Waves swell and crash because of a complex interaction between the wind, the ocean, and gravity. A surfer doesn't need to be a scientist to learn how to judge the waves. But being aware of some of their behavior and how to react to them will keep you safer.
The wave tube is formed by a swell, which results from continual strong waves brushing over the surface of the ocean near the shore. The stronger the offshore wind, the bigger the swell.
Reefs, sand bars and other formations under the water play a big role in how the water moves. As a swell passes over a reef it will tend to rise.
Waves crest because the water builds up as the land gets more shallow. But they can only sustain themselves to a certain point before gravity brings the crest down.
Until you get more experience, stick with simple environment conditions. Don't go out when the weather is extremely bad or good. Big winds mean big swells. Keep the waves you attack down to about 3-4 feet (1-1.2 m). Anything larger is too big a challenge at this stage.
As you paddle out to the wave, be aware of what's nearby and what goes on around you. Piers, and rocky outcroppings can alter the way the wave acts. As the wave moves around them it tends to produce a swirl. Paddle out away from all obstructions, past any near shore barriers, then turn around.
Once you're out far enough, you'll want even more to keep an eye on the water's movements. You'll need to keep glancing over your shoulder to judge the wave speed, direction and size. At the same time, you need to be aware of how close you are moving toward the shore and any other nearby surfers.
Wear sun protection swimwear and a sun hat, apply sunscreens where possible. Skin protection should be a priority when spending a lot of time on the beach learning how to surf or studying how waves behave. After all, surfing should be fun, exiting and safe. There are special type of swimwear for surfing, such as surf shirt, swim tights, sunsuits, stinger suits, and sun hats. Make sure your surfing gear provide maximum sun protection with UPF50+ UV protection.
Stand, be counted and be safe. your surfing experience should be like no other. This sport is well loved by outgoing and sports minded people and it is open to all to enjoy. There are many websites that promote surfing, so take your time to get more information and study how you can become a good surfer.
Safety is number one. Protect yourself against the sun's UV radiation and learn good surfing techniques.
Surfing - How Waves Behave
Top Surfing Destinations: The Best Places to Test Your Surfing Skills
As a surfer, you are always on the lookout for new destinations to surf in. Besides, surfing the same area and the same wave over and over again can bore you out of your mind. It can even bore you to the point where surfing will no longer be interesting for you. So, where are the places that you should go to in order to test your skills in surfing?
Well, for starters, you'd be surprised to know that there are quite a lot of surfing destinations all over the world which will surely interest you. The world is a fantastic place which is really full of surprises. In fact, there are even surfers who travel to remote islands and even in the middle of the ocean just to find the perfect place to surf. However, here are a few top surfing destinations that you may want to try.
1. Gold Coast City, Australia
You may want to remember that Australia is known all over the world for its excellent surfing conditions. And, because Gold Coast City offers sunny skies and four main breaks, this place have been considered by surfing aficionados, such as yourself, as a surfer's paradise. Another great thing about this place is that there are plenty of activities aside from surfing. After hitting the waves, you can go shopping or even go to wild parties during the night.
2. Kandahar, Mexico
Whether you are a beginner or you consider yourself as an equal of Kelly Slater or Andy Irons, you will see that you will be able to find the perfect place for you to do your surfing here in Kandahar, Mexico. With a very large variety of surf breaks, you can be sure that you will find a wave that will challenge your skills. Also, you will be able to have a lot of fun in the process. The great thing about this place is that the beach is not very crowded. With its great weather the whole year round, you will be able to experience the best surfing you will ever have. But, if you are looking for the big waves, then you may want to visit Kandahar during May or June.
3. Banzai Pipeline, Oahu
If you consider yourself as an equal of Andy Irons or Kelly Slater, then the Banzai Pipeline is for you. With some of the best and the most dangerous waves in the world, you can be sure that you will have a lot of fun surfing the big waves of Hawaii in this surfing spot. However, you might want to remember that this place is definitely a no-no for beginners. In fact, even pros shy away from the Banzai Pipeline as the waves can get very intense.
4. Half Moon Bay, California
This particular surfing destination is famous for its waves that can range from 25 to 50 feet. Half Moon Bay is considered to be the Mecca of surfing. Although the waves are not the biggest in the world, you will see that the waves here are the biggest in the state.
