5 Tips for Learning a New Surf Break
Whether you’re checking out a new surf break in your hometown or traveling to a surf destination, learning a new surf break can be tricky. Here are 5 tips to help you adjust to a new surf spot.
1. What are the conditions?
You ALWAYS want to check the conditions of a new surf break. Its a good idea to watch the waves for at least 15 minutes before you paddle out. Make sure the ocean is safe to be in. Check the local news or surf report for any advisories or warnings. Surfing during a high surf advisory can be dangerous at your home break and even more so at a surf break you are not familiar with.
2. What kind of surf break is it?
Learn about the break. Is it a beach break, reef break or point break? Knowing what’s on the bottom of the surf break will help prepare you for when you wipe out.
3. Watch local surfers.
Learn from the local surfers
The best way to learn a new break is to watch the local surfers. Something as simple as where surfers are entering the water can tell you a lot about a surf break. If you see that most of the surfers are entering in one area this could mean there is a reef or a rip current to be advised of.
4. Do research before you go.
The Internet offers an enormous amount of information on just about every known surf break around the world. Its a good idea to do your research before surfing a new break. There are several websites that allow fellow surfers like yourself to share their experiences at different breaks around the world. Or you can ask a fellow surfer who has surfed there before.
5. Make friends.
Another great way to learn a new surf break is to make friends with other surfers in the line up. Following good surf etiquette is a great start to making friends in the lineup. Reading about surf breaks is a great way to get an overall idea of the spot but having someone show you the sweet spots is even better!
Great guide – it’s always important to check the conditions before you go. All beginners should read this post. Thanks for sharing.