Sports

What it is, who it attracts and where to go are topics for this part of our how to surf guide.

The sport of surfing involves a surfboard (usually a polyurethane foam core with a fiberglass shell), and you on that board paddling into the surf, looking to catch a wave on its way to the shore.

It's participated in by men, women and children of all ages, who are attracted by the fun and sense of freedom that it offers. The only things you need to learn how to surf are physical fitness and the ability to swim well, because it's risky otherwise. Even though surfing is far less dangerous than many other sports, it still contains dangers of it's own.

A good place to surf is along a shoreline with waves coming in at over a meter in height, and with the right weather, surfing can be an all-year long sport. Surfing is fairly inexpensive as sports go; the most money you will spend will be on buying a quality board. It's also possible to rent surfboards (and also a wetsuit should you want to) on the beach at popular surf locations.

The basics of surfing are easy to understand, but it takes practice and time to implement them. It's very possible to learn on your own the art of surfing and by simply talking to others whom already surf and observing the form, many are happy to share tips and techniques with the newcomers. It's always best to get some lessons from a professional surfer. This will be, by far, the fastest and safest way you can learn how to surf.

Within a day or so of starting, you'll likely be able to stand on your surfboard and ride little waves. Not only will you want to be learning how to surf, the knowledge of how waves work along with the ocean's currents is vital. He or she will also teach when you should go out in the water, what type of wave is the best to catch and when you should just sit on the shoreline and watch those waves come in.

Tags: outdoors, sports, surfing