How to Know What Waves You Should Be Surfing
Learn what "broken waves" or "white waves" are., Start off by catching smaller waves and progress to slightly larger waves with more power. , Select waves by looking out to the horizon., When at a new surf break, or even before paddling out to your...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Learn what "broken waves" or "white waves" are.
A broken wave is one that has already broken or crumbled and is now rolling in towards the beach.
The waves that you should not be catching are known as "unbroken waves" or "green waves". -
Step 2: Start off by catching smaller waves and progress to slightly larger waves with more power.
, Pick a wave that is further out.
Do not rush and decide to catch a wave when it is only one metre in front of you.
Give yourself time to prepare yourself. , Is there a paddling channel to go out? What kind of people are out there? How would you classify the wave size numerically? , The lineup is a group of surfers sitting on their boards and holding their positions.
Paddle outside of the lineup and be the first one to catch a big wave. , Sitting on the board, you won't get much propulsion with your hands and lower leg, so if you lose your position, lay on your belly and paddle normally.
To accurately hold your position, you should be looking at two or more landmarks. , If you judge that the first person on the wave will not be able to make the section, then take off on the wave too. , You will be in and out.
Do not interfere with the person already on the wave. ,, Even experienced surfers misjudge waves and look foolish trying to catch a small wave. -
Step 3: Select waves by looking out to the horizon.
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Step 4: When at a new surf break
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Step 5: or even before paddling out to your regular break
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Step 6: observe the waves from shore for a while.
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Step 7: Paddle out to the lineup
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Step 8: this is where the waves should be breaking.
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Step 9: Hold your position at the lineup by backpedaling with your hands and kicking with your feet from the knees down.
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Step 10: Give the right of way to the first person on the wave.
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Step 11: If somebody has already taken off on a wave
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Step 12: you could drop in
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Step 13: make the bottom turn and pull out immediately.
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Step 14: Waves come in a set and it is possible to catch two waves in a set by catching the first or second wave
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Step 15: have a brief ride
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Step 16: paddle out and catch the another wave at the tail end of the set.
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Step 17: Surf a lot and gain experience to know which wave to catch.
Detailed Guide
A broken wave is one that has already broken or crumbled and is now rolling in towards the beach.
The waves that you should not be catching are known as "unbroken waves" or "green waves".
, Pick a wave that is further out.
Do not rush and decide to catch a wave when it is only one metre in front of you.
Give yourself time to prepare yourself. , Is there a paddling channel to go out? What kind of people are out there? How would you classify the wave size numerically? , The lineup is a group of surfers sitting on their boards and holding their positions.
Paddle outside of the lineup and be the first one to catch a big wave. , Sitting on the board, you won't get much propulsion with your hands and lower leg, so if you lose your position, lay on your belly and paddle normally.
To accurately hold your position, you should be looking at two or more landmarks. , If you judge that the first person on the wave will not be able to make the section, then take off on the wave too. , You will be in and out.
Do not interfere with the person already on the wave. ,, Even experienced surfers misjudge waves and look foolish trying to catch a small wave.
About the Author
Kathryn Green
Kathryn Green specializes in lifestyle and practical guides and has been creating helpful content for over 23 years. Kathryn is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.
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