Reasons to Surf
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sexynwet
Surfing might look simple from afar but, when it comes down to it, it's a challenging pastime. You have to spend hours learning the basic techniques needed to surf at a decent level. If you've tried it once, and given up, you might be letting go of something that you could one day master. There are many reasons that you should pursue your surfing dreams, and they make the experience worthwhile for yourself on many levels.
If you wish to break away from daily life, free your mind, and release your inner child, then surfing is for you. When you get out on the water and you are able to control the board, there is almost no feeling more fulfilling.  Surfing is a great way to get into shape. It's one of the best workouts that exists, and yet it's still fun and enjoyable – much more so than an afternoon at your local gym. The surf is never the same twice, and you can always find fresh and new ways to ride the waves whilst keeping your body in shape.
Surfing also helps to improve your balance, which can be beneficial in your day-to-day life. If you are a clumsy person, bettering your balance can be extremely helpful. Your whole body will become tighter and stronger, meaning you will notice improvements in other areas of your life.
Surfing can also be a great way to socialise. You can even find new friends whilst you're out on the surf, who you will share something in common with. There is a great sense of camaraderie between surfers, and you can develop strong new friendships.
Finally, surfing helps to empower you, give you confidence, and boost your self-esteem. It's a great sport, full of strong and confident women. It allows you to develop your own style and become who you want to, without any fears. A woman who learns to surf empowers herself.
Tags: Surf, Pastime, Socialise, Balance, Empower
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Where to Learn Surfing
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sexynwet
When you are starting out in the world of surfing, it is important that you find the right location to learn the basics. There are a few factors that affect whether a place is good for newbies or not, some of which include space, wave size, and the number of other surfers present. You want to try and find somewhere that is relatively free of people, especially experts trying to catch big waves or perform fancy tricks. It is fine if there are other beginners as well, but try to take your inaugural surfing trips in quieter locations. Select a large beach with lots of coastline, this way you prevent yourself getting in the way of other surfers, which helps you to be freer in your learning. You also want an area with waves big enough to surf on, but small enough to learn on. But the question is - where are these perfect surfing spots? One of the best locations to enjoy some simple surfing practice is in Brazil, specifically Florianopolis. Brazil has huge, sprawling beaches with all sorts of waves and, if you go to an area away from the buzz that still has good beach access, you should find the perfect spot for quiet practice. Hawaii has quite a few good beaches for those looking to learn. Waikiki is a favourite spot for beginners and many people go there for that reason specifically. The waves are pretty calm and you are surrounded by stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for surfing and relaxing. Finally, there are many beaches in California, but one of the best for newcomers is without doubt in Santa Cruz. Cowell’s Beach is almost exclusively used by beginners, so people there generally have lots of patience for those trying to learn. It’s easy to rent the equipment that you need and get out on the water right away.
Tags: Coastline, Big Waves, Florianopolis, Waikiki, Surf
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Wave-Sliding Origins
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sexynwet
Surfing is considered an extremely popular sport, which both female and male athletes and amateurs participate in. If you don’t know how to surf, it is still fun to watch and it’s impressive to watch those individuals who really know how to ride the waves. It’s certainly fascinating for both the surfers and those who are just spectators, but when and where did surfing start? It is believed that the sport originated in the Polynesian islands over 3,000 years ago. Originally surfing wasn’t a sport at all, but rather an efficient way for fisherman to bring their catch into land. What was once a daily chore, soon turned into a favorite past-time. The ancient Hawaiians described surfing as “he’e nalu” which means “wave-sliding”. They believed the sea had an attached persona, which would reflect their emotions. The sport also served as a training exercise to keep them in top physical shape. It even served as a way of resolving conflicts over wealth, pride and romance. With the arrival of Captain Cook, the sport soon became less popular as the white men stripped the natives of their superstitious and spiritual beliefs attached to “wave-sliding”. The sport was nearly obliterated, but somehow the Hawaiians held on to it. In the early 1900s a new spark of interest in surfing broke out, brought about by a group of teenagers named the Beach Boys of Waikiki. Soon, what was once believed to be a sport only practiced by those of Hawaiian descent, surfing was being practiced by Caucasians in California. This is thought to be through the Irish-Hawaiian George Freeth, who earned acclaim as a promotional surfer. It soon spread all over the Californian coast and a few years later became very popular in the Australian coast, after being introduced by Duke Kahanamoku (a famous and important figure in surf history). Since then, people from around the world join in and compete in this sport once known as ‘wave-sliding’.
