The Surfing Gooroo says
What is surfing:
The Surfing Gooroo says: surfing is an art form, a pastime, a leisure activity and a lifestyle. It is self-expression, it is individual achievement, and it is a humbling experience of flowing with nature. It is fun and frightening, frustrating and rewarding, gentle and overwhelming and a potent form of meditation. Everything else is extraneous: fashion, politics, aggression, judgement, and hierarchy. It's all there and it's all irrelevant and whether or not you decide to get involved, will govern the future direction of the lifestyle that we all love so much.
So grab your board, have some fun, open your eyes, and go out and help to make the water a safer and more enjoyable place for us all to share.
It's well worth it!
Surf schools:
The Surfing Gooroo says: after your lesson with a surf school, make sure you visit The Surfing Gooroo to continue on your surfing education. But remember that surf schools promising unrealistic results are best avoided.
The Surfing Gooroo says: Many surf schools are genuine. But it's important to remember that you can't really teach someone to surf in a couple of hours. So if you are planning to surf for the rest of your life, do it right from the beginning. Surf schools that are honest with their clients about how difficult surfing is to learn and how important it is to get it right, from the very start. These are the surf schools you are looking for.
The Ocean introduction:
The Surfing Gooroo says: you may hear the odd fool bragging about taming the ocean. Best to ignore this idiocy. The ocean is never tamed. Sure we can kill all the fish and pollute the ocean. Pollute it to the point where the ocean becomes an unrecognisable entity that is no longer willing to sustain life for us. In fact that is precisely what humanity is doing. But we can never tame it; any surfer that thinks that they are in charge while in the ocean is utterly delusional.
The best a surfer can ever hope for is to flow in harmony with the oceans waves. To allow the oceans power to momentarily lift us out of the mundane existence of modern humanity. And for an all too brief moment teach us the meaning of presence. A state where we 'let go' and experience the sublime power that is the ocean. To truly flow with the ocean, is to experience a moment of grace. That is why we surf.
Rip currents:
The Surfing Gooroo says: as a beginner, when you see surfers using rips and currents to their benifit, stop, watch and learn for a while. But don't get tempted to give it a try just yet. There is a lot going on here. Using rips and currents successfully, takes paddling skills, intimate wave, rip and current knowledge, Plus a very good sense of timing. In situations like this, you won't have the luxury of sitting on your board and having a little rest if your timing is wrong. You can easily imagine what happens if you get it wrong. The Gooroo's not saying: don't try your hand, at using this technique. Do have a go at this. But wait until you are more experienced and have spent time studying other surfers using rips and currents.
The Surfing Gooroo says: handling rip currents is just one of the many things you'll learn as your surfing experience grows. The greatest cause of injury or death in surfing is ignorance and ego. It's good to push the envelope just a little, it's how you improve and gain experience. But take your time also; build your wave knowledge and your understanding of the ocean one step at a time.
Riptides:
The Surfing Gooroo says: we will describe how to identify riptides, as well as, how to judge the severity of riptides. But you should get into the habit of asking the more experienced surfers to point riptides out to you. The Surfing Gooroo will help to fast track your understanding, but remember that wave; surf; riptides and currents knowledge comes with time and repetition, i.e. experience. Never be embarrassed to ask.
Ocean currents:
The Surfing Gooroo says: If ocean currents have moved you, then paddle back to where you started form. This is important.
If you've put some time and thought into your surf check then you don't want the ocean currents to take you down to a more dangerous break, without you being aware of it.
The Surfing Gooroo says: You can't avoid ocean currents; they are nearly always there in one form or another. If you find surf that has no rips or currents it is the exception, not the rule. You just have to learn to live with them and, as you gain experience you will learn how to use them.
Tide charts:
The Surfing Gooroo says; you need to use tide charts because some places are so severely tide affected that just a one yard difference in water depth can completely turn the waves off. That's it you turn up at your favourite spot only to find that you're two hours too late. It's been swallowed up by the high tide. It's all over for the next three hours. It's about this time that you begin quietly thinking to yourself Hmmm perhaps The Surfing Gooroo was right. I needed to check the tide charts.
