November 25th, 2009
admin
If you're a surfing fan then it is only normal for you to crave for better surfspots than having to spend all of your life skimming the waves on the beach in your area. At some point, surfers tend to crave for more challenging venues that offer more to their surfing experience. If you want to be an expert in the sport then you need to try your skills in different surfing conditions of other surfing destinations in different parts of the world. Here are some of them you should know about.
1. Australia
Australia is said to be the surfer's paradise -- a place where waves reaches towering heights and never ran out for any surfer to try their skills on. The best areas for surfing in Australia are those in the eastern edge of the continent, specifically in Queensland and New South Wales. The weather conditions of the Pacific Ocean offer more waves that any surfer can glut on. Also, Australia is also considered as the surfing capital of the world so you can have as much fun surfing as partying with the rest of the surfer out in the sandy beaches after a day of skimming through the waves.
2. California
If you're looking for waves that reach up to 50 feet in height then you need to visit California as your next surfing destination to try out. Half Moon Bay is well known for its great surfing conditions -- both wind and currents product towering heights at an average of 30 feet and can reach as high as 50 feet if you're lucky.
3. Mexico
Another surfspot you might want to try out is the one in Mexico, specifically in Kandahar. The assorted surf breaks make for excellent surfing conditions that can challenge even those who are considered experts in the sport. The North Pacific Ocean yields favorable surfing conditions in Kandahar in May or June -- a perfect holiday destination for fun and surfing.
4. Hawaii
Hawaii is practically a world-renowned surfing destination today. Considering that the sport is said to have originated from the local natives of the island, expect to see a lot of towering waves and dangerous surf breaks that can be a challenge for seasoned surfers looking for the wild ride of their lives. If you're a beginner then you might want to stay away from the Banzai Pipeline and its towering waves.
Planning Ahead
Australia, Mexico, California, and Hawaii are just some of the best surfing destinations that a surfing aficionado would want to visit to find the best surfing conditions with towering waves, strong winds, and of course, challenging surf breaks to test your skills to the fullest. Keep in mind that not all of these surfing conditions are suited for all surfers. Some have towering waves that beginners might want to avoid if they're not confident in their abilities. It is best to plan ahead and survey the surfing conditions to see if it is worth the trip or not.
October 5th, 2009
admin
Surfing is a sport riddled with potential risk that can be bad for you. Drowning, crashing onto solid objects, or even hitting other surfers you are sharing the same wave with are common scenarios that can be life threatening if not avoided. Novice surfers should always consider safe surfing when challenging the waves and here are some tips that should help you surf the right way on your first try.
Safety Tip # 1: Always Warm Up First before Venturing Out
That's right; the most common problem with surfing is getting a cramp while swimming after getting thrown off your board or while you're skimming through the waves. If you're not careful then a simple muscle cramp on your arms or legs can drown you. This is why it is important to always do some warm up exercises and stretching before you attempt the waves. Do squats and stretch while you're still on the beach to get your muscles ready for the task ahead. It might also be a good idea to do a little bit of bending exercises for added flexibility and to loosen up your joints.
Safety Tip # 2: Wear Something That Floats
An important requirement expected of a surfer before challenging the waves is that they should know how to swim in case they are thrown off their boards. Once you are thrown off, the first thing that should always come to mind is to swim back up and get your face out of the water. Extreme cases is what you are carried by the waves deep down into the water so you need to have the necessarily skills to propel yourself up before you run out of air or lose consciousness. If you're not a good swimmer then you better wear something that floats, like life jacket.
Safety Tip # 3: Don’t Share A Wave With Other Surfers
It is an important rule among surfers not to steal the scene from another surfer, especially if you're thinking about cutting them off on the next swell. Statistics shows that a lot of accidents in surfing are attributed to surfers sharing waves with others. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran; always surf alone to avoid running into other surfers as you skim through the waves.
Safety Tip # 4: Safety Gear and Equipment
Make sure that you have all the necessary equipments and gears to keep you safe from harm. A life jacket is just basic precaution. You might want to wear a wet suit if you're planning to surf in cold weather or a GPS device strapped on you when you plan to surf a little bit out from the beach. It is also a good idea to bring a first-aid kit in case you get wounded by unseen corals or rocks when you get thrown off your board. These safe surfing precautions are applicable to both novice and expert surfers to avoid life-threatening situations as you enjoy the sport and all the risks that come with it.
September 23rd, 2009
admin
...A Step By Step Guide To Learn Surfing From Scratch
Watching expert surfers and asking questions is not the only way to learn surfing from scratch. Though there is nothing wrong in "winging" it but having a step-by-step surfing tutorial can help you learn the basics faster and get you on the waves and skimming like an expert in the shortest possible time. Here is a simple step-by-step guide in learning surfing from the basics.
1. Getting a Board
The first step to learn surfing is to first get your own board that you will be using for the sport. Surfing classes will provide you with basic boards to practice but having your own develops a familiarity with your equipment that is quite convenient for you later on. If it's your first time to buy a board then you might want to ask an expert to give you some tips on how to pick the right one. In most cases, novice surfers are advised to get boards made from lightweight material for better control and maneuverability.
2. Learn To Balance
Now that you have your own board, or gotten your hands one that you will be using for practice, the next step is to learn how to balance yourself on top of it. You don’t have to start by standing on it, but you can give it a shot to see if you can already do it. If you can't do it standing up or in a crouch then try to get the feel of the board and your balance by lying it on face down. Beginners will also get the knack of paddling since you will have to row your way to the waves before you can surf. You can also practice with your board on a swimming pool of you have one.
