Surf School

What Do You Give a Die Hard Surfer?

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

Whether the surfer you’re buying for lives on the California coast or on the chilly shores of Lake Superior, there are loads of surfer-specific gifts that are sure to delight any surfer. For the diehard surfers of the world, only the best will do.  Check out our gift ideas for the biggest fans of surfing.

Unique products they’ll love

For enthusiasts of any sport that requires equipment, you can never go wrong with buying either a better version of what they already have or giving a unique item you know will make their abilities in the sport that much better.  The Go Pro Underwater Camera is a tool you’ll find that many surfers have. Also, the Go Pro Surf Cam is another cool gift idea from the Go Pro line of cameras, that fuses to the front of a surfboard and allows the surfer to record themselves. They also sell other mounting accessories, like a wrist mount. Other equipment to consider when buying a gift for a surfer are neoprene hoods (to prevent Surfer’s Ear), surfboard racks for bicycles, surfboard ding repair kits, surfboard fins or Indoboards (a surfer cross trainer that helps improve balance and strength).

Otherwise think media

And if you want to buy your surfer something they’ll enjoy when they’re not in the water, anything media-wise is also a great idea.  A magazine subscription to either The Surfer’s Journal, Surfer Magazine or Wend Magazine will surely make any diehard surfer pleased.  And there are loads of surfing-inspired books to also check out: “Saltwater Buddha” by Jalmal Yogis, “In Search of Captain Zero” by Allan Welsbecker, “Caught Inside” by Daniel Duane and “The California Surf Project” by Eric Soderquist and Chris Burkard. Also, fitness dvds with a surfing slant are another great idea. “Surfing into Yoga with Rochelle Ballard” and “Surf Exercises with Taylor Knox” are a few popular ideas.

While on your hunt for the perfect surfer gift, whether you’re buying gifts for your kids or gifts for husband, always remember to think outside the box, just like how so many surfers already do.

Is Your Body Surfing Ready?

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

Surfing can be great fun, and it’s also really good exercise. If you’re not ready for surfing season yet, what are you waiting for? The good news is that it’s not too late. There’s still time for you to be ready when the surfing season comes around. The two best ways to get ready are through diet and exercise. Like any sport or physical activity, surfing is easier and more fun if you’re healthy and you have stamina. By eating a proper diet and getting into shape, you can make this year’s surfing season one of the best.

What to Eat to Get Ready

You need to put healthy foods into your body if you’re going to be feeling and looking good when surfing season comes around. The good news is that eating healthy isn’t that hard. You should concentrate on lean meats and whole grains, and you’ll want to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, because they’re very good for you. Additionally, consider a Shakeology Meal Replacement for the times when you don’t have time to eat a healthy meal or you just don’t really feel like cooking.

That way, you won’t be tempted to eat unhealthy things like junk foods and snacks. Most things are fine in moderation, but you should consider unhealthy foods occasional treats only, not something you’ll want to consume every day or even once a week. It’s much better to eat healthy so you can get ready for surfing season. You’ll look better, and you’ll feel better, too.

How Important is Exercise?

Just like eating right, exercise is very important to get your body ready for surfing. There are many exercise programs on the market. There are yoga dvds, and all different types of physical activity, including P90X. You may be asking yourself does P90X work? It has worked for a lot of people who feel it’s the only way to go when it comes to exercise. You’ll have to make the decision, though, and use the exercise program that’s right for you. That way, you’ll be much more likely to achieve success and be ready to start surfing.

Keeping it in Balance

You should also consider taking some lessons if you’re not used to surfing or haven’t done it before. Learning from a pro will help you be ready to go and show off your moves when the season gets started. The healthier and fitter you are, the better you’ll be at moving around, keeping your balance on the board, and enjoying the experience. You won’t get tired as easily, either, so you can spend more time surfing and having fun before you have to come in and take some time to rest.

Overall, what you want is to be healthy, for surfing season and anything else that comes along. It’s not always easy to get into shape, especially right at first. Still, it’s easier than being sick and unhealthy all the time, and once you get going on a good diet and exercise program you’ll find that you’re feeling much better and you look forward to healthy eating and a great workout to keep you in shape through this surfing season and the next.

Make Your Surfing Hobby Pay

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Many credit card processing companies can help you establish a foundation to turn your surfing hobby into revenue. Getting a credit card first can help provide some flexibility in making future choices; it can also help minimize your stress levels in the initial startup phase.

Starting the Business

Having a credit card will allow you to focus your attention on growing your business opposed to sustaining or surviving to maintain. A credit card or credit line can be helpful if you are planning to open a shop or even if you are planning to start a professional career.

Exercise your Options

Looking into all the possibilities is the smartest way to approach new ventures. Contact knowledgeable friends or agents in the industry for advice on how to be successful. Starting a shop or becoming a professional can become very prosperous when you use the internet as the main resource.

Making your surfing hobby pay is definitely possible with an effective plan. Take the time to start the business the right way and exercise all the available options. Taking the time to prepare properly will pay off in dividends. Surfing can be a fun hobby that pays the bills for the rest of your life.

Surf Gear Basics

Monday, February 6th, 2012

When it is time to go surfing it is always important that you are dressed properly. You need to make sure your swimwear has a few key things when surfing.

Surfing On The Ocean

When you go shopping for your new swimwear is always a good idea to ask a customer service rep that works in the store about the perfect attire for surfing on the ocean. The reason for this is because you do not want to look like a seal, because there are sharks in the water. The customer service rep should be able to give you perfect advice for your situation.