Tags: Wave-Sliding, Surfing, Waikiki, Beach Boys, Hawaii
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The Language of Surfing
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sexynwet
If you are serious about becoming a surfer, then you certainly need to learn the lingo. It’s vital that you understand the language of the waves, as it will help you befriend your fellow surfers and understand their colloquial chit-chat. Surf language can be extensive, but there are a few important words and phrases that you should know if you really want to fit in. First of all, you should get to know the terms used to describe surfing. To “wipeout” means to fall off your surfboard while on a wave and to “kick-out” means to pull out of a wave. When you walk to the end of your board, this is called “walking the nose”. When you complete an accurate turn on the top of the wave, this is called a “snap”. There are also words used to describe breaches of surf etiquette. When you cut in front of someone who is riding a wave, you are “dropping in”. You are “snaking” when you obstruct another surfer on a wave. These things are looked upon badly by other surfers and you should avoid doing them. You also need to learn the slang used to describe different types of waves. A “barrel”, also known as a “tube”, is when the wave forms a tunnel that you can surf in. You refer to waves that break from right to left or left to right respectively as “rights” or “lefts”. “Wind swells” are waves formed by the wind rather than the tide. You call the top of the wave the “lip”. Also it might be helpful to learn some of the words that surfers use in conversation. Besides the obligatory “dude,” that almost everyone associates with surfers, it is also common to use the word “brah” to describe a buddy. If something is bad, surfers will describe it as “gnarly” or “hairy”, or if it’s really bad, “fubar”. You really have to live among the surfers to fully understand the lingo, but you can pick up a lot by doing some simple research beforehand. Good luck dudes.
Tags: Surfer, Wipeout, Dropping In, Snaking, Tube
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Surfing: A History
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sexynwet
Surfing is an ancient and old practice. These days, it’s a sport people do for fun but, when it first started, it was a work-related necessity. In the area of Polynesia, native fishermen and sailors began to realise that catching waves on boards was a quicker way to get to shore from their fishing boats. As time passed, the fishermen began to enjoy catching the waves, or surfing, so much and became more interested in it as an actual sport. It was around the 15th century when natives of the islands in the Pacific began taking part in surfing competitions and sporting events. It became a trendy pastime among the royalty of the islands and, as time went on, so did its popularity amongst the rest of the population. In the 1700s, James Cook sailed the Pacific and made some observations on surfing. He mentioned seeing a native enjoying riding the surf, just for fun, during his visit to Tahiti. Europeans only started learning about surfing around that time and it still took centuries to become a world-wide pastime. Eventually, the Polynesians settled in Hawaii, and brought surfing with them. The Hawaiians added a new element to the burgeoning world of surfing by making it a ritual. The Hawaiians also became the most skilled at creating and using surfboards by growing the best trees. When Hawaii was colonised, surfing almost died out though and it remained relatively dormant for many years. It was only in the 20th century that interest in surfing returned. White Americans as well as natives began to take up surfing, eventually spawning the ‘beach boys’ subculture which is still commonplace today. Surfing technology has, of course, improved and, by moving out from Hawaii to reach other parts of the world, the sport became much trendier. Movies and music have been inspired by surfing, books have been written for enthusiasts, and more people than even flock to shores around the world to catch some waves.
