Surfing Lessons

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If you’re learning to surf, it’s important to understand the basics first. In this section, we aim to put some simple tips for getting started. From choosing the right Surf School to buying a good beginner board. From paddling into waves to popping up at the right time using the right technique.

We’ve written a very simple article in terms of choosing the right beginner surfboard - Check that out here. Choose the right beginner surfboard

Researching Surf Schools

How do you find the right surf school for you?

If you don’t know where to start, then you could always simply type ‘Surf School Near Me’ on any search engine and go from there. Fortunately, Pembrokeshire has multiple surf schools to choose from, with a handful in the South of the county and maybe even more in the north of Pembrokeshire. (More info to come)

Surf Safety and Hazard Awareness

Before jumping on a board and into the sea, it’s very important to understand surf safety, sea safety and some surf etiquette. This will keep yourself and others safe in the water.

Rip Currents

One of the first things a surfer should learn, or any beach goer, in fact, is what are Rip Currents, how to spot them and what to do if you find yourself in one.

Firstly, a rip current is a body of water moving out to sea. A rip current is normally formed in deeper channels. The water that comes in from the waves needs an area of the beach to move back out to sea, when the waves are larger the rip currents normally stronger and are therefore more dangerous.

Because rip current are fast moving areas of water, they tend to flatten off the surf in that specific zone, making it look safer than other parts of the beach. Because the waves look flatter in this area it tends to look more inviting for beach users and surfers alike.

Now we’ve mentioned how to spot a rip current. Let’s go into what to do when you find yourself in one.

Fortunately, if you’re on a surfboard you’ve already got the most critical thing attached to you, a floatation device. Your surfboard / bodyboard is your best friend in this situation and many people ‘ditch’ their board in an effort to swim for shore. Keep hold of your board!

The hardest direction to move when in a rip current, is directly towards the beach. Think of it like a river, you wouldn’t want to swim against the river to get out of it, you would swim to the river banks either side. The same applies for rip currents. If you swim parallel to the beach, (towards the river banks) you will find yourself in safe water in no time.

If you are a new surfer, you should always surf at a Lifeguarded beach. Lifeguards are looking out for rip currents and will be able to help if you do get yourself into difficulty. Always wave one arm in the air, and hold onto your board if you do need assistance.