Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced surfer, a surf school can help you improve your skills and enjoy the sport more. However, not all academies are created equal. Read on to learn how their approach can take your surfing skills to the next level.
Safety First
Surfing is a fun and exciting sport, but it can also be dangerous. It is important always to prioritize your safety and follow surfing rules. A top-rated surf school such as Isla Surf School Charleston is committed to ocean safety and will teach you how to surf safely. They will teach you how to assess ocean conditions, surf in safe waves, and use the best equipment for your skill level. Before you go out in the water, you should ensure you get a good night’s sleep, drink lots of fluids, and stretch. Avoiding surfing if you are dizzy or exhausted will help prevent you from getting hurt. In addition, if you see another surfer or swimmer in trouble in the water, it is important to know how to assist them.
Customized Lessons
With small class sizes, students get personalized attention and coaching. This helps them learn faster and become proficient surfers. Instructors and teams go to great lengths to learn each student’s level and learning style. Then they design a lesson to meet their needs. For instance, instructors at Isla Surf School are experienced, qualified, and passionate about surfing. They also offer private lessons and group classes to fit each student’s needs. Instructors help beginners ride the wave and teach them to read the ocean conditions.
Personalized Equipment
Whether you’re an expert surfer looking to hone your skills on challenging breaks or a beginner ready to catch your first wave, a surf school that offers quality equipment will help you get off to the best start. They’ll ensure you have the right board, wetsuit, and protective gear for your skill level and surfing conditions. Surfing can bring you into a flow state, where your senses are fully engaged, and nothing else matters. It’s a natural form of meditation for many people, and that’s why so many Navy SEAL veterans find surfing so therapeutic when they’re home between deployments.
Experience
It’s a common saying that “practice makes perfect,” and surfing is no different. Every time you surf, you learn more about the ocean, body, and board. You also develop a stronger connection with the sea and gain confidence on your board.
You’ll develop a deeper understanding of the ocean’s nuances, learning to read conditions, like rips and the surface over which the wave breaks. This is crucial knowledge to prevent injuries and keep you safe. It’s important to remember that surfing is supposed to be fun! People become so focused on their equipment, technique, and progression that they must remember to enjoy the experience. This is a big mistake! Having fun is the best way to get better and stay motivated.
Personal Attention
Surfing requires patience and perseverance, especially as you transform from a beginner to an ‘intermediate.’ The reward, however, is huge. Surfing is a full-body workout; it teaches you resilience and self-reliance through consistent practice and allows you to travel to beautiful places. Some surf schools offer personalized instruction. They’ll get to know your level and learning style before they design a lesson for you.
Learn to Read the Waves
Reading the waves is a crucial skill that dramatically increases your surfing ability. It’s important to know when waves will break, where the takeoff zone is, and how to predict the direction of the wave. This can help you to choose the best waves and get in the right position to catch them. It’s also helpful to understand how to avoid other surfers who are already riding a wave. This can be difficult for beginners, but you must do your best to keep safe in the water. It’s a good idea to paddle toward the shoulder of the wave or deeper than the surfer in front of you. Many top-rated surf schools offer training on etiquette, core strength, video analysis, and other aspects of surfing that can make your progress much faster. If you have the time and dedication to learn these skills, you will likely become a great surfer in no time.
Featured Photo by Josh Hild: https://www.pexels.com/
