Surfing has plenty of benefits. A reason to get outdoors, enjoy some fun physical activity (and it not feel like being at the gym) surfing offers a chance to get away from screens. There are plenty more benefits surfing has – Google to discover these additions. But what if you’re an older rider? Isn’t it too late to learn how to surf?
Surfing foundations.
Learning to surf requires perseverance and patience. Not everyone is naturally gifted. There are many things in the mix, such as physical condition and how your body is working. Simply paddling a surfboard will put a strain on your joints and limbs. Especially if you’ve no prior surfing experience.
And yet, taking things slow and building up your stamina will see big gains. Warming up prior to your session and cooling done after should see you improve those surfing skills efficiently.
Beginner surfing – get a lesson.
Whatever age you start surfing it’s always wise to get a lesson from a qualified instructor. They will take you to the right spot at the right time. You’ll then be shown the correct technique to catch waves.
On from that, it’s a case of getting wet often and practising what you’ve learned in those first few lessons.
Consider your surfing equipment.
Any surfer – not just older wave riders – should consider their equipment carefully. There are plenty of stories where board risers have purchased incorrect gear which stalls progression.
Whatever you do don’t follow board trends and go too performance. In many cases, a high volume, easy wave catching wave riding vehicle will deliver the best results. Also, give due consideration to your peripherals like wetsuits. A good quality, fit for purpose wetsuit will allow more time to be spent practicing your skills
The older surfer experience.
As an older beginner surfer, you need to be more calculating about your surf sessions. It mightn’t be wise to spend all day in the brie. Instead, shorter periods, frequently could see better results. And your body will thank you.
Overdoing, and risking injury, will mean time away from the waves. Days, when the conditions aren’t great (such as onshore periods), are also reason to rest until your next session. Use these times to recuperate.
Other surfing disciplines.
Some riders (young or old) may never get to the point of riding waves standing up. For various reasons, health related or otherwise, riding surfboards could prove futile. But don’t despair…
There are multiple ways to get a surfing fix these days. You don’t have to be riding surfboards. And you don’t even need to be standing. Bodyboards, bellyboards, surf mat’s and even riding waves without any craft (ala bodysurfing) are all options that can be practiced anywhere there’s a wave. We know plenty of riders who favour these types of craft and have plenty of fun indulging.
The bottom line.
Learning to surf can be done at any age. There’s no limit on when you can. Go through the surfing motions methodically and you’ll end up enjoying your surfing time immensely.
If you’re not able to ride surfboards then don’t fret. Choose a more suitable way to battle the surf and you’ll also be having a ball soon enough. Enjoy the experience and welcome to the tribe!
For all your surfing accessories needs head over to this page. If you have any further questions about NCW gear get in touch.