Surf conditions:
The Surfing Gooroo says: there is a serious intention to checking the surf conditions. It's the time when a surfer makes a personal decision. It's a time to get real. You need to look at the surf conditions and ask yourself, am I up to this? Are these surf conditions beyond my ability? This is not easy when you have a little peer-group pressure being applied, but it's very important that you answer these questions honestly. You may feel the Nancy, if you're the only one that stays on the beach, but that's nothing compared to how your going to feel if your buddies have to save your life. This is a time for self honesty, nothing else will cut it.
Surfing beach breaks:
The Surfing gooroo says: beaches with small slow waves breaking in a bit deeper water are more friendly for the learner surfer. And therefore beaches which are more fun for the beginner. And let's face it; fun is what it's all about. There's an old saying 'The best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun' makes perfect sense to The Gooroo. There's not much point in surfing the worlds beaches if you're not enjoying the experience.
Surfing point breaks:
The Surfing Gooroo says: point breaks usually break down the line very fast. Beginners often don't realise that the surfer on the wave coming towards them is moving at high speed and this can result in learners putting themselves directly into a collision path with the oncoming surfers.
So, use some common sense where a point break is concerned. Check the conditions before you enter the water. Remember to ask a more experienced surfer if you're not sure.
Surfing Headlands:
The Surfing Gooroo says: the inside corner of a headland is safe for beginners when the swell is coming from the direction behind the protective headland. Although there could be a strong rip right in the corner of the headland running back out to sea.
Surfing reef breaks:
The Surfing Gooroo says: learner surfers would do well to remember fish like to hang around on the edges of reefs and rock-ledges as they provide plenty of food. This also means that these places are the fast food joints of the shark world. You probably won't get chewed, but it can make your hair stand on end.
The Surfing Gooroo says: reef breaks and rock ledges can provide a wonderful surfing experience but on the whole they are usually places for the more experienced surfers. Try not to be in too much of a hurry to get into the more exotic reefs that are available. Take your time; build your foundation first. If you have a good foundation you'll feel more confident. More confidence = less fear, in surfing, less fear = much more fun.
Surfing river mouths:
The Surfing Gooroo says: River mouths are not a good place for the learner surfer under any circumstances; there is simply too much going on.
River mouths often have Shifting sandbanks and submerged rocks, heavy tidal currents and rips, deep holes and just for good measure, probably a couple of sharks as well. Do yourself a big favour and give river mouth waves a miss until you are a much more experienced surfer.
Surfers and localism:
The surfing gooroo says: Regarding localism; try to see that there are two sides to every coin. It's a really good idea to remember that when you're surfing away from home, you're surfing in another surfer's home. In the water, a little courtesy to the locals goes a very long way indeed. This is doubly true for surfers who live in tourist areas. Try to remember that the pressure on these locals from travelling surfers can be constant and immense.
The Surfing Gooroo says: When a break is crowded, (20 surfers or more). The surfers riding that break are relying on the assumption that all the other surfers on the break are experienced. That they know what to do, where to be and how to behave in crowded surf. If you are a learner surfer, you don't posses the necessary experience required to negotiate crowded conditions. You will put yourself and others in danger. Stay away from crowded surf when you are a learner surfer. When you're learning to surf you want soft waves, and plenty of room to make mistakes without constantly feeling as if you're in the way of the other surfers and about to get run over, or to run other surfers over yourself.
Surfer bigotry:
The Surfing Gooroo says: in regards to surfers bigotry; this madness is both draining and negative. But as you can see, like all bigotry it's pretty childish and could easily be solved with a little communication and acceptance. So, As Beginner surfers, What Can You Do about It' Be aware that it's there, but try not to allow bigoted surfers to intimidate you. Try to remember that bigotry is born of ignorance. Don't get involved in it. Remember if you're part of the solution, you're not part of the problem.
Best place to learn to surf:
The Surfing Gooroo says: the best place to learn to surf has small waves and a medium crowd. But you then need the ability to pick the safe spot where you will feel ok and not be in everyone's way, or in danger of being run over. If you're looking for the best place to learn to surf, then start by checking the surf conditions.
