As a people living on a cluster of small islands in a very big sea, the Hawaiians were not surprisingly fascinated by the ocean, and attached great meaning to its moods and forms. In a similar way to which the Inuit are said to have many names for snow, the Hawaiians also have hundreds of words to describe the various forms of the ever changing sea.

Just as modern day surf bums insist on surfing as a lifestyle rather than just a sport and thus devote great portions of time and money to the pursuit of the waves, Hawaiians also found unfathomable bounds with the practise, as the writings of Kepelino Keauokalani, a 19th Century Hawaiian Scholar, shows in his observations of the local Hawaiian surfers:

“All thought of work is at the end, only that of sport is left. The wife may go hungry, the children, the whole family, but the head of the house does not care. He is all for sport, that is his food. All day there is nothing but surfing. Many go out surfing as early as four in the morning: men, women, children.”

Such was the desire of the ancient Hawaiians for wave sliding that if the distant storms didn’t generate sufficient waves to ride, surfers with enlist the help of a “kahuna” – a priest who would pray to the gods and ask for surf to come to Hawaiian shores.

However, surfing was to move into a period of decline following the arrival of Christian Missionaries who believed surfing was a hedonist act and a waste of time. They adamantly preach against surfing’s existence, and by the late 1800s, the sport had almost been completely exterminated. Had it not been for a few hardcore surfers who continued to practise the sports and Hawaiian kings such as David Kalakau, surfing may have died out all together.

However, the gradual decline of the missionaries influence allowed surfing to breathe again, and by the start of the 1900s, surfing had not only regained its former popularity in Hawaii, but was beginning to spread to other beaches of the world.

By the late 1920s, tourists from all over the world were booking into newly built hotels in Waikiki in their hundreds, all eager to experience the world’s most famous beach and see the exotic “surf people” for themselves. Another 30 years on, and waves of American surf migrants began to arrive from California in search of the renowned Hawaiian waves, that had reached legendary status is surf circles.

Now, surfing is a billion dollar industry, practiced across the world from Iceland to Indonesia – but let’s not forget those pioneering Hawaiian kings and queens without which, the sport of surfing may never have been invented.

Though Surf Fishing may sounds as if it is a calm and easy way to have fun but it is a lot difficult than many people might think it be. There goes many preparations while planning for surf fishing. Calculations like wave height, the current, wind direction and rock positioning etc have to betaken into account for having successful surf fishing. All these information are taken into consideration before you start and cast your line.

The foremost thing that should be kept in mind while surf fishing is the preparation that has to be done beforehand. Also most of the places fishing license is required. If you are caught with having a fishing license you will have to pay hefty fine that can make you feel awful.

You will be required to get as much knowledge and information as needed to know about the best time when you can go surf fishing. It is known that during the high tide surf fishing can be done easily. But surf fishing also tests your patience and you will have to learn being patient. So you should bring along lot of bait and be ready to spend the day.

You don’t require special rod type for surf fishing. The rod depends on how well you cast. So when judging your casting ability be realistic so that you are able to catch a maximum number of fish you desire. The advantage that shorter rod has is; it increases one’s mobility so that he can move from one place to another in search for fish. It is noteworthy that one doesn’t need to cast too far away as the fishes just swim nearby the break line feeding on the dead and rotten matter.

If you are able to locate them, sand crabs can be your best chance for surf fishing. If you happen to surf in the month of summer, you can see the deep holes that these crabs have dug into the sand and then you can easily find the fish and fish them out. A large number of times, fishes are washed up on the beach, and this is good because the fish will then swim to the surface to catch anything which is either dead or alive. If you are all out of crabs, you can use salted anchovies, frozen anchovies, mussels, shrimp, or some clams.

You should ensure that the bait you are using is strong and firm. If it is not so it may just slide off your hook. And when it comes to the rig, it should be kept in mind that it should be the one which is capable of sinking the line without giving too much pressure on it. The fish will become scared if they happen to feel the weight. So many people use a sliding sinker rig when they go surf Fishing.

