Surfing is a popular sport that has been enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. It is a great way to enjoy the ocean, catch some waves, and get some exercise. However, learning to surf can be challenging, and beginners often make common mistakes that can hold them back from progressing.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, taking surf lessons is essential to improving your technique and enhancing your surf experience. If you’re looking for an excellent surf destination, Spain is a fantastic location for surfing with some of the best surf spots in the world. In particular, the Canary Islands offer some of the best surf conditions in Europe, making them a top choice for surfers of all levels. Among the most popular surf spots in the Canary Islands is Lanzarote, a volcanic island with a unique landscape, warm weather, and great waves all year round.
To make the most out of your surf experience, it’s essential to avoid common surfing mistakes that beginners tend to make. Here are five that surfers make and how to avoid them.
Paddling with your arms
When paddling out to catch waves, beginners tend to use their arms to paddle, which can cause them to tire quickly and reduce their speed. The right technique involves using your core muscles and legs to generate power, helping you to paddle more efficiently and maintain a better speed. By doing so, you will have better endurance and be able to catch more waves.
Poor Timing
Timing is crucial when catching a wave. It is common for beginners to paddle too early or too late, resulting in missed waves. To avoid this mistake, watch the waves carefully and position yourself in the right spot. Observe how the wave moves and anticipate when it will break, so you can start paddling at the right time.
Not looking where you want to go
The direction in which you look determines the direction of your surfboard. Beginners often look down at their feet, which causes them to lose their balance and fall. Instead, focus on looking where you want to go, keeping your eyes up and looking ahead, which will help you maintain balance and steer in the right direction.
Incorrect Foot Placement
Foot placement is a crucial aspect of surfing. Your front foot should be in the middle of the board, and your back foot should be positioned towards the tail. Beginners tend to put their feet too far forward or too far back, which affects their balance and stability. Proper foot placement is crucial to maintaining control and balance on the board.
Trying to stand up too soon
One of the most common mistakes that beginners make is trying to stand up too soon. It’s important to wait until the wave lifts you up, and then you can start to stand up. Standing up too soon can cause you to lose balance and wipe out. Be patient and wait for the right moment.
To improve your surfing technique, taking surf lessons is a great way to get the right guidance and support. A reputable surf school will have experienced surf coaches and instructors who can help you improve your skills and get the most out of your surf experience. With an experienced team of surf coaches, you can be sure that you will receive quality surf lessons to take your skills to the next level.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, Lanzarote offers some of the best surf spots in Spain. The island has numerous beach breaks and reef breaks, providing great surf conditions all year round. During the summer months, the surf is typically smaller, making it an excellent time for beginners to take surf lessons and learn to surf. For experienced surfers, the winter months offer larger and more challenging waves, making it an ideal time to catch some serious waves.
If you’re planning a surf trip to Lanzarote, make sure to check out Kaboti Surf, a surf school that offers quality surf coaching for all levels. With our experienced team of surf coaches and instructors, we can help you improve your skills and take your surf experience to the next level. Contact us to learn more and book your surf lessons in Lanzarotet
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