The lessons generally last for almost two hours. The first part of the lesson is getting acquainted with the surfboard and the leash, and the lingo relating to the surfboard and the leash. I feel it’s really important for the student to have the same vocabulary as the instructor.
The next thing we would do is go over some safety information and some rules to ensure a safe and fun lesson. The rules are the same rules that an avid surfer would learn over time through trial and error, such as covering your head when rising out of the water after a wipeout. Also, we would talk about how to safely interact with other ocean and beach users, such as other surfers, swimmers, waders and fisherman. If it’s a group lesson, then there is a need to help the students avoid interfering with one another.
After a few minutes of safety discussion, then we need to determine the students stance orientation, and do a few “pop ups” on the beach. Once the students have gotten a basic understanding of the mechanics of standing up, we turn our attention back to the ocean where we watch a few waves roll in. I do this for two reasons. One, the student can get an idea of the size of the surf from the front, because once they are laying down on their boards, their perspective changes drastically, and the waves look much, much bigger than they are. The other reason for assessing the waves is to give the students an idea of the frequency of the waves.
As we head out into the surf, the first thing I do is teach the students how to use the buoyancy of the boards to help them deal with breaking waves. Once outside, I will help the students maneuver their boards into proper positioning, and wave catching can begin in earnest. If there’s a group, there will be other instructors to help break the group into smaller groups to ensure plenty of surfing for everyone.
While waiting for waves, I will frequently discuss and point out how waves break, what waves to look for, what angles to take while paddling, anything that can be helpful for a newcomer to gain some insight into the act of surfing. The first few attempts I usually give significant assistance to getting the student into the waves, but after a few tries, the student usually starts progressing to the point where they need very little assistance with the wave catching part. The hard part, as will always be the case, is judging the waves and positioning oneself properly to successfully surf. This takes a lifetime of surfing!
Even if the student doesn’t stand up on a wave, just being in the ocean is a hugely rewarding activity. It is not unusual to see dolphins, pelicans, rays and near shore fish swimming or jumping playfully in the ocean. It is a great experience for young and old, and the instructors have a great time too!
