger waves, while boards that are a little thicker and heavier can be easier to hold inside the crest for a longer ride.
4. Tow-in Surfing for the Experts
Technology, creativity and the need of surfers to always find a bigger wave has led to variations on waiting around for the big waves on the shore. Tow-in surfing is an exciting and dangerous way to catch the biggest waves. Surfers are towed out by a boat or Jet Ski and let go when the wave comes in. Towing can get you further out than paddling can, allowing you to catch even bigger waves. Only experienced surfers, who have mastered 20 foot waves, should attempt tow-in surfing.
5. Safety in Numbers
Always surf where others are riding waves or with a partner. Always keep your eyes on your surf mates at all times. The bigger the wave, the greater the risk. Learn CPR in case one of your surf buddies has an accident. Surfers may seem to be rebels and anti-social at times, but they are clear on one thing--they don't want to surf with partners who are on drugs or impaired in any way.
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