How to surf:
The Surfing Gooroo says: Before starting anything you need to differentiate between, Do I want to learn how to surf and become a real surfer? Or do I want a supervised, one-time only, surfing experience? If you want to become a real surfer, then study The Surfing Gooroo, for the rest, a surf school will do fine.
How long does it take?:
The Surfing Gooroo says: when trying to learn to surf, do your self a really big favour. Don't compare your learn to surf progress with someone else's.
Without exception, everybody learns to surf at a different rate.
Point break the movie:
The Surfing Gooroo says: As demonstrated in the movie Point Break, when learning to surf, the greatest stumbling block can be your mindset. The Gooroo taught many people to surf. Without exception everyone is capable of learning, so long as they stop listening to what is going on between their ears. Otherwise the whole thing can go backwards for months.
Surfing videos:
The Surfing Gooroo says: You'll find that the older surf movies from the 1970s are really good tools to learn to surf, as are longboard movies. In the 70's there was an obsession with taking close ups of surfer's feet and hands as they took off on waves. This up close footage is great study materiel to learn to surf.
The surfing Gooroo says: When it comes to surfing videos there are a few things the learner surfer wants to keep in mind. The surfers in surfing videos are pro's, they have been surfing for a very long time. Don't try to do what they are doing. Just watch closely how they pick waves, use timing and paddle around the break rather than through it. Don't get sucked in to the hardcore image in surfing videos, it's a big wank at the best of times. A learner trying to put out a hardcore vibe is usually seen as an idiot with attitude, and is treated accordingly.
The Surfing Gooroo says: Watch modern surfing videos and enjoy them, especially the heart stopping big wave tow in surfing. But don't forget who you are, and what level you're at when you get in the water.
Surfing exercises:
The Surfing gooroo Says: Don't strike a wide leg warrior pose, when practicing these exercises. Your feet should not be too far apart, this is one of the biggest mistakes novice surfers make. A really wide stance will make you a very awkward surfer lacking in responsiveness and flexibility to changing wave conditions.
The Surfing gooroo Says: Practicing yoga does complement surfing, (The Surfing Gooroo has practiced yoga for many years) especially in the areas of balance and flexibility. Not to mention, keeping you calm. But don't get confused with these surfing exercises and start striking all manner of Yogic or martial arts poses when practicing getting to your feet, it simply won't help.
Surfboard waxing:
The Surfing Gooroo says: What is important here is not which surfboard wax you use or how you use it, but whatever surfboard waxing method you use, it must work well for you. If you're slipping and sliding all over your board you're going to get hurt and probably hurt someone else in the process.
Paddling a surfboard:
The Surfing Gooroo says: If you can't paddle, then you can't surf.
You can't get out through the white water without paddling a surfboard.
You can't catch a wave without paddling a surfboard. You can't get out of difficulty or out of the way of other surfers without paddling a surfboard.
The surfing Gooroo says: as a general rule, those who learn paddling first, become better surfers faster, and most importantly enjoy themselves much much more.
The Surfing Gooroo says: let's get brutally honest about paddling. To surf you need to be able to paddle out and catch a wave. If your paddling is strong then you can get out around (or if necessary through) the white-water, you can catch waves and you can keep out of the way of the other surfers. Most importantly of all, you'll feel more confident and a great deal safer. If you cant paddle you cant surf, it really is that simple.
The Surfing Gooroo says: never paddle out right in front of or close to a group of surfers, as that is where the waves break most fiercely and where surfers are riding the waves. This is called paddling through the lineup, and it is considered by many to be the most heinous of crimes. Apart from that you also put yourself in great danger.
Paddling exercises:
The surfing Gooroo says: However if you are serious about your surfing, then you can, (as the saying goes) 'just go for a paddle' when its flat. At the very least if you're still learning you will develop paddling skills, and if you already have paddling skills you will maintain your surf fitness. This is something that many people overlook, they assume that if the surf is small or a bit choppy that its not worth going out. Not so, if you commit yourself to have a go, provided that it's not too big for you, then you will keep your skills sharp for when it gets good. Real surfers practice in all conditions that are within their skill level, I.e. not too big, they don't just surf when it's good. That's why they become good surfers. Punters (very average surfers) on the other hand, don't bother unless the waves are really good. That is what keeps them trapped at the level of being a punter.
