You’re heading down the beach to take on the intimidating elements, only to realise everyone’s having a chuckle at your expense. Unbeknown to you, your wetsuit is on back to front and inside out and you’re carrying your board on your head – an absolute surfing no-no. Perhaps it’s time to consult the pros and enroll in surfing lessons.
Finding an instructor is as simple as heading down to your local beach. There are plenty out there, so take the time to chat to them to make sure they get your vibe. Learning to surf can be as frustrating as it is fun; it’s vital your instructor has enough patience and experience to keep you safe and motivated.
Some schools offer once-off lessons with equipment included and others sell extended lesson packages (for once you are hooked). Some schools organise surf trips, which are great if you want to travel and explore South Africa’s beautiful coastline, meet new people and experience surf culture.
Before long, you’ll understand the thrill of gliding along a wave in perfect harmony with the motion of the ocean. Every surfer knows the feeling – and few things in life compare.
Ride on…
5 tips from longboarding champ Roxy Davis
- Use the correct equipment. Generally a beginner would use a longboard or mini-malibu.
- Use the right wax. Coldwater for Cape Town, coolwater for the east coast and warm-water wax for Durban.
- Apply sunblock every two to three hours between surfs and drink plenty of water.
- Start at a beach for beginners. Good learn-tosurf breaks include Muizenberg in Cape Town, Pollock Beach (known locally as the Pipe) in Port Elizabeth and Addington Beach in Durban.
- Don’t worry about feeling silly while learning. Surfing is all about having fun.
Top surf schools
- Cape Town Roxy School of Surf and Surf with Quicksilver, tel 021-788-8687, www.surfemporium.co.za. Gary’s Surf School, tel 021-788-9839, www.garysurf.com.
- Mossel Bay Waves S’COOL of Surf, 044-691-1540, www.wavesschoolofsurfing.com.
- Coffee Bay Coffee Bay Surf School, tel 047-575-2048, www.coffeeshack.co.za.
- Countrywide Learn 2 Surf, cell 083-414-0567, www.learn2surf.co.za.
What are the waves doing?
For up-to-date surf reports check out www.wavescape.co.za or www.windguru.com. If you’re in Cape Town, download the Beach Watch live camera app from www.beachwatch.co.za.
(Photograph by Nik Basting Photography)
