Surfing in Cornwall - Beginners surfing in Cornwall

Everyone knows that surfing is one of the most difficult pursuits out there so we've put together a brief introduction to getting started with surfing and a tutorial to get you going. Cornwall has some of the best beach breaks to start out your surfing career so check out the beach guide to find the most suitable for getting started surfing. Surfing in Cornwall can be one of the most satisfying experiences so don't dismay if you don't get the hang of it straight away. Perseverance is the key here - keep on waxing your board and getting in the Ocean. Only time and experience will allow you to get the most out of Surfing in Cornwall

Which Surfboard to Buy: Practical or “Cool”?

So you’ve been thinking about getting into surfing? Picking the right surf board will help you quickly progress from a newbie surfer to a more accomplished surfer.

Beginner boards are inexpensive, buoyant, easy to paddle and stable. There are two types:

• Soft Surfboard or “Foamies” (8’) – soft foam board; prevents injuries to beginners
• Pop Out Surfboard (7’-10’) – long, wide, heavy fiberglass covered with foam

Custom fiberglass surfboards are the “cool” surfer boards. They can be very expensive and less buoyant and stable than beginner boards. Custom boards vary in size, shape and fins:

• Short Board or Thruster (5’ to 7’) – lightweight, hard to paddle and less buoyant; used for quick maneuvers in contest surfing; not for beginners
• Long Board or Malibu (7'-9’) – easy to paddle, hard to maneuver; suitable for beginners
• Fish (5’ to 6’) – short, wide, thick; better wave catching
• Gun (7’ to 12’) – long, narrow, pointed; used for very big waves

Buying the Right Wetsuit

Wet suits provide great for protection against cold water or abrasions that could result from your surfboard or the ocean floor.

Made of out of neoprene, a synthetic rubbery material containing tiny nitrogen gas bubbles, wet suits preserve heat contained between your body and the wet suit. Wet suits should fit snugly against your body.

There are several different types of wet suits that are designed for particular surfing conditions. Simply put, the thicker the wetsuit, the more protection you have.

• Shortie Wetsuit – covers torso and has short arms and legs; ideal for warm water temperatures above 70F
• Three Quarter Length or Spring Suit – has ¾ length arms and legs; ideal for mild water temperatures 65-70F
• Full Suit or Steamer – long arms and legs; ideal for cold water temperatures below 60F

Surfer Safety

Surfing is a fun, exhilarating and “cool” water sport, but it can be dangerous. Follow a few basic guidelines and enjoying surfing safely… wave after wave.

1. Take surfing lessons at a surf school or camp.

2. Get your CPR and Basic First Aid certification.

3. Follow all local laws and beach rules.

4. Be alert for hazardous water and weather conditions.

5. Put on sunscreen and limit exposure to harmful UV rays.

6. Wear a leash to keep your board close.

7. Surf with a buddy or when a lifeguard is on duty.

8. Watch out for surfers before paddling into a wave.

9. If you see someone in trouble, offer a flotation device or seek help from a lifeguard.

10.Don’t fight rip currents – stay calm and try to swim out along the shoreline.

Paddling Techniques Made Easy

Paddling may seem like the easiest part of surfing. But, if you’re not good at paddling then you won’t make it past the breaking waves to catch a good one.

Step 1: Positioning

Prepare yourself for paddling and position your body face down along the center of your surfboard. If you are positioned just right, the nose of the board sticks out of the water. Be careful not to cause the board to flip out in front of you.

Step 2: Balancing

Maintaining your balance on the surfboard is important and takes practice. Raise and separate your legs slightly for more balance while paddling

Step 3: Paddling

Pull the surfboard through the water by paddling (stroking) your arms in smooth even movements while maintaining your balance.

Step 4: Catching a Wave

Once you’ve paddled beyond the breaking waves and spot a good wave, position yourself so you are facing the beach. Start paddling, drop in and you’re off!

How to Chill

You’ve learned the basics about surfing, from buying a surfboard to safely riding the waves. Now, after a fun but often tiring day riding the waves, what’s a surfer to do? Chill! What else? If you want to be cool, follow these Chilling on the Beach Rules:

1. Get rid of all that beach grime – take a shower!

2. Put on your dressed-to-chill beachwear

3. Grab a CD player and your favorite music CDs

4. Bring along a picnic basket full of healthy foods and snacks

5. Pick up a frisbee, hacky sack, beach balls for some fun in the sand

6. Hang out with your surfer buddies talking about the best waves and the best rides

7. Relax and read a book

8. Sit around a campfire after the sunsets and chill