There are too many reasons for you to consider day out doing surf fishing. If you are lucky while surf fishing you will be able to catch corbina, perch, bass, stingrays, rockfish and sometimes even the hammerhead sharks. It is also one of the very good options to spend a day out in beach. If you go the beach where there are many people around then you should first locate the place where you do not find too many people around in the water. It may happen sometimes that sharks can get attracted right to the shore to get the fresh food. The sharks cannot see very well and also they often mistake the hanging legs of the surfers off the board to be that of fish or tortoises.

So if you are short of money and time surf fishing is the one you should think of. There are many preparations which you should take care off when you are planning for surf fishing. Surf fishing is thus an enjoyable hobby It ensures that you get out of your home and enjoy and you may come back after having dinner made of your prized catch.

It is not just about riding a wave, but also executing various manoeuvres. A good surfer is made only when he or she is able to catch the difficult waves, staying clear of dangers and performing tricks before finishing the ride. Not being hit by the wave. Tube riding is the dream of all surfers. It is about riding inside the wave, without the wave touching you down. It is quite amusing to see the wave curling over you and you are moving ahead of the wave, without letting the wave strike you down. It is the most difficult thing to achieve in surfing.

Turning and carving, cutback, off the lip, floater, etc are some skills surfers will be achieving pretty quickly. These skills are not learned from the land. You can learn these only after you get in the water, riding the waves. You can also get surfing lessons from experienced surfers, who will give you one-on-one lessons.

Not all the beaches and surf breaks are ideal for beginners. Only experienced surfers can attempt the risky surfs. The training is given only at areas of consistent wave activity and winds. Otherwise, it will become difficult. After getting the lessons at breaks that have more or less stable surfing conditions, you can go to more challenging areas.

Once you get into the groove, it is one great passion. You will enjoy the surfing so much and you will be willing to experiment with various types of surfboards, techniques and locations. Some surfers are so passionate about the local surf breaks, that they don’t let tourists in and even threaten physical assault, when their territory is violated. Not all locations are like that and you can see surf breaks around the world, where you get warm welcome.

The safety guidelines to all kinds of water sports apply to surfing too. You need to be able to manage the tides without the board and you should be careful not to go near rocks, reefs or dangerous creatures like jelly fish, sharks, etc.

You get into surfing for once and you can experience the all consuming passion associated with the sport. Beach holidays or vacations can also include surfing as an option â?? although not all beaches for suited for surfing. OK, if you have this passion to surfing, it is good time you have, with your riding at great speeds over the waves.

For those of you who are still determined to attend a co-ed surf camp, here are some other reasons to make you think twice:

Reason #1 You can meet other people with similar interests. Do you really need to meet other people with similar interests? Who needs more friends of either gender? Who has time for surfing with friends from all over the world? You may even want to catch up with them or go on vacation with them next year. What a drag!

Reason #2 You may meet your new love on a wave. Going to a co-ed surf camp could give you the potential to meet other singles or your true love. Could you picture yourself meeting other eligible singles in surf lessons and yoga sessions? Relaxing, unwinding, eating delicious meals…what an aphrodisiac! Imagine meeting other singles that already have a common interest for adventure, health and well-being.

Reason #3 A healthy environment to meet like-minded single people. Do you really want to pack up all your single friends and head off to a surf camp in Hawaii? Sun, sand, surf, singles, what a hideous combination. Wouldn’t you be better off trusting your luck at a singles bar with total strangers? Why would you be hoping to meet other singles at a surf and yoga retreat when you can sit behind a computer and try to meet singles? Does this mean that your mom will stop trying to set you up with her friend’s grown children?

Reason #4 Exercise your body and refresh your mind. A surf and yoga camp allows you to tone up your body splendidly while at the same time allowing your mind to unwind. Why would you wish for that? Tanned, taut, and terrific, all while on time out. This is no way to meet other singles. Don’t you prefer to look pasty white with a large winter coat on and a runny nose? A co-ed surf camp will allow you to free your mind while possibly engaging your heart.

