How To Choose a Beginner Surf Spot

  • October 29, 2009
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MorganC from Morgan Crossley (and 3 others)

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Learning how to stand up on a surfboard is hard enough – make it easier on yourself by choosing the right type of beach for your neophyte needs.

You Will Need

  • A beach break
  • A surf shop (optional)
How To Choose a Beginner Surf Spot: Find a beach break

Step 1: Find a beach break

Look for a beach break, or a wave that breaks over a sandy bottom, as opposed to one that breaks over a reef or a rock bottom. Sharp reefs and rock bottoms pose serious risks to beginners. A beach break generally has gentler waves, more room, and fewer hazards.

How To Choose a Beginner Surf Spot: Look for mushy waves

Step 2: Look for mushy waves

Look for “mushy” waves, waves that roll slowly toward the beach with lots of white water. Finding an open area of space at the beach where you can ride the white water will help you improve quickly.

How To Choose a Beginner Surf Spot: Talk to the lifeguards

Step 3: Talk to the lifeguards

Talk to the local lifeguards at your beach and ask them where it’s safe for you to surf. Many beaches have designated surfing areas that you must stay in. Also ask about hazards in the water, such as rocks, rip currents, and dangerous sea life.

Talking to people at local surf shops can be a good way to learn about spots that are best for beginners.

How To Choose a Beginner Surf Spot: Stay away from experienced surfers

Step 4: Stay away from experienced surfers

Steer clear of experienced locals as a beginner. Walking down the beach a few hundred yards away from the main peak will give you more space to learn and reduce the chance of a collision on the water.

In 2007, professional surfer Mike Parsons rode a wave over 70 feet tall that broke more than 100 miles off the coast of California.

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Comments (2)

BCipolla

Gorgeous! Nice job Morgan!

over 2 years ago by BCipolla

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MorganC

Thanks Bene!

over 2 years ago by MorganC

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