Whether you want to learn surfing, are an experienced or competitive surfer, or maybe you’re a free surfer, you need advanced skills to reach a higher level of surfing. Ultimately, you need to learn to paddle efficiently, pump for speed, use less energy, eye the aerial ramp, and even try new tricks.
Watch Videos
In today’s digital era, you can learn anything you want online, and especially on YouTube. Visit the site to see the most experienced surfers complete new tricks and surf for extended hours. Consider bringing your phone to the ocean (connect to the Internet or download some videos) to try out the new skills.
Maintain a Low Center of Gravity
As Physics asserts, keeping a low center of gravity increases stability. Bend your knees and stay low in the surf line to decrease the COG and increase your stability. Did you know that staying low helps you gain speed when surfing even in deep waters and for high waves?
Pick the Right Waves
Waves can be dangerous if you aren’t careful. Be sure to know when the wave is breaking, and its speed and strength. Make calculations if necessary and only surf when the wave is passing you and how it closes. The bigger the wave, the easier it is to surf, especially if you’re inexperienced. But advanced wave riders know that a leveled line whether the wave is big or not can be fatal. Get immediate medical assistance from hip osteoarthritis experts if you experience hip, knee or related injuries and complications.
Time the Waves
If you’re a good wave rider, be sure to wear surf watches so as to check the period between waves. Even though time periods are bound to change, knowing how the set of waves comes gives simple yet crucial and statistical information of when you should expect the next wave.
Close Your Fingers When Paddling
Paddling in the ocean requires extra strength and power. And you need to save energy if you’ll be in the waters for longer periods. It may be impossible to completely close your fingers when surfing. But consider keeping your fingers nearly closed to reduce the pressure on your lungs. This makes you use less energy and improve your paddling power.
Adjust Your Feet Frequently
It’s not uncommon to lose balance when riding the wave. So, to stay on the surfboard when turning or attacking waves, be sure not to ride with static feet. Moving your back foot toward the edge of the surfboard to successfully change speed and make turns.
Patience is paramount in advanced surfing in that you should be ready to spend innumerable hours to ride against or along the waves. And with time, you’ll develop from intermediate to a higher level of surfing. Remember that you can’t learn all the skills at a go. Set one goal and strive to improve it before you move to the next skill learning set. All the best on your surfing journey!