These are some of the best surfing destinations that you should try visiting. If you are sick and tired of the same old waves in your place, then it may be time for you to pack your bags and experience more challenging waves. You'd be surprised as to how many places there are that will be able to satisfy your surfing needs.
Top Surfing Destinations: Experiencing the World in the Eyes of a Surfer
As a surfer, you know that you want to experience what the world has to offer when it comes to surfing. You will be surprised to know that Hawaii isn't the only place that is able to offer fantastic surfing. You will see that the world is simply an amazing place that will be able to offer everyone a unique experience from one place to another. This is true for surfing as one place will be able to offer a different surfing experience to another place.
So, here are some of the top surfing destinations that you will surely want to go to for a fantastic surfing experience.
The first is Oahu, Hawaii – North Shore.
First of all, you need to consider the fact that Hawaii is the home of surfing. It originated here and this sport is considered to be a sacred ritualistic sport by the Polynesians. Home to most of the Big Wave surfing experience and some of the best breaks, this island paradise is definitely a place that every surfer must visit. In fact, this place should be the place where you should learn how to surf. There is no other place better to learn surfing than the place where surfing originated.
The North Shore in the island of Oahu will be able to offer gigantic waves that form barrels that you can ride. Commonly known as the wild water, North Shore offers some of the best surfing for advanced surfers. The gigantic waves are common during the winter months and this place offers 20 miles of open sandy beaches. If you haven't experienced 20 to 30 feet waves, then this is the place that you should definitely go to. For this type of waves, you may want to visit North Shore in Oahu during October to February.
Ehukai Beach offers the most famous of these breaks which is known as the Banzai Pipeline. This place is where surfing legends are made and broken. If you want to try riding the Banzai Pipeline and also experienced what the greats of surfing experienced, then this is the perfect place for you to go to.
Cape Town, South Africa is another surfing destination that you should definitely visit if you are a true surfing enthusiast. Here in Cape Town, South Africa, particularly in Jeffries Bay, you will see that it will not only be able to offer big waves, but also some of the most beautiful sceneries that you will even have a chance to see while you surf.
Here, you will find all sorts of secret places to surf on that produces fantastic waves that will surely thrill you. Jeffries Bay or J-Bay as surfers call it, you will see that it will be able to offer consistent surf and famous curls. You will also experience what surfers refer to as Supertubes when you surf in J-Bay. Just make sure that you should have your eyes peeled when you surf this place as it has a reputation for attracting sharks in droves because of the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Lastly, another place that you should visit is the Half Moon Bay, Northern California – Mavericks. Producing breaks that are synonymous with Hawaii's Big Wave surfing, you will see that this place will be able to find waves that can be as big as 50 feet during the winter months. With strong and challenging waves that can really make you want to surf, what more can you ask for?
These are the three top surfing destinations that you should try visiting the next time you go on a surfing vacation. Providing you with big waves, you can be sure that you will be able to ride like the legends and test out your skills in surfing.
Top Surfing Destinations: Do You Have What It Takes To Surf The Banzai Pipeline?
So you think that you are really good at surfing and that you have what it takes to be one of the legends in surfing? You might want to think again. If you haven't tried surfing the Banzai Pipeline yet, then you haven't really experienced what surfing is really all about.
The Banzai Pipeline is located at the North Shore of Oahu. This particular surfing spot offers the world's most spectacular tubular wave that expert surfer's dream of surfing. Just imagine yourself inside the tube of the wave. It would be like being somewhere different. You can't really describe what it is really like until you try it for yourself.
This tube is what surfers' dream of riding. It is what they compete for in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. In fact, most surfers wait for days and even weeks in the Banzai Pipeline just to get the perfect wave.
If you want to test your surfing skills and see if you have what it takes to be one of the greats, then you may want to experience the Banzai Pipeline. Located at Ehukai Beach Park which is located on Ke Nui Road that is just off Kamehameha Highway, you will see that it is very easy to find. In fact, this surfing spot is very popular in the area that you can ask the locals for directions.
Because of its fame, you will see that the 1.2 acre beach park gets a lot of visitors especially during the winter months where the waves really get huge. From surfers like you, to journalists, to photographers, to your average Joe who wants to see the action, you will see that this place will definitely be packed.