Doing Additional Research

Another thing you might consider trying is reading online about perfect things to buy when it comes to surfing. Experienced surfers are going to give excellent advice based on their experience in the water. This particular information is very valuable because it can keep you safe.

Surfing can be a great hobby to have because not only are you in the water but you are also getting great exercise. Be sure you’re always very saving you follow all the rules, so that you don’t end up hurt. Make sure someone knows where you are when you go surfing.

Know The Surfing Basics

Monday, December 7th, 2009

surf-basicsAll it takes to become a surfer is a board, a beach, and some determination. Anyone new to surfing that doesn’t have a friend or mentor to introduce the sport needs to learn the rules. Knowing the dos and don’ts will prevent injuries, fights, dirty looks, and maybe even save your life. Surfing is fun, but the ocean needs to be respected.

First, know your limits. “When in doubt, don’t go out.” If you are uncomfortable with the conditions, then stay on the beach. There is no shame in watching a swell as it comes into your local beach. The more you watch the more you will learn about the ocean and her moods. Study the waves, how the current moves, where the rips are. You may find that after some time watching you feel confident and want to try. This rule also implies that you are fit and comfortable with the ocean. People that are fit and have good stamina can push their limits, while fair-weather or out of shape surfers should really make sure they are ready for the conditions.

Next, always tell someone where you are going or bring a buddy. The buddy system kept you alive on field trips in first grade and it will keep you safe while surfing. Whether the waves are small or huge, having a friend around to keep an eye out for each other is helpful. If no one will surf with you or you prefer to be alone, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be home.

Be aware of your surroundings. Look for the lifeguard tower if there is one, any dangerous rock outcroppings in the water, and locate rips. If the is strong current, watch a few sets come in and determine the best way to paddle out before you get wet. Notice the crowd and judge the skill level. Beginner surfers are less able to control their boards and crowds increase the risk of injury. Remember, most surfing injuries are caused by surfboards striking surfers.

Don’t paddle out if you are drunk, extremely hung-over, or in any other fashion intoxicated. It is unsafe for you and those around to not be in control, especially when the waves are big. Save the drinking for after your session. Give yourself 45 minutes to digest food before paddling out.

Once you are ready to paddle out, observe the basic rules in the line-up. Give priority to the surfer closest to the peak or first on his feet. Learn how to duck dive and don’t throw your board in a crowd. If you can’t control your board, keep practicing and avoid endangering others by avoided crowds in serious conditions. Respect locals and the pecking order, especially if you are visiting. Just because a friend invited you to surf a new spot, doesn’t mean the locals are going to like you in the line-up. Show respect and surf well. Nothing gains respect like surfing well.

New To The Game? Start With Catching Waves

Friday, December 4th, 2009

catching-wavesWhen you are sitting at home watching surf videos of the best surfers in the world, it all looks easy enough. When you finally decide to give it a try, it feels a lot more difficult.

The first thing to do when deciding to take up surfing is get fit and get comfortable in the ocean. Assuming you are ready, the first real part of learning to surf is learning how to catch a wave.

The physics behind catching waves is really quite simple. In order to catch a wave, you need to be traveling at the same rate the wave is breaking. This is why you see surfers patiently waiting for a wave turn around and start to paddle before the wave is near them. Slower surfers sit out a little further so they have more time to build up momentum. Strong surfers seem to be able to sit in the critical spot and catch a wave with just two strokes.

Timing and wave selection take practice. The best advice is to sit in the line-up near another surfers of your same fitness and experience level. Mimic the ones that catch waves and simply do as they do. The more ocean knowledge you have going into the sport, the faster you will experience success.

There are several different types of waves, even at the same beach with different tides. Beginners do better learning at breaks where the waves break soft and don’t barrel. Longer beaches tend to have mellower waves, and tide can affect the shape of waves. Most reefs should be saved for surfing once you get better.

Paddling 101

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

paddling-lessonThe act of surfing, that is standing on the board and riding a wave, is easy enough if you can just get there. Its all the parts leading up to the standing-up part that makes learning to surf such a challenge.

First of all, you are dealing with a surface that is constantly moving and changing. Unlike skateboarding or snowboarding, the “ground” moves. You can’t stand on a non-moving surfboard on the non-moving ground and have any idea of how you balance in real conditions. You have to start surfing when the board is moving on a moving wave or you just sink.

That said, you don’t even get a chance to surf until you get to the line-up, which means you have to paddle. Paddling looks easy enough when you watch experienced surfers, but the first few tries are tricky. You need to make sure you are on the “sweet spot” of the board. When lying on the board your body should be evenly down the middle along the stringer. You will know you are too far forward if the nose of the board is underwater, or too far back if the nose is more than an inch or two out of the water.

To propel the board forward you will need to arch your back and use your arms like you are free-style swimming. Arching your back helps keep your weight over the center of the board. After the first few days your lower back and ribs will hurt, but eventually you build up enough muscle that your back and ribs don’t hurt. Take long, deep strokes and keep your fingers together and your hands slightly cupped. Some people like to bring their arms under their boards, but depending on the width of your board and length of your arms this may be impossible.

Maintaining control of your board should be an important goal for any surfer. The more you practice, the better you get. On days when it’s too small to surf, practice paddling to build up your muscles and stamina.

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