Editing Surfing (section)

==Learning==
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|image1=Learning to surf with Ocean Adventures, Durban beach front. KwaZulu Natal, South Africa (20504507242).jpg 
|image2=Surfing at Currumbin Rock, northern tip of Currumbin Beach, 2020, 04.jpg
|caption2=Learning to surf
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Many popular surfing destinations have surf schools and surf camps that offer lessons. Surf camps for beginners and intermediates are multi-day lessons that focus on surfing fundamentals. They are designed to take new surfers and help them become proficient riders. All-inclusive surf camps offer overnight accommodations, meals, lessons and surfboards. Most surf lessons begin with instruction and a safety briefing on land, followed by instructors helping students into waves on [[Longboard (surfing)|longboards]] or "softboards". The softboard is considered the ideal surfboard for learning, due to the fact it is safer, and has more paddling speed and stability than shorter boards. Funboards are also a popular shape for beginners as they combine the volume and stability of the longboard with the manageable size of a smaller surfboard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hvsboardsport.com/howtosurf/|title=How to surf; learn to surf in one day|author=Kristian Hansen|date=20 November 2017|website=hvsboardsport.com|publisher=Hvs Boardsport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131256/https://hvsboardsport.com/howtosurf/|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=20 November 2017}}</ref> New and inexperienced surfers typically learn to catch waves on softboards around the {{convert|7|to|8|ft|cm|order=flip|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} funboard size. Due to the softness of the surfboard the chance of getting injured is substantially minimized.

It is possible to learn to surf without an instructor, but the process is usually safer and quicker with a surf instructor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2024 |title=Can You Teach Yourself to Surf? |url=https://independentsurfer.com/blog/can-you-teach-yourself-to-surf/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=Independent Surfer}}</ref> Typical surfing instruction is best-performed one-on-one, but can also be done in a group setting. Post-COVID, there's been a shift towards online and land-based surf coaching and training.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Surf industry riding high on wave of older, wealthier surfers |url=https://bond.edu.au/news/surf-industry-riding-high-on-wave-of-older-wealthier-surfers |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=Bond University |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Turren |first=Com |date=2023-02-25 |title=Brave chevalier dives headlong into seedy world of online surf coaching programs (Part One)! |url=https://beachgrit.com/2023/02/brave-chevalier-dives-headlong-into-seedy-world-of-online-surf-coaching-programs-part-one/ |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=BeachGrit |language=en-US}}</ref> Online surf coaching is allowing surfers to learn at their own pace and convenience from anywhere. Land-based training, such as skateboard simulations, offers a way to practice maneuvers repeatedly, refining techniques with the guidance of professional coaches either in person or remotely using video analysis apps. The most popular surf locations offer perfect surfing conditions for beginners, as well as challenging breaks for advanced students. The ideal conditions for learning would be small waves that crumble and break softly, as opposed to the steep, fast-peeling waves desired by more experienced surfers. When available, a sandy seabed is generally safer.

Surfing can be broken into several skills: paddling strength, positioning to catch the wave, timing, and balance. Paddling out requires strength, but also the mastery of techniques to break through oncoming waves (''duck diving'', ''eskimo roll'' also known as ''turtle roll''). Take-off positioning requires experience at predicting the wave set and where it will break. The surfer must pop up quickly as soon as the wave starts pushing the board forward. Preferred positioning on the wave is determined by experience at reading wave features including where the wave is breaking.<ref name="learnhowtosurf">{{cite web |url=http://www.learnhowtosurf.info/how-to-surf/ |title=The quick guide on how to surf |publisher=learnhowtosurf.info |access-date=26 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831054300/http://www.learnhowtosurf.info/how-to-surf/ |archive-date=31 August 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Balance plays a crucial role in standing on a surfboard. Thus, balance training exercises are good preparation. Practicing with a [[balance board]], [[longboard (skateboard)]], [[Surfskating|surfskate]] or swing board helps novices master the art of surfing.<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Choose the Best Surf Skateboard: The Complete Guide |url=https://www.ridingboards.com/best-surf-skateboard/ |website=Riding Boards |access-date=8 July 2021 |date=17 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Surf Training 101: What Is a Surf Skate? {{!}} OMBE |url=https://www.ombe.co/guides/surf-training-101-what-is-a-surf-skate |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=www.ombe.co |language=en}}</ref> However, it's important to note that these land-based training methods have faced criticism within the surf coaching community.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierson |first=Dashel |date=2023-08-09 |title=Kelly Slater Calls Out Surf Skaters for "Kookiness" |url=https://www.surfer.com/trending-news/kelly-slater-calls-out-surf-skaters-for-kookiness |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=Surfer |language=en}}</ref> Concerns include the potential for developing poor surfing style and habits, such as excessive wiggling, due to training on flat surfaces which do not accurately mimic the dynamic nature of ocean waves.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why you shouldn't wiggle on a surf skate {{!}} OMBE |url=https://www.ombe.co/guides/why-you-shouldnt-wiggle-on-a-surf-skate |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=www.ombe.co |language=en}}</ref>

To address these limitations, training in a skate bowl is recommended. Skate bowls can offer a more realistic simulation of the centrifugal forces experienced while surfing. This type of training helps in developing better control and style by replicating the curved, wave-like shapes and motions surfers encounter in the water. Integrating skate bowl training can provide a more comprehensive preparation for the surfing experience, balancing the benefits of basic balance training with the nuances of wave dynamics.

The repetitive cycle of paddling, popping up, and balancing requires stamina and physical strength. Having a proper [[Warming up|warm-up routine]] can help prevent injuries.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chin |first=Tyler |url=https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19528572/torrey-meister-warm-up-us-open-surfing/ |title=Warm Up So You Don't Wipe Out |date=2017-08-01 |work=[[Men's Health]] |access-date=2018-11-13 |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301134822/https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19528572/torrey-meister-warm-up-us-open-surfing/ |archive-date=2021-03-01}}</ref>