Reason #5 You might have too much fun. You would be in serious danger of enjoying yourself at a co-ed surf camp. A co-ed surf camp will allow you to free your mind while possibly engaging your heart. Who wants that? This sounds like an equation for far too much pleasure and relaxation. Improving your well being while learning a new sport and working on your sun tan could be disastrous for your health and single life.

Why risk wanting to return next year to another surf camp? Do you really want all of your future vacations to be in sunny beach side locations chasing waves? Why would you want to go to a yoga and surf retreat that allows for guys and girls? Love could blossom amongst the hibiscus. Potential for romance while chasing waves. Palm trees, glistening surf, single tanned bodies. Maui or your living room. The choice is yours.

Paid-to-surf programs are one of the hottest schemes that are sought by so many people nowadays. However, paid-to-surf programs are also very controversial, there are many issues with regards to the legality of paid-to-surf programs in general and how they operate. True enough, there are paid-to-surf programs out there that really pay their members and are not scams, yet.

What are paid-to-surf programs?

Paid-to-surf programs are businesses which employs the idea of advertising in television. They get funding from advertisers and develop a pool of members who would want to be paid by viewing the ads of the advertisers. An advertiser pays the paid-to-surf program and the paid-to-surf program invites people to view a pool of ads which are rotated every 20 seconds or so, and the viewers are paid a certain percentage everyday they surf the advertisements. The number of advertisements usually very for each program and the rotation time varies as well.

The sweet business model of the paid-to-surf programs entices many people to join their pools. All one has to do is to click on the “view” button in their account pages in the website of the paid-to-surf program and the money flows into their accounts.

The problem with the business models of paid-to-surf programs is basically very simple yet very important. Unlike television advertisements, where people actually watch advertisements which they find visually appealing, there is no incentive for staying in from of the computer to view all (say 100) web pages per day just to get paid, when he can just leave the computer on until the rotation runs out. This is a basic flaw in the business model of paid-to-surf programs.

Okay, so what’s the problem with paid-to-surf programs? What makes some of these programs scams? The problem is that some programs would let members join for free, at first and then, they would require the members to put in money to be able to withdraw their earnings from the past. People are enticed to put in money because they are constantly brainwashed that the money that they put in will be doubled or tripled. Then, all of a sudden, the program disappears like a burst bubble.

Although there are legitimate paid-to-surf programs out there, the number of scams is far more enormous. Here are some few tips on how to avoid these so-called paid-to-surf scams:

1. Join only those programs that are around for a while

The best choice that one has in terms of choosing an paid-to-surf program is to choose the one that has been established and still is in existence.

2. Trust true testimonials

Trust those testimonials which are from trusted friends. The testimonials in the sites of these “paid-to-surf” programs are usually tools for brainwashing people.

3. Check the company’s eligibility

One should check with the secretary of the state where the program was incorporated before putting any money into it.

These are only some few tips on how to avoid paid-to-surf scams. Take these precautionary steps and you could be on your way to promote your websites and make money online with paid-to-surf programs.

The Green Iguana Surf Camp has been around for some time now, teaching guests to be pleasured by the surfing experience, not just ride the waves with no regard to the power they bring. It’s the lifetime experience of keeping you well and good while you are on Costa Rican waters.

The Green Iguana Surf Camp can be found in the heart of Playa Dominical where waves are constant in Costa Rica. The camp tenders to the one of the kind adventure idea for both the young and the young at heart. This can be good for the surfing fanatic to the typical vacation junkie or even the lifetime thrill seeker and even the weary traveler.

Camp Attractions

Imagine yourself at the beach with the ability to look out over the entire ocean. The Playa Dominical and the surrounding shorelines and reefs provide the perfect picture setting. The ones surrounding Playa Dominical area Playa Guapil, Playa Dominicalito, Playa Hermosa and Playa Ventanas.

