Good equipment is indispensable, but above all you need practice, patience and respect for the sea: safety is not an option.

Surfing is a sport that fascinates many people. Many would like to take up the sport, but the fear of failure or, even worse, of getting hurt is very strong: in reality, it is enough to advance little by little, under the careful guidance of a trained instructor, and to approach the sport with respect.

Let’s take a look at some useful tips, five to be precise, that you may find useful if you want to get started in this sport.

Surfing for beginners: 5 tips to get started

Do you want to surf? Well, here are 5 tips to get you closer to surfing.

• First tip: choose the right equipment slowly. Don’t be in a hurry to buy a surfboard and don’t buy cheap products. If you are a complete beginner, you can borrow equipment or rent it, perhaps from a good surf school like Point Break.
• When you have taken your first steps in this wonderful sport, then you can think about buying a surfboard, opting for a Big Surfboard: the bigger and more stable boards are ideal for beginners. In addition, you will need a cord to tie the board to your ankle, so that you don’t get completely separated from the board when you fall off.
• Start surfing favoring small and narrow waves, even those close to the beach. When the wave forms, you have to jump into the part of the water where the rafting occurs and follow the wave itself: this is the advice given by a good surf instructor from the very first lessons. One of the behaviors to adopt from the beginning is to have preference when catching the wave: you have to give priority to the person who is surfing the wave to avoid collisions. Also, even if there are many people in the water, avoid crowds.
• The fourth tip, perhaps the main one, is to learn the basics of technique. First of all, you have to learn to swim on the board and spend a lot of time lying on it, waiting for the right wave. When the wave arrives, you have to be ready to jump in and start surfing: but everything comes in due time. Surfing is a sport that requires commitment, tenacity and patience.
• Fifth and last tip, the choice of the board: when you start surfing, you should start with a funboard, which is stable and easy to use, and practice a lot learning to “understand” the waves and ride them with stability. With time and application you will be able to move on to another board.

Read also: Kitesurfing vs surfing: which is better for you? Find out here!

Techniques to learn for surfing from the ground up

After looking at the five tips, let’s look at some of the basic surfing techniques.

One of the first techniques to learn ispaddling, which consists of lying on your back on the board, keeping your head and part of your torso elevated. It is essential to reach the waves and position yourself correctly.

The“wave catching” technique consists of using the strength of the arms to push the board towards the wave, synchronizing the movements with the wave to ride it.

Once the wave has been caught, the surfer must quickly get up on the board, moving from the supine to the vertical position: learning this movement takes time, as you have to be fluid and quick to keep your balance.

This is just the beginning: over time, more advanced techniques can be learned, such as the “cut back”, which allows the surfer to change direction and return to the most powerful part of the wave.

Where to learn to surf in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura, with its mild climate all year round and its consistent waves, is an ideal destination for beginners who want to get started in surfing. After seeing some tips and techniques, let’s discover some spots in Fuerteventura suitable to “get started” in this discipline.

El Cotillo is one of the best spots on the island for surfing, both for beginners and experts. However, its waves are only suitable for beginners with little swell.

El Moro is a spot in the Natural Park of Corralejo ideal for learning to surf, especially in summer. The bottom is sandy and the waves, both left and right, are mostly of short length.

El Burro has waves all year round and perfect conditions for beginners, but when the tide is medium/low and at high tide and especially when there is swell, surfing is only recommended for the more experienced.

Playa de Sotavento and Playa de la Barca, located in the Jandía Natural Park, are equally suitable for beginners.
Finally, Caleta and Majanicho are two other excellent places to learn the art of surfing, as long as the sea is not too rough.

Read also: The 7 best beaches for kitesurfing in the Canary Islands.

In conclusion

Learning to surf requires patience and a lot of application. Aside from equipment, it is essential to start with the basics and practice consistently. Remember that safety is paramount when surfing.

If you are a beginner, it is advisable to take lessons from qualified instructors and practice in calm waters before facing bigger waves. A good surf and kitesurf school in Fuerteventura like ours, for example, can teach you the basics to approach this beautiful sport.

Takeaways

• Approaching surfing with respect for the sea is essential. Equipping yourself well and practicing with patience helps to minimize risks.
• It is not necessary to buy a board right away; renting or borrowing equipment at the beginning is a good option. A large, stable board is ideal for beginners.
• For the first attempts, look for small waves close to the shore. Also, respect the priority of those who are already surfing.
• Surfing requires commitment and consistency. Before getting up on the board, it is crucial to learn how to paddle and lie down correctly.
• Starting with a funboard that is stable and easy to use will allow you to learn how to handle the waves. With time and practice, you will be able to move on to more advanced boards.

FAQ

What is the right equipment to start surfing?

It is important to choose a large and stable board, such as a Big Surfboard for beginners. In addition, a cord to tie the board to the ankle is essential to avoid losing it in case of falls.

What kind of waves should I look for as a beginner?

To begin with, it is advisable to surf small waves close to the shore. It is essential to respect the priority of surfers who are already on the wave and avoid crowded areas.

What basic techniques should I learn before surfing?

Basic techniques include learning how to paddle (paddling), lying flat on the board, and getting up quickly to surf once you catch the wave. With practice and patience, you will master these skills.