Surfing

Surfing is a water sport; a surfer uses a surfboard to ride breaking waves towards shore. Surfers can also use kneeboards, body boards and their own bodies, though traditional surfboards are the most commonly used items. Others sports have arisen from surfing, such as kite surfing and wind surfing, though these two sports rely more on wind than waves for movement.

To surf, a surfer essentially waits for a good surf report and then waits for a good wave (or creates one – there’s actually footage online of something called “dynamite surfing”, where someone throws dynamite into a lake and rides the waves created); once a suitable wave is spotted, he or she will either paddle or be towed (depending on the speed of the wave) ahead of the wave, matching its speed. When the surfer feels he or she is being carried by the wave, he jumps to his feet and “rides” the wave; most surfers will stay just in front of the white water part of the wave. Surfers will also attempt various maneuvers and tricks while riding waves.

There are various subtypes of surfing; there’s longboarding and shortboarding. There is also tow-in surfing, which most often goes hand in hand with big wave surfing; in this type of surfing, the surfer must be towed into a wave, due to the fact that the normal activity of paddling into the wave is completely ineffective.

There are also different types of surfers. There are some who pretty much give up on “normal” lives to fully experience a deep connection with the ocean and these are often called “soul surfers”. Sometimes these “soul surfers” criticize younger surfers who are wrapped up in surfing contests and sponsorship packages, promoting a particular surf logo or multiple surfing logos; indeed, many surfers argue over the compatibility between a true surfing lifestyle and surfing for money. These soul surfers also disagree with using something like the Ron Jon Surf Park, as there is no connection with the ocean.

In the US, surfing saw its biggest hotspot in California and really started to take off in the 1950s and 60s. An entire and elaborate culture has built up around the sport; indeed, surfers often dress a certain way, preferring surf clothing or other surf wear, certain types of music, literature, films and mannerisms. Surfers can also be territorial, claiming and defending certain surfing spots. Though these are obviously generalizations which may or may not hold true for every surfer, it can be said that all surfers have a deep love and admiration for the ocean and their sport.

There are many places where you can learn how to surf, including the Internet. Surfer magazine will also occasionally have articles that review some of the basics. If you want to learn to surf, though, the most important thing is to get on your board and get into the water; with enough practice, you’ll be enjoying the waves.