NCW beginner's guide to surfing.

Here at NCW we know our onions with regard to many watersports. Yet it’s still surfing that’s a foundational activity and one closely associated with our Cornish base – The Rubber Shack. Being in such close proximity to beaches and surf spots around Polzeath we’re able to test product as well as indulge for fun. We’re also directly on the front line of UK wave riding which gives us insight and understanding.

We want to pass this knowledged and understanding on. But we want to do it in a 'real world' way. Via experiences born from actually doing the thing.

Intro...

Hopefully you'll find this guide useful and full of stoke inducing info to help you on your surfing journey about all aspects of surfing. For even more surfing 'good stuff' visit northcoastwetsuits.co.uk where you'll discover plenty.

ONWARDS!

Get a lesson.

Surfing continues to grow and attract newcomers every year. As we roll through the years particpation will only increase. But if there's one main tip we can pass on when looking to learn tp surf it's: GET A LESSON. Any newbie can go it alone and learn ‘the trade’ without instruction – but it’ll take much longer. There’s no substitute, however, for getting a lesson. An experienced, qualified, surfing instructor will be able to pass on valuable skills, knowledge and guide the beginner to where he/she needs to be much quicker. This article gives more insight to surfing and general watersports coaching.

The humble foam surfboard.

Ahhh the foamie: seemingly a lowly piece of surfing equipment but actually, in many situations, the best choice of board for the conditions on hand. And a foamie isn’t just good for beginner surfers either. We know many a seasoned wave shredder who busts out the foam sled for some cruisey wave sliding.

Foam surfboards are floaty, wide and forgiving. Plus, being made out of foam ensures they’re much more resistant to dings than your regular surf shred machine. For a good deal of surfers a foamie is the go to platform as it just works. After all, the best surfer in the water is the one having the most amount of fun. Foam surfboards sure deliver on that promise!

With a good number of surfing sessions under your belt it could be time to choose your bona fide first surfboard proper. (Although taking the previous foamie paragraph into account it may be one these is it!).

That said it’s still worth owning a well made, quality surfboard if you plan on getting seriously into surfing. Well, as serious as it should be; surfing’s a fun pastime after all.

Don’t be afraid to go longer. Longboards, mid lengths and mals are all worth your time and cash. Length equates to glide which makes getting out back, beyond the foam, easier as well as actually picking up your chosen wave. Ample volume and width are also considerations. You need to feel comfortable as comfort helps build confidence which in turn knocks on to skills development. Forget the shortboard and choose something dobale. Biggest tip is go to a reputable surf shop or speak to a proper surfboard shaper. They’ll guide you correctly and make sure you end up with a stick that suits.

Choosing your first proper surfboard.

Wetsuits for surfing.

As with surfboards it’s important to choose a wetsuit that suits your surfing wants/needs. How often do plan on getting wet for instance? And will be you riding right through the seasons or just sticking to fairer weather months. Also, would you be using your wetty for other sport

There are tons of wetsuit brands out there, all telling how good their gear is. A lot is quality but there’s also a good deal of rubber that isn’t fit for purpose or doesn’t suit the UK climate.

Whichever way you look at it our weather is changeable and the sea generally cold. It ain’t the tropics! Even in summer water temperatures can be low ish. If you’re not used to this then it may (literally) come as a shock.

Surfing is an immersive sport. You’re actually in the drink more than up on the board. Paddling out through white water, sitting waiting for your set and bailing out certainly means you’ll be wet (surfing’s a watersport after all). It’s super easy to get a chill and in severe cases this lead on to more serious issues if you aren’t wearing the correct fitting and right thickness wetsuit. Here at NCW we have conversations with all manner of watersports people who all have different requirements. Generally speaking a surfing wetsuit should be tighter fitting and possibly on the thicker side for most months of the year. At the peak of summer you may need something thinner but chances are your heavier duty rubber will be your most used. Feel free to get in touch with us here at North Coast Wetsuits to discuss your requirements. We’d rather get you kitted out correctly, first time round, than have disgruntled surfers in the line up!

Types of surfing waves and locations.

Surf breaks all around the country are now busier than ever. Aas with other outdoor recreational activities, has seen considerable growth in recent times. With staycationing back on the cards we’re pretty sure those headline spots will be bombed out again at prime times.

As a beginner/improving surfer you ideally want room to move and make mistakes. A softer breaking, smaller wave will be the go with your chosen beach being wide open and of the sand variety. Unfortunately, this means those headline locations are probably your best bet.

Avoiding crowds can still be achieved, however. Heading for a surf during quieter times – such as earlier morning and later in the evening – should less people in the brine. Some beaches see the ‘pack’ congregate in a certain area, leaving further down the line much quieter. If it requires a little walk to access not as a hectic a take off then do it. Just make sure there’s not a safety reason everybody’s jammed into a small take off zone such as river mouth.