The Surfing Gooroo says: If you really want to become a strong paddler then nothing will do it better than paddling your surfboard. However that's not always possible, next most appropriate training is to do laps in a swimming pool. But if that's still not available to you then get into the gym and keep yourself strong, because you're going to need it.
Paddling trim:
The Surfing Gooroo says: once you have found the exact spot for paddling in trim. You can scratch a line in your wax, which will remind you where you want your body to be. So that it becomes second nature to be paddling in trim.
The Surfing Gooroo says: take a little time to learn about paddling in trim, don't neglect this. Learn the principles of trim when paddling and you will be grateful you did for the rest of your surfing life.
Paddling tips:
The Suring Gooroo says: study these paddling tips, learn them. It will all be stitched together soon. Learning these tips about paddling may seem boring, but remember that paddling is the foundation upon which your surfing is built.
White water:
The Surfing Gooroo says: even if you choose to ignore all the other advice in this guide, do yourself a favour and do not ignore this. The white water is easy to handle once you know how. But until that is achieved white water will cause more difficulties and injuries to learner surfers than anything else. Here is your guide to dealing with the white water, learn it thoroughly.
Eskimo roll:
The Surfing Gooroo says: when doing the Eskimo roll timing is important. Do an Eskimo roll too soon, and you're underwater too long. Too late; you get picked up by the wave and thrown into the crowd behind you. Don't sweat it. The Eskimo roll is both easy to do, and easy to time well.
Duck dive:
The Surfing Gooroo says: If you manage to do the surfers duck dive correctly, the white water will actually pass right over the top of you. If you time your duck dive well, the force of the wave as it passes will actually drive you deeper and then slingshot you out the back of the white water.
Wipeout:
The Surfing Gooroo says: If you find yourself in a situation where the white water gives you numerous wipeouts during a surf (this allows for the occasional freak wave). Then it probably means that you are trying to handle surf that is way too big for you. There is no point in trying to handle conditions way above your ability, only to take wipeout upon wipeout. Take responsibility and go in.
Surf leash:
The Surfing Gooroo says: even with the fabulous modern leashes available. If you are unfortunate enough to have your surf board come out of the water fins down and tail first you have a problem. You see surf board fins, don't like to go backwards. When moving backwards slowly they will turn your board around to face the right direction. Under the pressure of stretched leashes however, your fins will just pop out of the water. If this happens, you'll find that no matter how good your leash is your surf board is still going to come back at you at high speed. It will skate across the water, on the trim spot of your board, with virtually zero drag, straight at you.
The Surfing Gooroo says: I have talked much about paddling, leashes, wipeouts, injuries and keeping out of the way of your fellow surfers. This is basic stuff that most surfers learned from older surfers when they were kids. All this talk about injuries and leashes is to increase your awareness. The best way to avoid getting injured is to know what causes the injury in the first place. Take a little time to re-read the topic of leashes before you hit the surf, it will save you from making painful and unnecessary mistakes. Surfing is about having fun. Learn the rules of the game and you'll enjoy yourselves that much more.
Surf lineup:
The Surfing Gooroo says: if you have no choice but to paddle through the lineup, (which is quite possible on long sandy points) then do it down the line, where it's less crowded. Time it between the waves when you get a lull (no waves) then sprint across the bank to the deep water. Hopefully for your first surf, you've chosen a place where you don't have to deal with a crowded lineup. Think of the lineup as an area that you only enter to catch and ride a wave. Stay out of the lineup at all other times.
Catch a wave:
The Surfing Gooroo says: be aware of your body. If you're starting to get tired, then go in and have a bit of a rest. This is not only important for your safety; it's also vital to your surfing ability. Most good surfers do this. Of course some do 'binge surf' until exhausted, when it's just too good to let go. But on the whole, they surf for shorter periods of time 1-1.5 hrs. Then most will just get out of the water and chill out in the car park for a while, before heading back out to catch more waves.