You might want to remember that this surfing spot is only for experts. If you are just a beginner to advanced surfer, then you will have to wait until spring and summer in order for you to ride smaller and much gentler waves.
However, you might want to remember that even in summer, the waves near the shore and the rip currents are something that you should be careful of.
Here, you will find complete services and amenities. It has lifeguards, showers, parking, picnic areas, restrooms and even phones.
The Banzai Pipeline is indeed the scariest wave to surf on. If you aren't an experienced surfer and you are only good at smaller waves, then you might want to look for another place to surf. The Banzai Pipeline isn't for the fainthearted. It is very dangerous and is only reserved for expert surfers. In fact, even seasoned pros gets wiped out extremely hard, which can be nerve-wracking for beginners.
However, if you think that you already have what it takes to surf the Banzai Pipeline, then you may want to go visit the Ehukai Beach Park during the winter months. With big waves, fantastic crowd, awesome scenery, and exciting surfing, you can be sure that you will be able to have a lot of fun surfing the world's most popular wave.
So, stop waxing your surfboard and stop making excuses why you haven't tried surfing the Banzai Pipeline. If you really believe that you are good enough for the Banzai Pipeline, then start packing your bags and your board and head out to Hawaii and surf the Banzai Pipeline.
Top Surfing Destination: Experience the Waves of El Salvador
When people hear the word surfing, a lot of people associate it with Hawaii. However, you have to remember that Hawaii isn't the only place where you will be able to go surfing. There is quite a lot of surfing destinations that you will be able to find in the Americas and some of them are even better than what Hawaii has to offer.
If you really want to experience surfing like you never experienced it before, then you may want to consider going to the small country of El Salvador. Today, it is slowly but surely gaining reputation as one of the best surfing spots in the world. In fact, because of the near perfect surfing waves it offers, surfing professionals visit this country just to surf.
And, the best thing about El Salvador is that it is easily accessible. From New York, it will only take you 5 hours to reach El Salvador by plane. Also, there are daily scheduled flights to El Salvador from the United States in all major airports in the country. This means that you will not have any difficulties when it comes to traveling to El Salvador.
El Salvador is even considered by a lot of surfers as the perfect place to surf. Some even considers it as a surfer's paradise. And, when you visit El Salvador, you will see that there are quite a lot of things that makes the beaches of El Salvador preferred by a lot of surfers from all over the world.
The first reason why surfers love this place is because of the un-crowded beaches. Unlike other popular resorts where the beaches are crowded by tourists and surfers, El Salvador's beaches are not. Also, this country is blessed with perfect surfing weather as well as friendly and very helpful locals. And, perhaps the best thing about the beaches of El Salvador is the long barrels of waves that you can ride all day and all year long.
If you plan on going to El Salvador to surf, keep in mind that there are surfing seasons that you should be aware of. If you are more into large waves that produce barrels, then you may want to go between March and October. If you go during the months of January and February, the waves will be smaller but many surfers still consider it as a great surfing experience.
Basically, you will see that El Salvador is divided into two regions. The first is La Libertad and the second is referred to as "The Wild East".
In La Libertad, you will see some of the most spectacular beaches which are only located at about 45 minutes to an hour's drive from the airport. The beaches here are dubbed as the surf capital of El Salvador and surfers even compared it to Rincon. Here, you will experience a relaxed and laid back atmosphere with plenty of restaurants to choose from. You will also find hotels and surf shops along the beaches.
El Sunzal and Punta Roca are two of the most popular surfing spots in the La Libertad region. With powerful waves, this is the place to go to if you are an experienced surfer.
In The Wild East region, you will find Punta Mango, which provides perfect waves for experienced surfers. Las Flores is another place in this region that you will want to try out. Las Flores is perfect for all surfers with all skill levels.
As you can see, surfing in El Salvador is indeed a must. If you love surfing and you want to experience something new, then El Salvador is the place that you should go to.
The Places to Visit to Experience Some of the Best Surfing in the World
Every surfer dreams of traveling the world to surf the best waves that the world has to offer. If you are already bored surfing the same waves in your area, then it may be time for you to pack your bags and surfboard and visit some of the hottest surfing destinations in the world.
So, where should you go to?
