If your new to surfing i hope i can point you in the right direction for what you might need in terms of equipment and conviction to learn.

Although this site is primarily aimed at surfing i will use the term surfing to cover all forms of wave riding for the time being. So the very first thing you will need to work out is whether or not you can take the hits of the ocean and fall off a lot. If you can manage that and your sure you will put the effort in, have fun and be consistent in your efforts the only way is up in terms of satisfaction. It may take days, weeks even months depending on your balance till you actually stand up. Set a goal and set out to achieve it, its the only way. Commit to the effort of learning and you will reap the rewards every single time you hit the waves.

So if you have decided that you want to learn surfing I hear you ask what do I need to get started ?

Well basically all you need is a surfboard, legrope, wax and something that your comfortable wearing in the surf. Boardshorts or a wetsuit is not a bad idea.

The next thing you need is somewhere to go. So look for a spot that is safe, jump in and start paddling, if your struggling and you don't seem to be going anywhere check and see if there is somewhere a bit easier and give that a try. If your new to the ocean keep an eye out for dangerous areas and if in doubt ask a surfer where they reckon you should grab a few waves to learn on. If they point down to the other end of the beach well they are probably not to helpful so ask another surfer

So recapping quickly, all you need to get started and hit the waves is :

• Surfboard

• Legrope

• Boardshorts or a Wetsuit

• A Safe Surf Spot

Just a few things worth mentioning to avoid danger when taking part in ocean sports

• Never Surf Under the influence of illicit substances, alcohol or any other medical drugs that may have effects on your mental and physical ability to respond in emergency circumstances.

• Refrain from eating a large meal then diving into the ocean for a surf as you are likely to get a stitch and that could ruin your surf, also be aware the sun causes cancer and if you are hooked and stay out for long periods of time make sure you wear something to protect yourself such as a rash vest, wetsuit and sunscreen.

• Surf with a friend, its not the best thing if you are learning to surf to be alone. It is a lot more fun surfing with a good friend and sharing your experiences.
  

• Be aware of the conditions such as large swells, rips submerged objects and changes in the tide and ocean that could reveal other problems such as shallow banks or objects you did not know existed. Be aware of the constantly changing conditions of the ocean as it is unpredictable in a sense.

• Be Extra Careful not to collide with other surfers, know your limits of control and be careful with your board as it can injure someone very easily when the force of a wave is flinging it at them.

• The last thing is this and I surf by this myself. If you do not feel comfortable in the situation and you feel that the surf is 'out' of your league get onshore and look for a spot where you will feel comfortable. Sometimes being a little uncomfortable in the surf is a good thing, however you will know when your in over your head so to speak, that's when you should change a spots and find a safer place to surf.

Getting Into Some Waves :

If you are completely new to the ocean obviously you should never go where you cannot stand, remember this is no backyard pool its the entire force of an ocean your dealing with and the slightest change in the ocean can cause massive changes in the break where you are.

So if you are new, the advice I will lean towards is that you find a spot that is

• Protected from larger ocean waves
• Shallow (So that you are able to stand even where the waves are breaking
• Look for other surfers who you think may be the same skill level as yourself, you will have a lot more fun in areas like this.

Once you have these conditions you are set to take the plunge. Grab your board, walk out to the break until you feel its right to paddle, this being the time when there is enough depth in the water that your fins will not drag along the bottom. If they do you will be fighting an almost impossible battle. So just make sure the water is deep enough (Use Knee Height for an example). If you are finding it hard to paddle in out, look up and wait for a break in the waves before you keep slogging your guts out. If you are able to walk further and not paddle then take this option, don't worry there is plenty of time to learn paddling and after time you will do it by second nature and never have to think about it.

Once you make it out, sit there clap, cheer for yourself because you have just done the most important thing. Getting out to the break. This is one of first steps towards becoming a surfer.

Catching a Wave

Now the next part catching a wave. When you see a wave coming, start paddling in the same direction as the wave. Try to keep an eye out that it is not about to break, If you're in a safe calm spot you shouldn't be dumped to badly. Paddle with the wave for a little bit then stop paddling. If you feel the wave pushing you along you know you have just caught a wave, if the wave begins to leave you then start paddling again as you have not quite caught it. Get used to this feeling, once you are at the stage where you can tell whether you are on a wave or not begin trying to stand up. The technique for this is generally what you develop through time and time of falling off. However a little bit of a hint is try and spring to your feet in one smooth motion.

Practice this whenever you get a chance and soon enough you should find yourself mastering it, as you do your confidence will grow so slowly try different spots whilst still being completely aware of the points above. Know your limits after all you are new to surfing and there is plenty of learning to do. The day you stand up and ride the wave for what will seem like an eternity you will reap the rewards of all your hard effort, you will be exasperated with your achievement. So keep surfing!

If you are really new to surfing and you find yourself worried about taking the plunge, look into a surf school near you.

Get out there enjoy it and you wont look back