There is a very sound reason for doing this. When you start to get even a little bit tired, whether physically or mentally, your reflexes slow, your ability to catch a wave, move and make decisions instinctively diminishes.
The Surfing Gooroo says: Did you get to the place where you felt that you can comfortably catch a wave, control your board while in the prone position and flow with the wave? If not, just try again tomorrow or whenever you can, but don't move forward before you acquire this skill. There are many things that you are learning while you are doing this, and all of them are very important.
Surfing waves:
The Surfing Gooroo says: Ok you've been surfing a few waves now, where you've ridden your board 'down the line'. You have developed a little more wave surfing knowledge and a lot more understanding of trim. What if you don't feel confident yet about what you have learnt so far? Then don't move to the next level yet. Keep practising till it all feels right to you. Keep surfing waves in the prone position until it feels natural to try surfing waves standing up. Remember it's not a race. How many times you need to do this or how long it takes is not the issue here, neither are other people's opinions relevant. Move on when you feel ready, and not before. When you do feel ready, then it's time to get to your feet while surfing a wave.
Surfing fall line:
The Surfing Gooroo says: When you come in to trim in the fall line it all just becomes a lot easier, your board flies across the face of the wave, gravity pushing it (your surfboard) down, the wave pushing it up, and the two forces meeting in the middle to propel it forward.
The Surfing Gooroo says: this is called holding you board in trim. It is achieved by adjusting your weight and position on your board to reduce drag and by picking the correct position drive across the fall line. It is one of the most fundamentally important surfing programs that you will ever learn, and how well your future surfing develops will depend on how well you write this program.
Surf gear:
The surfing Gooroo says: Before you go out and buy any surf gear, The Gooroo strongly suggest that you hire your gear first, try before you buy.
The surfing Gooroo says: It's interesting to note that in the surfing and surf gear industry both metric and imperial measurements are used. This can be a little confusing for the beginner when heading out to get geared up for surfing, but don't sweat it, it will all be explained. That's what The Surfing Gooroo is here for.
Sunscreen:
The Surfing Gooroo says: there are many different types of sunscreen and sunscreen is another area where you get what you pay for. Quality Sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) of minimum 30 + is worth every dollar you pay for it. The Gooroo has experimented with cheaper brands of sunscreens, only to throw said discount sunscreens in the trash after surfing for only 1 hr and still getting burnt. The pain of sunburn is not at all pleasant, skin cancer even less so. Don't risk it when it comes to sunscreen go for the best.
Surf racks:
The Surfing Gooroo says: when buying surf racks for your car, check The Surfing Gooroo Surf product page first, and don't go for the cheapest surf racks you can find. Your surfboards will act like a wing on the roof of your car and try to lift off. If your surf racks do not have clamps with a sufficient load rating (minimum 165pounds or 75kg) then your surfboards and racks could leave the roof of your car at high speeds. This is not only extremely dangerous to other drivers but it's also heartbreaking for any surfer to loose surfboards off the roof when driving. With surf racks, cheap and nasty just wont cut it.
Surfboards:
The Surfing Gooroo says: If you're not sure what style of surfboard you want to ride, go and hire some surfing videos, where surfers are riding different styles of surf boards. I.e. short surfboards, long or Malibu surfboards, funboards, classic surfboards or fish surfboards. Turn down the sound so that you're not influenced by the sound track and hype, just watch. What do you feel? What style of surfboard grabs you? You'll soon find that one style of surf board will stand out as being the one for you. Try to avoid making a decision based on which types of surfboards appear to be easiest to ride. No matter how it looks, no style of surf board is easy to learn to ride, but all styles of surfboards are extremely good fun.
The surfing Gooroo says: There are valid reasons for a surfboard to cost more, but when you're a beginner; you will not notice the difference. So save your money for when your surfing improves and then upgrade.
