10 tips for beginner surfers

It is never too late, nor too early, to start surfing. A fun and healthy way to stay active while enjoying the great outdoors, surfing is as popular as ever. That being said, it is not as easy as grabbing a board and jumping into the water.

Below, we've listed 10 tips for beginner surfers that should help you get started on the right track and hopefully a life of fun.

Get a soft top surfboard

There's a reason those "Wavestorm" surfboards are the best-selling surfboards in the world - they're so much fun and a great entry-level board. When you are just learning, your board will inevitably hit you. But don't worry: with a soft top, your body will be able to withstand the abuse.

Surf somewhere with few people around

You may want to catch the hottest spots in your area, but popular spots are frequented by surfers who have probably been there for years and are going to have the best waves. Start somewhere off the beaten track that's not crowded - you'll get more waves, and get better, faster as a result.

Practice your pop up

It may sound silly, but take a few minutes on the beach to work on showing up on your board. Lay your board in the sand (dig a small hole for the fins to sit so they don't break) and lie on it.

The key to standing on a wave is a fast and fluid pop-up; Think of it as a really fast, but controlled push-up. Perfect the movement on the beach and it will be much easier when you are in the surf.

Move your feet

This doesn't have much to do with actually riding a wave, but if you drag your feet while walking in and out of the water, your chances of being hit by a stingray are drastically reduced.

Ask anyone: the pain of a stingray barb piercing your foot is enough to make a grown man cry, and definitely enough to shorten your surf session.

Find that sweet spot when paddling

You always see beginner surfers paddling too far back on their boards, causing them to do a wheelie and go slow. On the other hand, some beginners paddle too high on their boards, causing their nose to stick out underwater.

What you need to do is find that sweet spot in the middle, mark it with a piece of wax, and make sure you row in that position.

Stay perpendicular to the lime

This is one my dad taught me years ago and it's still true. Think about it: if you and your board are caught horizontally by a wave, you will be hit and pushed onto the shore.

Instead, cut through the bleach with a knife as you row, grabbing it straight and with your body close to the board.

Take that extra palette

This is a tip that can be applied to surfers of all levels. When you're paddling a wave and feel its energy starting to carry you into it, grab a stronger paddle. The extra speed will keep you from getting stuck at the top of the wave, making the fall much easier.

Bend your knees, not your back

When you stand on a wave, be sure to bend your knees, rather than hunch your back. You have much better balance with your knees bent and absorbing the energy of the wave. Also, the bent back and straight knees is just bad style.

Will fail

Let's face it, you're going to fall. And when you do, the best way not to injure yourself is to land well and fall. He never dives headfirst from his board; Try to land on your side or back. Even jumping with your feet first can be dangerous due to the uneven nature of the seabed.

When surfacing after a fall, place your arms and hands in front of your face and above your head; you never know if the board will shoot at you.

Have fun

This is by far the most important tip for any beginning surfer (and the main reason we do it). You're going to wind up, get in the way of people, and generally go crazy as you learn to surf. But that's okay, they all had to start somewhere!

There is a saying in the surfing world that goes something like this: "The best surfer in the water is the one who has the most fun!"

Soak up those words of wisdom, get out there and have fun!