Many new surfing students want to know when it is time to own the Surfing Shortboard. The shortboard is what attracts most newbies to the sport in addition to it being on so many bucket lists. The culture of surfing started in the 60’s and grew into movies, songs, clothing, and a way of thinking.
The movies glorify the daring of the surfer and most of these experts are on shortboards. Just like Top Gun glorified the jet pilot, and yet few people think they can fly a F-16. Getting to the shortboard doesn’t take as long as the F-16, but there is an apprentice period that requires full dedication to fundamentals and conditioning.
The Basics of Progressing to the Surfing Shortboard
The beginners surfer starts with a high volume board so that he can learn the fundamentals without the board being a problem. Its almost like learning to fly on a simulator before you get into the real plane. Riding foam waves to the beach teaches you all the basics you need to ride a short board. You just have to keep perfecting them as you go.
The beginner learns timing the waves. He waits for the foam wave to get within 15 feet and then rolls over on the surfboard and starts paddling. When the wave is close, he paddles hard for a few paddles and puts his hands on the board to begin his pop up. In riding real waves, the surfer learns the timing of letting the wave roll under him. As the tail of the board rises, the surfer paddles hard down the face and puts his hands on the board for a pop up.
On the foam wave, the surfer rides straight to the beach. Then he can start paddling out and catching bigger foam waves and small real waves. After catching small real waves, he catches bigger ones and learns to bottom turn into the wave and drive it until it dies. The longer a surfer works with catching waves on his soft top, the easier it is to transition to the shortboard.
The main condition in the transition is to move slowly. The surfer should move shorter 6″ at a time and keep the width and thickness of the soft top. Now the surfer is on a hardboard and enjoying the better performance. As he goes, he also finds paddling more difficult and catching waves less stable, as well as more challenges at the start to stay balanced.
Depending on how much time a surfer can spend in the water practicing, he can move to shorter boards. Along the way, the surfer must get in better condition because paddling smaller boards requires more strength and stamina. They don’t float like the soft top, but eventually start sinking below the water. They also need steeper waves which means better timing and more courage. Popping onto the smaller board is more unstable.
The surfer does not want to take the fun out of surfing by moving too fast. Pretty soon he could rise to the level above his competence, like in a job. The shortboards start at 6’10” so the transition from an 8′ soft top to a shortboard can take a long time.
Read a good book to get ready.
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Get the Learn to Surf Guide Course in Kindle, Paperback or Audio
A great 29 page course on the fundamentals of catching waves, doing beginner and advanced pop ups, riding real waves, how to do maneuvers on real waves, which surfboards to ride, and how to progress. Great for lesson preparation, after lesson review, or learning on your own.
Kindle price $2.99 on Amazon. Paperback price $6.95 on Amazon. Audio download price $7.95
Get Fit to Surf
A great guide to strength, flexibility, stamina, and leanness for surfing. Beginner strategies for getting stronger, more flexible, stronger cardiovascular system, and nutrition to lose weight. An improving surfer or one who wants to prepare must meet the whole body physical demands of surfing. Getting stronger improves ones ability to perform better.
Buy on Kindle for $5.99 or the Paperback for $7.99
Every Body Can Surf
To read a great book for getting in shape to surf or getting in better surfing shape, read my new book Overweight People Can Surf, a Health, Fitness, Nutrition, and Surfing Adventure
Description:
Get healthy and fit to surf or set a goal of surfing to improve weight, fitness, nutrition, and health. This guide by a surf instructor/health coach/personal trainer gives the short version of how to lose weight, get strong, build stamina, develop nutrition, and learn to surf. Surfing is a lifestyle enjoyed by millions and so is fitness. Fitness creates opportunities to enjoy life through lots of different kinds of recreation. No need to stand on the sidelines while others are having a great time. Start your program to health with easy steps and progress at your own pace. That is the secret to maintaining a lifestyle. Do it at your pace. This book will start you on the path.
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Seniors Get Fit to Surf
Description:
Seniors often ask if it is too late to learn to surf. Age is functional not chronological. If people have been exercising and maintaining body strength, surfing can be accomplished. If people have not been exercising, then getting in shape to surf could be a life changing move. Learn how to develop strength, flexibility, and stamina to learn surfing. If you are in surf shape, you could pursue most any recreation.
Buy the E-book on Amazon for $5.99
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