Choosing a custom surfboard:
The Surfing Gooroo says: When it comes to choosing a custom surfboard find a shaper that will listen to what you want, but has the honesty to suggest what you may need. You want your shaper to listen to you, but it's wise to also listen to your shaper. Be honest with your shaper about your ability, if you're dishonest about your ability, then you will get a surfboard that doesn't suit you. This defeats the purpose of going custom in the first place.
The surfing Gooroo says: When choosing a custom surfboard, do your research and talk to people. Work out what you want, and then find a shaper that loves that style of board. Get involved you will learn much. Yet be aware that when you're asking questions you are keeping the shaper from shaping. Find out all you can about a shaper before you go to see them. When ordering a custom surfboard if you don't waste the shapers time, you will be respected that much more. As a result choosing a custom surfboard will be a much more enjoyable experience.
Surfboard designers:
The Surfing Gooroo says: To be a surfboard designer, you need many years surfing and surfboard shaping experience. So you can put your surfboard designs to the test. To be a surfboard designer you also require unique understanding of how waves break and how water flows. You need to understand trim, release and flotation on an intimate level. You need to understand hydro physics, if not scientifically, certainly at a practical level. And lastly, to be a surfboard designer you also need to be mad, or at the very least wildly eccentric.
Surfboards:
The surfing Gooroo says: it's interesting to note that surfboard designers of the calibre of Geoff McCoy want nothing to do with the retrogressive movement in surfboard designs. They can often be overheard saying things like 'they didn't go any good way back then and they don't go any good now, why make a board that doesn't surf well?' Hmm could it be that some surfers are more into fashion than function? The issue is contentious at best. When it comes to surfboard designs, its how it feels in the water that really counts. How it looks to others is not really relevant. If you're riding a surfboard that doesn't work for you, then you could be a fashion victim. And when all is said and done, who wants to be a victim?
Fish surfboard:
The Surfing Gooroo says: if you are the kind of surfer, or aspire to be the kind of surfer, that wants to come off the bottom of a wave at a right angle. Then drive straight up the wall, hit the lip and snap it around quickly. Then the fish surfboard is definitely not for you. On the other hand if you like to do roller coaster turns. Cutbacks at high speed, and are happy to hit the lip side-on. Or at best at a 45 degree angle, then the fish surfboard maybe just what you are looking for. Whether the fish surfboard is for you or not, every surfer should at some stage in their life have a fish in their quiver. However the fish surfboard is not a user friendly board for the learner surfer. Save your first fish surfboard for when you have several years surfing experience.
Surfboards for big guys:
The Surfing Gooroo says: It's not impossible to find a surfboard designer that can tackle the problem of big guy's surfboards. Like The Gooroo said before. Find a shaper who rides what you want. I.e. look for a shaper who is a big guy. As that shaper will know what works. There is one exception, The McCoy Nugget, this board has been designed specifically to surf on top of the water rather than in it. The Nugget is therefore a very different animal. Although a very thick surfboard, the Nugget is an extraordinarily agile high performance surfboard. The upshot of this is that a slightly larger McCoy Nugget will surf exactly the way for a big guy as the smaller version does for the smaller guy. This makes the Nugget a No Brainer, easy pick surfboard for big guys.
Surfboard fins:
The Surfing Gooroo says: Removable plastic surfboard fins (FCS) are a good idea, as an added safety feature they are designed to break off on heavy impact. However, be aware that due to their moulding, these fins are sometimes a little sharper than they need to be so it's advisable to rub some fine sandpaper gently over the edges until they no longer feel sharp.
The Surfing Gooroo says: what makes a surfboard fin work is called the 'Foil'. This relates to the shape, varying degrees of thickness throughout the fin and degree of flexibility from the base of the surfboard fin to the tip. It has little or nothing to do with how sharp the fin's edges are. You don't need razor blades underneath your surfboard; they won't make it go any better. Removable surfboard fins also give you the ability to finetune your board to your own tastes, on top of all that, they make it easier to travel with your board.
Epoxy surfboards:
The Surfing Gooroo says: Interestingly enough, those who are not keen on epoxy surfboards, are not keen for almost identical reasons to those who love them. This just goes to prove that surfing is a highly subjective activity, those who really love it, love it for their own reasons?. Where as those who get tied up in the fashions and trends of the whole surfing show, tend to get a little confused.
