Tips to beating fear in the waves
We’ve all been there, in an environment we’re new too, feeling like we shouldn’t be there. This is not uncommon ground for people who are new too surfing. As a matter of fact, even after surfing for 5 years, there’s still massive intimidation when it comes to testosterone and ego filled lineups. So, here are a few of my favourites tips to making yourself feel confident in the waves:
If you’re new to surfing, have a surf lesson. They’ll teach you all the basics, from paddling, positioning on your board, positioning of yourself in the water, what sort of waves to go for and how to avoid injuring yourself and others in the water.
Wipeouts are normal! As much as you might feel like a ‘kook’ for falling off your board, if you’re not going for waves you’ll never learn. Every person has them and it’s nothing to feel self conscious about. Whether you’re learning to surf, cross-step, cut back or hang-10, you’re not going to achieve those goals without a few wipeouts along the way. It’s all part of the learning journey, and lucky for us, we fall onto water, not concrete.
Be mindful of those around you. Always give way to your inside (the part of the wave that is first to crumble) and don’t drop in on people (especially if you just ride straight). I understand that being a newbie to surfing, you tend to paddle for any wave you think you might have a chance of getting on. I give you 10 star for effort, but 2 for common sense. You need to look to your inside before you paddle for any wave to make sure there is no one in your way. Even if you’re in the inside position, don’t just paddle for every wave. People around you will get frustrated that you aren’t getting on them, so they’ll start dropping in on you, and this is when bad accidents can happen.
Don’t get caught up in surf rage. It doesn’t matter what level your abilities are, you’ll most definitely experience (most likely an angry old dude) getting angry at you for nothing, purely because they think they own the break. Don’t even bother biting back, just paddle away from them. You’re worth way more than having to deal with that bulls**t.
Share the stoke! Cheer on your friends, cheer on strangers, compliment people riding waves. Stoke is contagious and it’ll always make it the funnest surfs you have. Groove Girls sisterhood is a whole other level when it comes to this! There is so much support and encouragement for everyone riding waves and it’s why the rest of our fears become so minuscule when we surf together.