Surfing safety.

Understand your surfing environment – tides, rips, weather, how waves form and where they’re most likely to break. There’s a lot of knowledge to glean as a surfer so start genning up! The more info you have the better your overall experience will be. If you need to ask questions of more experienced riders then do so. Again, surf coaches are a great source of surfing info. Know your surf etiquette and try and stick to the rules. If you do accidentally drop in then apologise to the surfer whose wave you scuppered. Most are easy going and understand mistakes happen.

Have fun! Don’t get caught up in the ‘show pony’ or agroville realms some surfers inhabit. Surfing is simply about enjoying the outdoors, ocean and getting stoked.

Let us know if you have any questions about any part of surfing. We’ll try and answer and are only too happy to help.

Surfing etiquette.

Observe Right of Way

Learn who has the right of way on the wave:

Furthest out: the surfer that is furthest out or that has been waiting longest Furthest inside: the closest surfer to the peak of the breaking wave

First to feet: the first to feet or first onto the wave

Communication: the call of "Left!" or "Right!" if the wave is dual-peaking

Don't Drop In

Cutting in front of other surfers who are up and riding is a quick way of getting yourself in trouble or injured with other surfers. Observe the right of way.

Don't Snake

Repeatedly paddling round someone to get into the inside position on a wave is a nono.

Don't Hog the Waves

Share them around. Even if you can paddle furthest outside and catch the waves first every time you reach the lineup, don't do it often.

Do Apologize

If you drop in on someone, run over someone, or breach the etiquette and rules in any way, just apologize. It's just good manners. We've all done things that we shouldn't have when out surfing, saying sorry goes a long way to smoothing things over.

Respect the Locals

Keep in mind that the locals surf the spot every day. Give respect while visiting a spot, keep things friendly, earn some respect for yourself. Don't mob surf spots in large numbers. Don't rush straight outside, take your time.

Learn the Right Way to Paddle Out

This includes not ditching your board or paddling into the path of other surfers. Take a moment to observe the waves and time your paddle out accordingly with the timing of sets and use your best judgment to avoid other surf users. If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask a lifeguard.

Surf Spots that Suit your Ability

Try not to pick a spot that is out of your ability range. You'll only end up upsetting the other surfers by getting in the way or being a potential hazard for everyone. Always check with lifeguards if you are unsure on where to surf.

Help other Surfers

Always aid another surfer in trouble. Surfing can be dangerous and even fatal, look after each other.

Respect the Beach

Leave only footprints. Don't litter, graffiti, vandalize, or otherwise impact the beach or surroundings.

Fringe surfing.

There's more than one way to skin a cat - so the saying goes. And it's the same with surfing. Ultimately, 'surfing' is simply the act of riding a wave - irrespective of what craft you're on.

In recent years there's been a quiet wave sliding revolution happening. It's now not uncommon to see bellyboarders, tray riders, body surfers and bodyboarders occupying line ups around the UK.

For many these alterantive wave craft offer more fun and 'surfing' accessibility than conventional shortboards. In some cases finge surfing has become a way of life and the only method of having fun in surf.

Stand up paddle surfing.

SUP has become super popular in recent years. The flat water paddling side remains the most particpated. But the option to ride waves aboard a paddle board does entice some.

As with fringe surfing SUP surfing offers a different experience to riding a standard surfboard. Having the additional power of paddle, and the means to 'joruney' to out of the way breaks is additcive.

With existing surf skills, and safety considerations in mind, it's not beyond the realms of possibility to enjoy a spot of paddle surfing - especially when the waves are junk. Find out more about all types of SUP here.

Foil surfing.

Riding waves with a 'dangly thing' hanging out of the back of your board mightn't be for everyone. But from a 'surfing' point of vew foil surfing is definitely another option.

Anyone with a solid base in surfing (able tio paddle out back, catch and ride waves both directions, stay in control and carve) could possibly get on with foiling.

Foil surfing can be done either with a paddle (ala SUP foiling mode) or prone. In both instances riders are able to exploit waves previously thought not great for trad surfing abd ride them extremely efficiently. Yet anpther example of what can be achieved with an open mind foil surfing is there for the taking if you want it.

Where to surf.

Finding a suitable surfing location can often be tricky. Keeping your personal skill level in mind as well as other factors (such as having family in tow) can mean it's a bit of a headache.

Recently NCW rolled out its family surfing locations guides which aims ti shed some light on cherry picked spots perfect for families.

We appreciate not everyone is lookng for a family friend surfing venue. But as a starting point these bitesize guides shoul dgive you a head start and have you well on your way to discovering yoru perfect surf spot.

To find out even more about surfing and watersports of all types head over to: northcoastwetsuits.co.uk