3. Physical Exercise
Balance and familiarity with your surfboard is not the only requirement to learning how to surf. You also need to have your body in peak physical condition to make sure you can do the basic feats without getting tired easily. First, you need to improve the strength of your arms so you can easily lift yourself up to a standing position to catch the waves. Leg power is also an essential requirement since you need to be able to have the strength to stay in a standing position as you skim through the swells. While you're at it; you might want to improve your overall body flexibility and stamina through cardiovascular exercises.
4. Hands-On Experience
Once you have easily mastered step 2 and 3, the only thing left in this surfing tutorial is to try to waves out for the first time. Don’t be afraid to get wiped out easily since that is part of the learning process. If you do fall off your board then consider it as training to swim back and to climb back up on to try again. Also, you might want to try out with small swells first close to shore before trying the much bigger and dangerous looking waves.
August 23rd, 2009
admin
Surfing is one of the few surface water sports that require you to have the right equipment and surfing gears if you want to perform well. Buying beach shorts and any surfboard that looks cool is not the right way to start your surfing career. Learning to surf is just half the battle, bringing with you the right equipment makes for a successful and enjoyable surfing experience.
1. Surfboards
Keep in mind that surf boards come in different shapes, sizes, and of course, additional specifications that improve your surfing experience. There are heavy boards and lightweight boards; some have no fins while others have two or more. There are also boards with a leash you can tie to your ankle so you won't have to worry about parting with it when you get wiped out by a huge wave.
Selection of a board for surfing should be decided on your personal preference and not just for looks alone. Beginners might want to start with lightweight boards to give you better control and maneuverability. Some boards are made for speed while others are designed for competitions and overall performance. If you're new at this then you might want to ask an expert help you pick the right one.
2. Wet Suit
If you're planning to surf in a warm tropical climate then beach shorts or swimsuits should be your preferred choice. However, if the weather going to be cold in your surfspot and waters are freezing then it is best to keep your warmth by wearing a wet suit. Like surfboards, wet suits vary in design as well. Some cover your entire body except for the head while others look like a combination of tight-fitting shorts and sleeveless shirts. Pick one that is most comfortable and offering maximum protection from the cold if you're attempting to surf when the weather turns foul.
3. Safety Gear
A novice surfer should never attempt the waves if you don’t have your safety surfing gears with you. If you're going to be surfing on the ocean or where tides can bring you out to sea in a matter of minutes then you need to bring a floatation device or wear a floatation vest to keep your head out of the water in case you are wiped out from your board. Some expert s advice you to bring a GPS device so you can keep track of your location just in case you stray too far from the beach. Other safety gears include a pair of goggles and a first-aid kit.
4. Surfboard Maintenance
A responsible surfer never leaves their boards unattended both before and after use. It is necessary to have your board repair or cleaning kit with you when you're going out to surf. Cleaning kit includes a wax and a cloth to keep your boards clean and waterproof so they'll last longer and improve your performance on it.
There might be more surfing gears out there that is not among the list above. Ask an expert to give you a few tips on how to select the right equipment to improve your surfing experience, keep you safe from harm, and of course, avoid spending too much than what your budget can handle.
July 29th, 2009
admin
Surfing is definitely a fun sport to try out -- the exhilarating experience of skimming through the waves with the sun and wind on your face -- priceless. However, surfing is not without its risk especially if you're aiming to overcome the huge, towering swells to cater to your need of a thrill and challenge. If you want to avoid putting your life at risk on this sport then you need to take extra care with surfing preparations before you challenge the waves.
Let's take it into consideration that you already have the necessary training and skills to be a good surfer just to avoid a humiliating wipeout while skimming through the swells. Here are some last minute preparations you need to consider to avoid getting into a bad situation later on.
1. Equipment Check
The best surfing condition is not only applicable to your chosen surfspot; it is also necessary to check your equipments and gears to make sure that everything is in their perfect condition before you wade out into the surf. For starters, you need to bring with your safety gears, like a leash that ties your board to your ankle, a GPS tucked somewhere in your wet suit pocket in case you are washed out to sea, and of course, a floatation device or jacket to keep you afloat without having to swim for it. Also, if you're going to surf in cold weather then make sure that you keep your body temperature warm by wearing a wet suit to keep the cold off your skin.
2. Survey the Location
No surfer should surf in a beach without knowing what they're up against. It is an important preparation to scour the surfspot for hidden risks, like shallow areas with coral or sharp rocks, sand bars, or any physical obstacles that can put your life at risk when you surf the waves. If you're not familiar with the area then take time to paddle around to inspect the location or ask a local expert to give you some advice.
3. Warm-Up Exercise
Since surfing is a physical activity at best, you need to make sure that your body is in top physical shape before attempting the impossible. First, it is essential for any surfer to do some warm up exercises to avoid cramps later on. Squats and stretching can help unwind those tight leg muscles so you won't have any trouble keeping your balance. Also, stretching increase muscle flexibility to keeping a firm control on your board is made easy. Don’t forget to exercise and stretch your arms as well since you will mostly likely do a lot of paddling and swimming before it's all over.
There are just of the important surfing preparations you need to consider before attempting the waves. Also, you might want to re-assess the size of the waves and wind condition so you won't have to face towering waves that you aren’t ready to handle yet.
RSS Feed
Twitter
