What to expect on beginner surfing holidays

Nov 29, 2013 BY Paul McWilliams

Beginner surfing holidays are a great way of learning the basics quickly and safely, with help and advice from a professional instructor. You won’t have to shell out a fortune on equipment and you can also combine the lessons with a break in a top surfing destination.

What to expect on beginner surfing holidays Flickr image by Kyle Taylor

Beginner surfing programmes are designed to get you on your board, on your feet and on the waves in the quickest time possible. Learn from the professionals, develop your skills and maybe even make new friends on beginner surfing holidays – what better way to learn to surf?

What you’ll learn

Just like Danny LaRusso in The Karate Kid, you won’t be getting straight into the action. Your very own surfing Mr Miyagi will show you how to learn the basics out of the water first. You’ll have a group demonstration on the beach with a full theory briefing about what to expect on the water, how to transition to standing (the ‘jump up’), and all the safety information you’ll need to know.

You’ll also learn paddling techniques, wave selection and how to read some of the water signals. A little lesson in surf etiquette is also important, otherwise you might get in trouble with some of the older hands.

Then, when you’ve nailed this, you can take your beginner’s board out onto the water. You’ll get the chance to practice what you’ve learned under the watchful eye of your instructor, who will be on hand to help you refine your technique and overcome any stumbling blocks. And do expect a few because not even the best surfers nailed it first time out.

Beginners surfing holidays flickr image by meg Stewart

The physical demands

Whilst almost anybody can enjoy beginner surfing holidays don’t expect it to be a walk in the park. Paddling, standing and wiping out (of which there will be plenty of each) do take it out of you. And it can be a little disheartening if you don’t get it straight away. However, keep trying and the moment you catch your first wave will make it all worthwhile.

Surfing is not without its dangers but on a beginner’s course you probably won’t be taking on anything too big. The biggest threat comes from other surfers, so be sensible and follow the safety guidelines you’ve been given. The last thing you want is for your trip to be cut short.

Beginners surfing holidays Wikimedia image by NIallio77

The benefits

There are many benefits of beginner surfing holidays. Not least is the chance to getaway to somewhere beautiful. Most popular surf spots around the world will have a surf school offering beginner classes and surf packages, so do your research.

Learning to surf in one go is a great way to develop your skills quickly, and with the help of an instructor you’ll get into good habits early on. Surf schools like this also give you the chance to meet people in the same boat and even make new friends. Plus, local guides and instructors will always have the inside track on the best conditions and best spots to surf – something you won’t get going on your own.

 
Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America
Surfing
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