There are many different kinds of waves to ride from the easy breakers to death defying odds, the places talked about above have no flat surfs. This is the reason that it makes a wonderful place for surfer wannabes to get started on their surfing skills.

For the more intermediate and advanced surfers, Papas Point is available to further their surfing abilities. For many native residents, this is often termed “The Point”.

Despite the name, there are other activities that can be taken advantage of. A person wanting to explore can take in the sights of the beaches and the rainfall canopies. Tours are offered along with kayaking and rappelling. For those that just need a relaxing time, can sit back and watch the sunset while laying in a hammock, outstretched. They can listen to the roar of the waves as they come crashing to shore.

Camp Lodgings

The Green Iguana Surf Camp offers two kinds of lodgings for its guests: beachside lodgings and rainforest lodgings.

- Diuwak (pronounced “Dee-you-wak”) Resort is for those who wish to be next to the ocean. This resort lies 100 feet from the sea and is elegant, rustic and very comfortable. Diuwak has two packages to its rooms:

* Package A is a standard room with single or double beds, a private bathroom with a heater, telephone and with an electric fan or air conditioner.

* Package B is a deluxe room with all the amenities from the first package but it is bigger. It also has a television set and a mini refrigerator.

- Rainforest lodgings is, as the name states, in the forest. Those who choose to be here can be surrounded by a profound silence of only nature. Should you want to be taught how to surf in Costa Rica and do some self-reflection, then this lodging is the one you want.

Other Camp Features

For people who wish to do more than surf, there are tour guides who will show you the different beaches and surfing areas around the area. They will even take you to see the waterfalls. You can get surfing lessons by experienced teachers and lifeguards as well as getting a CD featuring photos from your surfing instruction. You’ll get a Green Iguana shirt, a Reptile Park trip and transportation to and from the airport. This includes all meals and even a massage.

Does this sound like fun? Then you need to book your trip today!

PRAIA MOLE SURF BEACH

Anyone who has visited Florianopolis knows that Praia Mole beach is the best year-round location on the island. Literally translated, “Praia Mole” means “soft beach” and is named so due to its extremely soft and deep sand. Praia Mole beach is centrally & conveniently located on the east coast of the island and is popular for its abundant beautiful people and great surfing. It is also popular because of its convenient location, being very near to the town of Lagoa da Conceicao, where you’ll find a majority of the island’s bars, restaurants, gift shops, grocery stores, ATMs, a gas station, and one of the best nightclubs on the island.

The surf on Praia Mole is known as being stronger than most other beaches, which suits the surfers just fine but can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers during days with large surf. Surf can range anywhere from 0 feet to 20 foot faces during the winter months. For weak swimmers and children, the north end of the beach offers a protected cove where the water is always calm and swimming is safe even on some of the largest days of surf. On the beach at Praia Mole, you’ll find a volley ball net, a juice bar, a VIP lounge area, and 6 different restaurants that double as beach bars. During the summer months (Dec – Feb) these bars will either have a live DJ spinning or at least have loud music because Brazilians love to dance whenever the opportunity presents itself. There always seems to be some action going on at Praia Mole beach.

JOAQUINA SURF BEACH Joaquina beach (just south of Praia Mole) is one of the best surf beaches in all of Florianopolis and is usually the site of the annual WCT surfing championship. The area surrounding Juaquina beach is environmentally protected sand dunes so there is no housing near the beach but it isn’t far from Praia Mole so this isn’t an issue. This beach is not one of the beautiful beaches since it is surrounded by nothing but sand dunes and a large parking lot filled with tour buses who drop off Brazilian tourists by the hundreds. However, the surf is great, especially during large swells. This is one of the few beaches that can hold its shape during a very big swell. When the surf is big, it peels left off the northern point.

GALHETA SURF BEACH

Galheta beach, just north of Praia Mole, is also a great surf spot and much less crowded than other surf breaks since there are no access roads to it but it’s just a 10-minute walk on the beach from Praia Mole.

