Giving your first Surf Lesson

Giving a surf lesson doesn’t mean that your a pro-surfer or instructor. It might not happen today but mark my words somewhere along the track someone will ask you to teach them to surf. They will ask you for a surf lesson not caring whether you can teach or not only that you can surf.

If you do take up the offer and decide to help someone to learn to surf there are several things you will need to consider. Most of us are not naturals at teaching anything let alone something as dynamic as surfing. Each wave is as different as each student. All I can say is follow these basic ideals for teaching your first surf lesson and you’ll be in the ballpark for success.

Surf Lesson Water Awareness

If the beach is your second home, like in mine, then you need not have your eyes open to navigate around your house, open the fridge and sit in your favourite chair. For newcomers however we need to teach them that the water is safe as long as you respect it. Choose a safe surf spot, point out where the surf lifesavers are and where the flags are. In many countries surfing is not allowed between the flags where people are swimming, Point out not to get in the way of other surfers that are already in the water.

The onus on the beginner is to learn safely without negatively affecting those already enjoying the sport. Most times this is easy as beginners will stay in the wash and a lot closer to shore.

Surf Lesson Shore Practice

Practice makes perfect. Well almost. Practice on the shore means drinking less seawater and falling off less. Take your student through the motions on a beach towel of how to stand up and imagine being on the board. The more you do this on the beach the easier it will be for your muscle memory to kick in and you will naturally know what to do.

Surf Lesson

If you don’t have a longboard or softboard available then I suggest you hire one. A surfboard in the 8-10ft range will suffice for most body size and types. There is nothing more frustrating when trying to teach someone to surf with a short board.

This does nothing but frustrate all parties involved and disappoint the student which eventually lose all their confidence and motivation. Just ask my wife how long it was until she tried to learn again after such an experience.

Calming fears during your first Surf Lesson

Most people are scared of waves and it can be terrifying when your not used to them. When teaching someone on their first surf lesson its extremely important to calm their fears and nerves and tell them that your not going out very far. Only into the broken wash and in most cases will be able to stand. If they fall off they can safely stand up on their own.

Walk you student through the wash together and show them how to carry the board out without injuring themselves or others. Instead of just taking a board each into the waves and watching your students from a distance you should, if possible, take only 1 board out and gently push them onto their first few waves so that they can feel what its like to catch a wave.

This will accelerate your students learning and give you a warm fuzzy feeling that your doing a good job. Stay for a few waves and reassure them then you can take a step back and watch them try on their own. If they have huge problems when you let them on their own you might need to go back for some more 1 on 1.

Surf Lesson Attitude

If confidence is king then a Sense of humour is the kings best friend.  If you try to instil a good sense of humour and positive attitude in your student even before go head out to the water your day will be a success and each fall will just seem like a comical situation rather than an ego bursting experience.

Teaching someone to surf can be both rewarding and an enjoyable experience. Don’t take it lightly that someone has asked you to give them a surf lesson. Be grateful that someone believes in your abilities. Take your time with your student and always consider their safety. What is obvious to you may not be obvious to your student. IF you are unsure or not confident to the task then politely decline. Better to say no now then cause injury or hours of frustration at the beach.

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