Have you ever wondered...how your first surf lesson could look like?
Our recent guest Vanessa loved to share some insights with you guys about having a blast at her first #surf lesson ever.
What to Expect in Your First Surf Lesson?
I took my first surf lesson ever with Surf Coast Morocco. Though I love swimming, I’m a mountain girl – I had no idea what to expect from the adventure I signed myself up for. But even as a near-total stranger to the ocean, I had a blast during my first surf lesson. So if you’re considering taking your first lesson, here’s a heads-up on what you can expect.
Start on the Sand
After a quick warm-up, you’ll learn the basic motions on your board in the sand. You’ll practice paddling, watching the wave, and positioning yourself to let the wave push you towards the shore. When you’ve tried it on the stability of the sand, it’s time to test your skills in the water.
Paddle, Paddle, Paddle
#Paddling, I quickly discovered, requires a different technique from the front crawl motion I had seared into my muscle memory during middle school swim team practices. Proper paddling propels you forward with the wave while keeping your upper body quiet to remain stable on the board. Paddling sounds simple, but it takes practice! And it’s a crucial skill for successfully catching a wave. An object in motion tends to stay in motion - so maintaining your speed with strong paddling at the right moment allows you to ride the wave.
Read the #Ocean
Knowing where and when to position yourself in the ocean is an unexpectedly challenging element of surfing. Many environmental factors decide where and when the wave will break. Your instructor will help you decide where to position yourself, when to paddle, and when to stand up. After some practice, you’ll be able to see and feel the patterns of the waves and catch some waves on your own.
Bring Your Patience
In an ideal world, one day of surf lessons would immediately make you a fantastic surfer. You would paddle out and catch a big green wave while standing on your head as a crowd of admiring beachgoers cheer you on as you ride into the beach. However, honing your surf skills takes time and practice. So, if you’re new to surfing, take your time and enjoy the process of learning! The great thing about surfing is that when you fall off the board, you fall right back into the water, grab your board and head back out to try again. By the end of the day you’ll feel happily tired and accomplished for challenging yourself with something a little different.
Ready to give it a shot? Book your surfing package with Surf Coast Morocco and get ready to rip.