PRAIA BRAVA BEACH

Praia Brava is located on the north end of Florianopolis island and the surf is comparable to Praia Mole. Translated, Praia Brava means “furious beach” most likely due to the frequently big and rough surf. This beach is a solid 1-hour drive from Praia Mole, the town of Centro, and the town of Lagoa, which means it’s on the outskirts of the island and not convenientle located for vacationers who like to enjoy the Florianopolis nightlife. However, if you’re a surfer looking to hit some different surf spots, this spot will suit you well during a nice swell. This beach is not surrounded by jungle and wildlife preserve like most other Florianopolis beaches. Instead, it is packed with tons of hotels and condo complexes. Unfortunately, this area becomes deserted outside December, January, and February (peak summer months) because it is simply too far away from most of the islands nightlife, shopping malls, and restaurants.

FLORIANOPOLIS SURF RATINGS

Following are most of the surf beaches on the island of Florianopolis, Brazil. This should help you when planning your Florianopolis surf vacation.

Beach, Star Rating, Direction of Break, Type of Break

Armacao, 2, right & left, Beach Break Barra Da Lagoa, 2, right & left, Beach Break Boca da Barra, 3, right & left, rivermouth Caldeirao, 3, left, beach break Campeche Rights, 4, Right, beach break Canasvieiras, 3, right, sand bar Galheta, 3, right & left, sand bar Ingleses, 2, right & left, beach break Joaquina, 4, right & left, sand bar Lagoinha do Leste, 4, right & left, beach break Lambe Lambe, 4, right, point break Matadeiro, 3, right & left, beach break Mocambique, 3, right & left, beach break Morro das Pedras, 2, right & left, sand bar Naufragados, 5, right, beach break Ponta Do Rapa, 4, right, beach break Praia Brava, 3, right & left, beach break Praia do Forte, 3, right, point break Praia Mole, 3, right & left, beach break Riozinho, 5, right & left, beach break Santinho, 3, right & left, beach break

It’s perfectly acceptable and, actually, highly recommended to take a surfing lesson when you’re just picking up the sport. You might think surfing is logical and that you will have the natural ability to pick it up right away, but the reality is that surfing is a very awkward sport when you first start out and there are tons of little tips that you can acquire only from a surf instructing professional.

Surf lessons can be private or in groups and last for about an hour. You will likely ride on a completely foam board that is nearly 10 feet long and very lightweight, which catches waves easily and gives you a lot of float. Most surf schools guarantee that you will stand up on a wave. If you don’t, you can usually come back for another lesson for free until you do. It might appear unnecessary and dorky, but a beginning surf lesson will likely accelerate your surfing ability more than the trial and error of learning on your own. If you go it alone, your learning curve will likely be slower, more painful, and in some cases more dangerous.

Another thing you must keep in mind is that friends who surf are not the same as surf instructors. Some of your friends may have been surfing for years, but if you ask them to go surfing with you to help you learn, they could well be worse than your least favorite middle school teacher. You and your experienced surfing friends might paddle out together, but your friends might leave you treading water at the lineup while they’re catching all the waves.

That’s why you are much better off shelling out the $50 or so for a first lesson. Surf instructors get paid to answer questions and push you into a wave. Their main goal is for you to have a good time while riding your first wave. To take full advantage of the time you have with your instructor, it is advisable to prepare a list of questions you can ask. There’s no limit to the silly or stupid questions you can ask a surf instructor, so fire away.

Surf instructors take their students to beginner surf breaks that are usually a bit crowded. This will be a most humbling experience, but you will be among others who are in the same boat as you. One thing is for certain: Wherever it is you go with your instructor, he or she won’t paddle you out to a break that you can’t handle, so you know you will be safe and taken care of. For this reason, surf lessons ensure that you will paddle back out another day wanting more. Goodness knows you don’t want to be in over your head or get injured and be too scared to try the sport again. So start off on the right foot by taking one surf lesson. Once you get that initial lesson out of the way, you’ll feel far more confident going it alone thereafter.

