How to surf: Can You Teach an Old Dog

Words by Alexandra P Karplus

At what age do you become blown out?
If you don’t start surfing as a kid, is the sport a close out?

While most surfing legends have been riding since they were kids, growing up on the beach is not a requirement to try out the sport. First, you need to be prepared for the gulps of salt water you’ll swallow and the time you’ll spend chasing after the board. If it weren’t attached to your ankle with a leash, this would in many cases be a lost cause. Gear up for several trips th rough the washing machine—where you will tumble endlessly underwater after being swallowed by a wave you caught incorrectly. But with determination, swimming skills, and perhaps a few classes, everyone has a chance to search for that perfect wave.

the best prepping for your first big day out is swimming in the ocean. A strong upper body is needed, as the majority of the time spent surfing is paddling with your arms. Easy access to the ocean is not a luxury readily available in all cities; in many cases a swimming pool will have to do. Chris Brown, director of Campsurf, a surf school on Hermosa Beach, LA, puts it clearly: “the only people who have problems are th ose lacking in strength or flexibility. Don’t try to fool yourself. If you’re stiff and weak, you’re not going to miraculously change when you hit the water.”

A bit of online surfing can help as well. Researching the basics of the sport and picking up some terms might get you to the head of the class, come your first lesson. there are a ton of sites with valuable tips for first timers, pointing out how to read the waves and letting you know what to expect.

Southern California is a great place for beginners. the entire coast is scattered with ideal surf spots: San Onofre, Palos Verdes Cove, Sunset and Malibu to name a few. Manhattan Beach, in particular, provides great beginner waves, as well as lessons to put you out on the right foot, be it regular or goofy.

Usually beginners start off on the inside, where it is mostly small waves and whitewater. After a few lessons or a bit of practice, surfers progress to the outside, where they wait for the waves that are much bigger and much more fun to ride.

As well as group and individual classes, many surf schools offer private lessons for groups of friends or colleagues. Rather than hiking th rough the woods and falling backwards into the arms of co-workers, you can bond by just spending a fantastic day at the beach. Witheveryone out of their element, the lesson is likely to bring people together. Manhattan Beach is only 20 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport— surely two hours at the beach can be worked into a busy schedule?

th irty-someth ing New Yorker John Kim gave surfing a try for the first time while in Southern California recently for business. He says: “An advantage to starting surfing later in life is that I truly love the novelty of it.” So he doesn’t th ink 30 is the cut off age? “As long as I am physically capable, I plan on surfing for the rest of my life. Once you catch a great ride, you get hooked!”

So don’t be a gaper, get out there and score some great rides! It’s not too late… and it’s not going to get any easier.

Surf Terms

Blown out

the onshore wind turns the surf into unrideable mush.

Close out

A wave that breaks along its entire lengthat once, no good for surfing.

Gaper

Someone who watches surfers in awe, but never builds up the cour age to try it themselves.

Goofy

Surfing with your right foot forward.

the inside

Closer to shore, mostly small waves and whitewater.

Leash

the cord that attaches your board to your leg with a Velcro strap.

the outside

Further out with bigger sets of waves.

Regular

Surfing with your left foot forward.

Score

To gain or achieve.

the washing machine

Tumbling underwater after being swallowed by a wave caught incorrectly.

Lessons

Camp Surf

www.campsurf.com
310-322-6885
chris@campsurf.com

Learn To Surf LA

www.learntosurfla.com
310-663-2479
info@learntosurfla.com

Malibu Longboards Surf School

www.malibulongboards.com
310-467-6898
matt@malibulongboards.com

Surf Academy

www.surfacademy.com
310-372-2790
mary@surfacademy.com