You’ve gotten down the basics and even the intermediate-level techniques, possibly through our blogs. Now, you’re ready for some advanced moves, you know the ones you see in surf competitions or, at the bare minimum, the ones you think about when you picture a good surfer.
You’re now ready to move on to the next level, take your surf game up a notch. But where do you go from here? Do you merely hit the biggest way you see and go for the gold?
As a Holden Beach surfboard rental company, we have some tips to help guide you in the process.
Paddle Like an Expert
You paddle to get to the wave; isn’t that enough? Unfortunately, it isn’t enough. There’s a right and a wrong way to paddle, believe it or not. Ready for it?
Your fingers should be nearly closed. This makes sense when you really think about it. When you have openings between your fingers, the water will flow through and you won’t get as much power.
The opposite is true about having your fingers closed; you optimize your padding power, making for the strongest paddles. You’ll then use less energy and save your strength by getting out further.
This is a tip you wished you would have learned sooner, isn’t it?
Choose Your Waves Wisely
Getting to the pro level isn’t merely scouting out the largest way near the shore and paddling toward it all willy-nilly. It’s genuinely more complicated than that.
Instead, you carefully wave watch, and you’ll get better at this the more you do it. Tackling the biggest way isn’t necessarily the best idea for a beginner, intermediate, or advanced surfer.
Instead, watch for the highest waves toward the horizon. As a general rule, a level wave line means the wave will be closing out soon. You’ll also want to check out the back of the wave, while it passes you since you can then see how it’s going to break.
Once you’ve learned how to watch the waves and choose which one is best suited for you, it’s time to tackle it like a champ. To accomplish this, you’ll want to make a few basic calculations, incorporating its speed and how quickly you’re taking off.
Make Your Center of Gravity Low
This is essentially a tip for all skill levels, but it could come in handy as you’re improving your skills. Ideally, you should have a lower center of gravity on the board. In other words, bend at your knees.
When you do so, your stability increases, and you’ll be able to gain speed more rapidly and comfortably.
Move Your Feet Accordingly
Your feet shouldn’t remain static. You shouldn’t merely hop on the board, leave your feet in place, and hit every way you can.
The most effective way to ride a wave is to adjust your feet as you ride. If at all possible, and don’t try anything you’re not comfortable with, shift your back foot toward the rear of your surfboard, no matter what Holden Beach surfboard rental you chose. By doing so, you can turn quickly.
Try, Try Again
While you might be ready for more difficult tricks, there’s a learning phase no matter which level of surfing you’re at. Therefore, be prepared to fall every now and then. Be ready to mess up occasionally.
You’re bound to struggle a bit at times, and it’ll truly make you a better boarder. So embrace the mistakes, learn from them, and grow.
At Beach Boys Cabanas, we’re a Holden Beach surfboard rental company. Our goal is to help you be the best boarder you can be with our rentals. But we also work our magic behind the scenes by providing you with inside insight.
Contact us today to book your rental for your next vacation. You may also call us at 910-712-3776 if you have any questions.