Tags: Surfing, James Cook, Hawaii, Fishermen, Waves
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Reading for Surfers
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sexynwet
Surfing is one of the most popular water sports, and the principle hobby for many people around the globe. Thousands of keen surfers flock to the beaches and shorelines where the best waves can be found every year, to countries all over the world, from Australia to South Africa and Indonesia. After these surfers have taken off their wetsuits and returned back to their usual lives, they often miss the waves. If this sounds familiar and you are surfing fanatic, as well as a bookworm, then maybe you should consider reading some surf-related literature. The first place to start is with surfing instructional books. Whether you are a beginner or experienced pro, it is always important to top up your knowledge and know-how with instructional books. You can learn new techniques, tips on how to deal with certain situations, as well as understand the etiquette of surfing. These books can be helpful for surfers of every level. If you are looking for something equally useful but less formal, then consider surfing magazines. Providing you with a wide range of topics, tips and advice, magazines include, as well as shopping suggestions, enjoyable anecdotes and stories, and much more besides. A magazine is far more digestible than reading than an actual manual, but can still be just as useful and enjoyable. If you’re a fan of fiction, there are a surprising number of books that are related to surf culture and history. Reading the biographies and autobiographies of your favourite surfers, the icons of the surfing world, can be fascinating and inspiring. There are also novels set in surf culture, and even coffee table books. If you like reading, you can find a world of specialist books in your local bookstore and online. Reading and surfing don’t have to be mutually exclusive, in fact, they are both enjoyable hobbies that go hand in hand.
Tags: Surfers, Sports, Indonesia, Africa, Magazines
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Ocean Etiquette
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sexynwet
Surfing is one of the most free and liberating sports that exists - it’s just you and the waves. However, there are some rules and basic etiquette that everybody should abide by when they take to the sea. These guidelines ensure that your surfing doesn’t hamper the experience of others, cause any harm, or become damaging in any way. Rule 1: Learn about the right of way. You don’t want to surf on someone else’s wave and end up causing a crash, ruining the wave for both of you. The person nearest to the wave’s peak is the one who gets the right of way, and you don’t have a right to cut into their wave. It’s ok to take the other side of the wave - this is called splitting the wave - as long as it’s free of other surfers. Rule 2: Learn about paddling etiquette. Be careful about where you choose to paddle. Always avoid paddling in the path of someone who is catching a wave, and always go behind them. Rule 3: Respect your position as a beginner. If you are just starting out, remember that and don’t try to get in other people’s way. Stay away from packed groups, and try to keep your distance where you can to avoid causing problems. That way you won’t distract or throw others off with your ineptness. Rule 4: Respect the beaches. Don’t dig holes, litter, or bring a dog to a beach where there are lots of people. Surf beaches are far more enjoyable when they are clean and litter free, just how nature made them. It is always worth bearing in mind that when you decide to get out on the waves, you’re not the only one person hoping for a fun day of surfing. There are other people who want to enjoy the waves just as much as you do, and you should always keep respect that. If you follow these guidelines, everybody can enjoy their surfing experience.
Tags: Etiquette, Surfing, Wave, Beaches, Paddle
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Little Beach, Big Waves
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sexynwet
If you are a newbie when it comes to surfing, a great place to visit is Playa Carizzalillo, Mexico. Not only is it a renowned spot for surfing, snorkeling and other water-based fun, it’s also the perfect location to relax and have a bite to eat in one of the palapa restaurants that line the shore. Situated near Playa Zicatela, considered to be the second best place to surf in the world and home to the famous Puerto Escondido, Playa Carizzalillo is known to be great for beginners. The beach isn’t too big, only 300 metres on a small bay, but the waves are usually high enough for those who want to give surfing a try. To get to the beach, you have to walk down steep, but well maintained, steps and then back up again once you have finished your fun in the sun. But that’s not a problem, it is without doubt worth the walk. Surfing alone is not recommended for beginners. To succeed and progress quicker, you should surf with people who are more experienced than yourself. This school can offer you the perfect start: Oasis Surf Academy is located at the top of the steps above the beach. An ideal location as you won’t have to travel far to begin your lessons. Boards and equipment are supplied by the school, which is convenient if you’ve traveled overseas to get there. All the instructors are coach accredited, bilingual, professional and responsible. Once you have some practice under your belt, you are free to go on over to Playa Zicatela and enjoy the world-famous beach and surf. When planning to visit Playa Carrizalillo, a recommended hotel to stay at is Quinta Carrizalillo. Former guests rave about the spacious and clean rooms, quality service and staff, and the beautiful view from the terrace. It’s close enough to Playa Carrizalillo, meaning you will be able to travel to your surfing lessons and the beach without a problem.