Arriving in Cape Town is over whelming, the first thing you notice is the warmth and friendly attitude to you the surfer.  This country has been through so much in the past 30 years and it has always been my dream to set foot on its soil to surf the glorious waves that caress its shores daily. South Africa is blessed with some of the best and most consistent surf the world has to offer. Couple this with the mild climate and you have a surfing paradise. During the South African winter the coastline is supplied with almost endless groundswell and offshore winds due to the constant flow of cold front activity in the southern Atlantic.  So as a surfer arriving from a rainy Oregon to find warmth and amazing surf is a dream come true.

The tour I was on, involved sessions at numerous South African premier surf spots which include Jeffrey’s Bay, Seal Point, Victoria Bay, Bruce’s Beauties and as well as many other spots that “crank” in winter. Dylan collected me after arrival and we were all packed up to head off along the coast.  South African surfers are always so stoked it is amazing and Dylan was no acceptation to that rule and assured me that he had a thorough knowledge of surfing in the area and that he was our tour guide.  Furthermore he practically guaranteed me that I will get to the respective spots when they are at their best, he just fell short in advising me he had arranged the swell as well.

As we arrived at the lodge on the outskirts of town I was greeted by the other surfers on the tour who had arrived a day or two earlier.  Dylan whispered in my ear and ensured me with an eager smile that the tour remains personal and that by limiting the number of people on each tour guarantees we all get a great time. Like all South African’s he is proud of the countries surf and then could not refrain from telling me yet again for the 5th time that he would ensure I surfed as many African barrels as possible. Umm…. I went to bed with that thought. My second day started with Dylan taking the tour to a place at Muzuimbrug, an ideal spot he assured me to get acquainted to African Waves. ‘Muzies’ as it is known, is renowned for its rolling and very consistent A-Frame waves and endless stretch of beach.  Whilst Dylan provided surf lessons for some learners on the tour I paddled out the back to enjoy some glass morning surf.
 
After a hearty lunch we set off on an orientation tour of the stunning Cape Peninsula, Dylan believed this would help us get our bearing on the land and we also had a visit to the Cape Point Nature reserve as well as Cape Towns more famous tourist sights including a visit to boulders beach where wild penguins happily play.

The morning of day 3 was an important one for me personally as I could not wait to set out on our first port of call which was a 65-meter bungee at Gouritz. This is optional on the tour but it’s highly recommended to get you stoked and ready for the adventure that lies ahead and I was game for it. If you plan on doing the worlds highest one later in the trip, I suggest you do this one first to get a feel for it! I did not opt for the higher…

Along the way we stopped at Mossel Bay for a surf session, there was a selection of 3 breaks to choose from, Inner and Outer Pool as well as Ding Dangs. Depending on the conditions and your standard the surf guides will take you to the one with most zest, and they selected one just fine for me.

Inner Pool’s wave breaks very close to famed outer Pool off a section of rocks, walls up when at its best and is usually surfed when Outers is flat. Outer Pool Gets large and challenging in solid winter swell but is usually surfed when clean and orderly in light westerly winds. Outer offers a cooking right hand reef break with a solid wall and a long ride. Ding Dang’s a fun hotdog wave that works when winter swell wraps around cape St Blaise.

After the surf, we set off on the road again, the most beautiful scenery as we enter the ‘Garden Route’ is breath taking and most of us all sighed with disbelief at the views and the panorama that was unrolling ahead of us. Depending on the time of year, apparently the guides can surprise the group and dive for some crayfish (Cape Rock lobster) along the way for the evening dinner, this was not the case for my tour but I gather it can be the norm.

It’s up early to get the best swell the next morning and we all opted to head for a spot called Buffalo Bay Point – a very similar wave to Bruce’s Beauties that too me was going to be the highlight of the tour and was to come so I took this as a trial event.  The point can get superlative in the right conditions by all accounts and before leaving the US I had heard great reports of the conditions that can be found here so was please to see a perfect 3ft day.

