Selection Of Portugal Surf Camp And Surf College

2. You may see objects or other surfers being pulled out to sea rapidly, with little or no effort.

3. A change in water color within the rip. It may be murkier from sediment, or greener from depth.

5. Know a little about localism.

Like with life, or even driving on the freeway, surfing has its dark side! Surfers that surf the same spots a lot start to feel like that spot is theirs. They like to take a sense of ownership of the spot. Some locals feel like they should get all, or most of the waves out there. New people who show up are considered intruders. Localism may show itself as; someone yelling at you, dropping in on you, flattening your tires, waxing your windshield, or even throwing your shoes and or back pack in the water, along with many other tactics. What can you do about it?

1. Be respectful to the locals. If you are a beginner you probably should not surf the same surf spots as the locals, until your skill level improves. You will most likely just get in their way, and give your self and the locals a bad experience.

2. When you are ready to surf with them, just try to be nice and give them respect. You will find that most of the locals are regular guys and gals who when treated nicely, and with respect will respond in the same way. (Yes, I know their are exceptions).

3. Do not show up with a big crowd of people to the local hot spot. The locals will not be happy with you, and you will most likely get a negative vibe at the least.

4. If their are 5 or 6 surfers on a peak and you and your friends show up to go surfing, it is usually better to paddle out down the beach and wait for the crowd to thin. Let them have the peak that they were on first, and do not invade them.

5. Get to know the locals and you may gain a friend and a surfing buddy. They are not all bad!

6. I could go on, but I think you get the point! Do to others as you would want them to do to you!

6. Know how to catch a wave.

The first few waves you catch will be in the white water (already broken waves). You will want to catch your first few waves in a prone position (laying down). You should point your board toward the beach, wait for a white water wave to come in, then lay down on your board and practice riding to shore. After you get that down you can practice paddling to catch the wave. To paddle you need to dig down deep and really try to stay smooth, and keep the board in a planing position. The paddling method will be more difficult. Do not be to far back on the board as you will push water.

7. How to stand up on your surfboard.

Before going to the beach, practice doing pop ups. Lay down on the floor with your hands near your chest but not too wide. You want to be able to push off your board to get up to your feet in one smooth motion, without touching your knees.