Tags: Mexico, Playa Carizzalillo, Academy, Surf, Lessons
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Choosing a Wetsuit
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sexynwet
Whether you want to surf, kitesurf, ski, or partake in any number of other water sports, one of the most essential pieces of equipment that you will need is a good wetsuit. A wetsuit serves to keep you warm, in and out of the water, and this can be a huge help when you live in a cold climate or you are holidaying where the waters are cold. A wetsuit works by trapping water around your body, which your body then heats and keeps warm. If you are serious about water sports, you need to find yourself a decent wetsuit. Fortunately, choosing a wetsuit is fairly straightforward and there are a just a few key factors to look for. The first thing to consider is flexibility. You want the wetsuit to be as flexible as possible; it should feel like you are not wearing a wetsuit at all. Ideally, the wetsuit should mould to your body and move freely in all activities. You want your wetsuit to be as tight as possible without being uncomfortable. A good wetsuit should not constrict your wrists and neck, yet it should not be loose enough to allow water or air to get under it. If possible, you should try the suit both in and out of water to see if it’s the right fit for you, as there will be a difference before and after it gets wet. It is also worth looking at the material to see if it is right for you. There are many different types, from neoprene, which is cheaper and works well but has a shorter lifespan, to spandex, which is protective against undersea creatures, to thermoplastic, which is warmer and stronger than spandex. Make sure you choose the right suit, even if it means paying a bit of money, and you will be set for many happy days out in the water.
Tags: Surfing, Kitesurf, Wetsuit, Sports, Spandex
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Choosing a Surfboard
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sexynwet
In order to be able to learn how to surf properly, a beginner needs a good surfboard. You might be eager to run out and buy yourself your first board but, before you go, it’s worth doing some serious research. So before spending your hard-earned cash on a new board, there are some factors to consider. The first point to think about is that no matter how much you spend on a surfboard, it will get scratched, nicked, and beaten up. With this in mind, choose something affordable rather than fancy. The expensive boards are not worth your money when you are just starting, so choose cheap and it will be kinder to your wallet. The second factor to bear in mind is that shape doesn’t really matter when you’re starting off. If you want a pintail, a swallowtail or another shape, that’s fine. If you want 1 fin, 2 fins, or 3 fins, that’s ok. When you are learning, you can work with almost any board because you won’t be doing tricks or anything too fancy at the start. The main issue to consider, when choosing the shape of a surfboard, is the size and thickness. You want something big and fat, that will float well and move over the water easily. Once you get better at surfing, you can start using a sleeker board but, for the beginning, you want something big and easy to stay on top of. It is possible to find surfboards that are designed for beginners. These boards are usually made out of materials that are more flexible and softer. They are generally considered safer and less likely to injure you and, although they are not ideal for tricks and stunts, they are perfect for newbies. The main factors for your new surfboard are cheapness, availability, and how easy they are to learn with. The board is certainly important, but not as vital as getting out there and catching your first waves. The only way you will learn is though experience, so work with what you can get.
Tags: Surfboard, Surfing, Surf, Swallowtail, Boards
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