1. Location Defines Technique
Whether you are a beginning surfer or a seasoned athlete, rules of etiquette in the surfing community exist that everyone should follow. Unless you are experienced riding the big waves, also called pipelines, stay out of the way of the surfers who are experienced. These surfers will become very upset if they run into beginners as they come closer into the shore after a magnificent ride. You'll only be in the way and won't win any friends by going into waters you aren't ready for.
2. Lie Down and Ride
Body boarding is done by lying down on a surfboard to ride the waves. It is a good technique for beginners to learn how to read a wave and catch it at just the right time. Body boarders often stay closer in to the shore and are responsible to get out of the way when surfers coming in on bigger waves need to pass. The body board is shorter then a regular surfboard, about 40 inches. Surfers wear fins for this technique, which they use to paddle out to catch the waves. Experienced body boarders will go extreme and are able to add more tricks to their surfing.
3. Turn the Longboard
Before you can add advanced tricks and techniques to your surfing, you need to be able to get and keep your speed up. Stay low to the board and ride the center of the wake to get the fastest ride. Keep your feet centered on the board and move back and forth. Many tricks are performed by moving to the front of the board and flipping, or moving to the back of the board to change directions. Ease your weight into the turn and replace your feet back in the center of the board after turning.
4. Roll out of the Wave
The Eskimo roll is a technique that you'll want to learn to avoid a mouthful of seawater as you paddle out. Learn this roll when you see really high waves heading your way before you are ready to ride. While lying flat and with your head raised, hold on to the sides of the surfboard about a foot from the front edge. Roll the board over and hang on while you remain flat under the board. Let the wave wash over you, then kick hard to roll yourself upright and continue paddling.
5. Start in the Whitewater
Beginners should make their first surfing trips in the whitewater caps before heading out to deeper waters and high, wide waves. Watch for the top of a wave to turn white, and then turn your board around to face the shore. Crouch when the wave approaches and stand up when you feel yourself being pushed forward.
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