| 1. |
Take some lessons
I think Girls Adventure Out is really good. Take as many lessons as you can afford |
| 2. |
Get a wetsuit
Buy a used or cheap (or expensive if you want)3/4mm wetsuit with 5mm booties and a warm rashguard (with a hood if you get cold easily) |
| 3. |
Buy the biggest board you can find
-but make sure it not a "high performance" board as this won't be as stable. I would get a soft-top or a BZ foam board. A custom made board may also be totally worth while. Expect to spend 450.00 for a used board and about 600.00 for a custom made or new one. A 9-9'6" may seem ridiculously big and cumbersome but you will catch more waves and it will be easier to stand up on. You can rent boards (and wetsuits) but at 20 bucks a pop and with time contraints on returning equipment- it's really worth it to buy your own. Look on Craigslist. |
| 4. |
Surf every chance you get
Go to the gym or surf almost every single day-I need to surf at least 4-5 times a week to feel like I am making any progress in learning. The learning curve has been really steep and I get frustrated at what a total goob I feel like most of the time-but it's always fun! Go easy on yourself. I am suprised by how much effort it is taking me to learn, but I am determined and when I do catch those waves-i am always validated by how awesome it is. I will surf in any conditions. If it is too big, I just stay in the white-wash. I practiced in the white wash at Ocean beach and this helped a lot. Try to surf Linda Mar ( in Pacfica-a good beach for beginners) at high tide so you have some water depth to fall into (unless it's really small because it will flatten out at high tide). If you want to learn to surf-just surf, surf, surf during any free time you have. Now that it is light until after 8pm-go after work. Not to advertise for Nike but-"JUST DO IT!" (a lot) |
| 5. |
Get fit for surfing
Do yoga, lift weights, run/swim also. Do at least 10 pop-ups everyday and work on core-strength-sit-ups etc. Eat well. Have a snack and be well hydrated before going. |
| 6. |
Learn surf etiquette
and practice controlling your board so you don't accidentally bonk yourself or anyone else. 90% of surfing is paddling-so do this the most-paddle around on the outside while waiting for waves if it's mellow enough. |
| 7. |
Read and Observe
Read all you can about surfing. Watch other people |
| 8. |
Respect the ocean
Help keep it clean and give it lots of love. |
| 9. |
Find friends to go with
Chat with folks at the beach. I have found most people at Linda Mar to be very nice and there is not too much of a vibe in terms being a girl and a beginner. Surf on the south end of the beach |
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| Hope to see you in the water, Annie R |
