If you look at an expert surfer taming the waves, you see them effortlessly gliding as the wave breaks above him while performing unbelievable stunts. You might think that surfing is only for the selected few with some rare natural talent for the sport. However, you couldn’t be farther from the truth.
In this article, we list 10 reasons why everyone can surf. So, if you are a disheartened beginner, an enthusiastic novice, or even a complete layman, you can be reassured that you can definitely go out there and make the waters your own.
1. Getting Surfing Equipment Is Easy
Although there are many surfing equipment, such as a wetsuit, leash, and earplugs, the only essential thing is the surfboard. You are good to go once you made a decent investment into an adequate board. If you are unsure what type of surfboard you should get, the vendor will be sure to assist you and answer any questions.
Although the board is the most important part, you should definitely get any other surfing equipment once you decide to take the activity more seriously. There is a reason why they exist.
2. Surfing Is Great Exercise
Surfing is an amazing, full-body exercise. Although it looks intimidating at first, you don’t need to ride mile-high waves. You would work out plenty on smaller waves as well. Exercising is an essential activity that everyone should do at least a little bit, so it might as well be something as exhilarating as surfing.
3. Overweight Surfers Are Examples
Surfing does not discriminate between body types. Although the conventional surfer might appear in your mind as a muscular, lean individual, some of the best surfers, like Shawn Briley, James Pellegrine, and Kekoa Bacalso, are overweight. There is no shame in having a bit of a belly anyway, so there is no need to shy away from the waves when they clearly never deterred some of the greatest ones.
4. Many People Will Help You Learn Surfing
The surfing community is full of amazing and helpful people who are eager to guide you on your journey. If you are unsure about your technique, looking for optimal equipment, or frustrated about your performance, you can surely find dozens of surfers either online or on-site who are more than happy to help you out.
5. You Can Surf On Lakes Too
The biggest waves normally appear on the seashore or coasts of oceans, but many people have no access to these. However, you can surf on many bigger lakes as well. You might not ride gigantic rails there, but if the ocean or sea is far away from you and you have a lake with a beach near you, you can visit it on a windy day and try your luck. If you can’t find any sufficient waves even then, don’t worry, and we’ll tell you why in our next point.
6. There Are Many Forms of Surfing
There is traditional surfing, but if you do not have access to adequate waves or that does not interest you, there are many other forms of surfing that you might fancy. Here are some of them:
- Windsurfing: Take a surfboard and a sail and ride the winds, as well as the waves, while treading the water.
- Kitesurfing: Stand on your board while holding a kite and tame and speed around as the winds blow.
- SUP: Don’t feel like going rapid? Conquer the water while standing on a SUP with a paddle on a relaxing aquatic journey.
There are many more types of surfing apart from these so you are sure to find something that you can and want to do.
7. You Can Surf All Year Round
While surfing is associated with summertime, you can do it anytime during the year. Waves don’t only appear in the summer months, so if you want to ride the waves in Spring, Autumn, or even Winter, you are free to do so. Just make sure about the weather and temperature beforehand so you know that it is safe to surf in your desired destination, and you are good to go.
8. Surfing Can Be A Group Activity
Don’t want to be alone in your surfing journey? Bring your friends around! Either for reassurance, support, or bonding, surfing can be a great group experience if you have the right people with you. You can even motivate each other to push for your limits. And if you are looking to make friends, there are plenty who are eager to share the waves with you.
9. The Learning Curve Is A Straight Line
Contrary to other sports, the learning curve of surfing is straight. That means that you won’t get exponentially better as you go on, but on the other hand, you’ll feel incredibly rewarded on each step. You can follow your learning process at a steady pace and know that you are inching toward greatness. You also won’t feel inadequate at every failure. Surfing is an incredibly challenging sport and even the greatest ones fall from time to time. The important thing is to achieve your own goals.
10. Surfing Is Fun
This is the most important point. No matter if you are an expert or a beginner, young or old, small or big, surfing is an incredibly fun and unique experience open to everyone. No other activity compares to what surfing offers, as it is the only way you can feel the magical sensation of fighting the element of water and winning. And even if you are not competitive, fooling around and trying out goofy tricks with your friends is some of the best fun you can ever get.
Conclusion
So, if you have any doubts about picking up the surfboard and giving the waves a shot, remember: Take it easy. Surfing is supposed to be a challenging, extreme, but fun sport that anyone can take up.