First of all, you need to assess your skill level. You have to consider that different surfing destination have different waves in terms of size and speed. This is why it is always important to research about the surfing condition in a particular area you plan on visiting before you set off. This is to make sure that you will be able to get the waves that you want and also waves that you will be able to handle.
If you have the surfing skills of Kelly Slater and Andy Irons, then you may want to try going to Banzai Pipeline in Oahu. Known to produce some of the best and dangerous waves in the world, you can be sure that you will find surfing here to be very challenging. This place is definitely a no-no for beginners as the waves can get so intense that even pro surfers shy away from riding it. Also, you might want to remember that the danger here is very real. In fact, there have been surfers here who died surfing the Banzai Pipeline. So, you better be sure that you are able to handle the big waves produced here.
If you are fortunate enough to get an invitation from the private surf camp in Tavarua, Fiji, then you definitely don't want to miss the opportunity. Here, you will see that there are 2 world class breaks. Combine it with breathtaking scenery and beautiful coral reef you can be sure that you will be able to consider this place as a surfer's paradise.
Teahupoo, Tahiti is another world class surfing destination that you should visit. Exclusively for experienced surfers only, you will see that this place will let you live out your dream of surfing some of the most beautiful waves in the world. Here, you will be able to surf waves that can exceed 10 feet, perfect barrels, and heavy current. This place is definitely a surfer's dream. In fact, almost all pro surfers have been here at least once. So, there is really no reason why you shouldn't visit this place to go surfing.
If you feel like going to Europe, then Mundaka, Spain is the place to be for surfers. Mudaka is one of the most famous surfing destinations in Europe. Here, you will be able to experience waves with speed that every surfer dreams of riding. You will find that the current here is strong, which only means smoother, and much more exciting ride. You should also remember that this place is for experienced surfers only as the tides here can be quite strong.
There are quite a lot more surfing destinations that you can visit in the world. From Hawaii to South Africa to Australia, you can be sure that you will be able to find the right surfing destination for you. Always keep in mind that you should first do a little research about the surfing conditions in the place you plan on visiting in order to make sure that the place you visit will satisfy your surfing needs.
What Is the Right Surf Board for Beginner Surfers?
After learning how to surf from an instructor with a rental surfing board, the next step would be buying the right surfboard for you as a beginner surfer. Choosing your surfboard is one of the most important steps in surfing. If you choose the right board, then you will be able to have a better ride. However, if you choose the wrong board, you can expect to wipe out often which can really discourage you and abandon the sport altogether.
When choosing a surfboard, the first rule is to make sure that the surfboard you choose is the right width, length, and thickness. You need to remember that there are different types of surfboard available, which comes in all shapes and sizes.
The principle behind the different sizes is that the wider and thicker the board, the more stable it is in the water. The rule of thumb for beginners and if you are already an adult is that you should choose one that is 1 to 2 feet taller than your standing height. For kids, 6 to 18 inches taller is basically enough as they are lighter and therefore, more buoyant.
If you want to surf all summer long or you want to surf the entire season of surfing in your area, then you may want to make sure that you should get a board that will be able to last more than one season. You also need to pick a board that you will not outgrow in a short amount of time. However, you also want to make sure that you should get a cheap one at that in order for you to prevent feeling bad about the dents and dings that the board will usually get.
Getting a used surfboard is a great idea to save money on the surfboard but always be aware of any delamination or cuts where the foam is showing. This is a bad sign and it will mean that the board will not last really long. If you have the money for it, you can get a custom made board. Although custom made boards will cost you money, it will be made according to your specifications which means that you will be able to have a better feel for the board whenever you hit the water.
As a beginner, don't be worried about the amount of fins that the board you choose has. This is not really a factor when you are just learning how to surf. Fins help in turning, which you will not really use if you are a beginner. And, you need to keep in mind that you won't be making any fancy twists and turns when you are just learning how to surf.
As you can see, the criteria for the best surfboard for beginners are not really all that complicated. Always keep in mind that whatever board you choose, never fall for the board that looks really cool and decide to get a short board instead. These boards are short and narrow, which have thin edges, which are basically designed for doing fancy maneuvers by advanced surfers. Always start with longer, wider and more buoyant board if you are a beginner surfer.
After mastering the basics, you can always purchase a cool looking short board that you will be able to use properly.
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