The Surfing Gooroo says: The Gooroo won't enter into the argument of which composition of surfboard is best, i.e. epoxy surfboards versus fibreglass. My reasons are simple. There is a surfboard for every condition, if you have a closed mind you're missing out. Epoxy surfboards have their place.
Surf leashes:
The Surfing Gooroo says: surf leashes are an important safety device especially for the learner surfer. Your leash is not there to save you. Its there, so your surfboard doesn't hit others when you fall off. Never use your leash to be lazy and just let go of your surfboard when a wave comes. Letting go your surf board and letting your leash do the work for you is very dangerous to the other surfers in the water. Never use a leash as an alternative to being a strong swimmer. Surf leashes can break; remember leashes are designed to make your life easier, not save it. Before entering the water, ask your self this question. On the rare chance that my leash could break, would I be able to swim through this surf back to shore?
Board bags:
The Surfing Gooroo says: when choosing board bags it comes down to this. How much long distance travelling are you planning to do with your board?
This will heavily influence your choice of board bags. The more travelling you want to do, the more knocks and bumps your board will get the better quality board bags you will need.
Surf ware clothing:
The Surfing Gooroo says: we are really only interested in what is practical for you, the learner surfer, so lets look at surf ware clothing on a practical level. You may ask what's the difference, how is surf ware clothing anymore practical than any other style of clothing? Well to start with there is the very important issue of Sun protection. This is vital. You're going to need protection from the sun. You will also need to be comfortable when you're in the water. There are several ways to achieve this.
Women's boardshorts:
The Surfing gooroo says: If your board shorts come down to your knees then your thighs won't get burnt while you're sitting on your board. Also remember this, women's board shorts are an easy way to solve the issue; of a spooky kook paddling behind you trying to sneak a peek at where he's not invited. Thankfully this behaviour is rare, but there are occasionally creeps in the water, just like everywhere else.
The Surfing Gooroo says: If cash flow is an issue, you can always buy your women's board shorts at the end of summer for the next season. The board shorts you pick up at the end of the season are usually the women's shorts that others didn't like the look of. Yet end of season womens board shorts are still good quality and often half price.
So how do good quality, well fitting board shorts feel?
The waist must be just a little looser than a snug fit. But not too loose, what women want their board shorts around their ankles after a wipeout?
Boardshorts:
The Surfing Gooroo says: If your board shorts come down to your knees then you don't get wax stuck to the hairs on your legs. And your thighs won't get sunburnt while you're sitting on your surf board.
Bikinis:
The Surfing Gooroo says: when shopping for bikinis to surf in, think comfort and practicality first and fashion second. If you're bikini' uncomfortable in the water you wont be having much fun.
Sunglasses:
The Surfing Gooroo says: poor quality sunglasses can allow harmful ultra violet rays to damage your eyes. As surfers we spend a lot of time in the sun, looking at water with sun glare all over it. We need to use the best sunglasses we can afford.
Gath water helmet:
The Surfing Gooroo says: you may feel a little uncool at first sitting out in the line-up with your Gath water helmet gleaming in the sunlight. But when you nose-dive and your board flies out behind you, does a dainty little half twist in mid air, and then cracks you on the head with its fins. You'll feel pretty cool if you've got your Gath helmet on.
History of surfing rules:
The Surfing Gooroo says: whether you're a newcomer to surfing or a crusty old salt like the Gooroo. You'd be wise to take a few minutes to read The Surfing Gooroo's history of surfing rules. Who knows it just might do you some good.
Surfing rules:
The surfing Gooroo says: Regarding big crowded surf; if you are a beginner it is prudent to stay well clear of surf sessions like this. For the beginner sessions like this are definitely not safe.
Surf camps:
The surfing Gooroo says: Learn what you need in The Surfing Gooroo. Then consider the world your surf camp and more experienced surfers are your guides, this is the natural way to learn to surf this is the way it's been done for many years long before surf camps ever existed.