That evening we checked into another local surf lodge, and zipped out for and evening surf! We headed off to a place I had dreamed of since first seeing the movie Endless Summer – Bruce’s Beauties – it breaks a lot more often than is thought of and is by know means a gentle long boarders paradise. When cooking, Bruce’s is a screaming right hand point that freight trains along a jagged line of rocks. “Get ready for mean gaping barrels” Dylan shouted as he disappeared into the water, leaving the rest of us half changed, running and falling every other step!  It was just like a clip from the movie here I was about to hit the surf of Endless Summer.

The next day I found it very difficult to get up to be honest, three great days of epic surf and with another few more to comes I just could not cope… my body was feeling the flight and the perfect surf of the night before.  So rather than surf I just joined the tour to watch the rest of the group under a go some lessons on the beach and sat back enjoying the wild environment that seemed as if Portland and US Airports was just a forgotten memory.  I could not believe that only 90+ hours ago I was crammed into a bus in Portland with a huge longboard knocking everyone that moved.  Now I lay head back on the sand listening to the sounds of sea birds and knowing that I am totally at peace and having the best surf trip in my life.  Sure I have surfed some amazing spots but to surf a spot I have seen over a thousand time son video and then to actually enjoy it going off better than in the film was beyond even my wildest thoughts of surfing in South Africa.

After a few more days of touring and surfing spots such as Boneyards, Supertubes, Salad bowls, J-Bay, Tubes, Point and Albatross it was time to start to head back in the direction of the Cape.  Everyone on the tour had become exhausted and tired but we were now a travelling surf family too tired to talk but desperate for one more last surf before the Cape and we were not disappointed as slowly we drove towards Buffalo Bay again and it was just as we left it, perfect……

As we drove in to Cape Town the next day Dylan turned to us all and said “How about Sky diving, or Paragliding? – We can even arrange a shark dive if you wish!” – in a great chorus we all said “shut up man… we are exhausted!”  The one thing you can say about South African’s they are a great friendly bunch and the stoke of surfing runs deep in there veins.

The beauty of the tour I think was summed up by the people on it, from 6 surfers who were learning to surf for the first time and having lessons daily to the rest of us who ranged from beginner to advanced.  We all surfed well and all experienced the conditions first hand.  We all had our own experiences and that is something all of us will take away and is our surf memory – an amazing surf trip.

I travelled with Xoxxi ( http://www.xoxxisurf.com ) which is a surf brand run by regula
r surfers for regular surfers and they were very helpful in this unique travel surfing experience.  You can also visit the South African tourism website at ( http://www.southafrica.net ) for other information on visiting the country.  You may also like to purchase a book, and I would recommend Surfing in South Africa, By Steve Pike (ISBN: 1919833153).

I own and run a surf travel company on Australia’s Gold Coast. My business basically pulls together all the services offered on the Gold Coast that a travelling surfer needs. We then go the extra step of renting our surfboards to our clients, for the duration of their holiday. The idea is simple, we want to ensure our clients have the surfing holiday of their life, without the hassle of sorting out the logistics when they arrive.

One of the great things about this business is I deliver the surfboards myself. This gives me the opportunity to have a brief chat with every surfer coming through the Gold Coast using my services. I really enjoy this part of the business as being a surfer myself, I enjoy the contact with people who have a similar passion to mine. Also, it gives me the opportunity to get into the heads of my clients, so I can understand what their expectations are for their surfing holiday and can continually improve my services based on their desires.

“I wish I was a little bit fitter for this holiday”, so many of my clients tell me when returning their surfboards. This is the number 1 desire of the travelling surfers who use my services. The want a higher level of surfing fitness for their holidays. It makes sense really. When you go on a surfing trip, you end up surfing 2 – 3 times a day, which will probably equates to 4 – 6 hours a day in th water. This you do consistently over a period of 5 – 10 days. It is a lot of surfing. No matter how much you surf at home, you will be surfing more when on holiday.

So what is the best way to get fit for a big surf holiday while you are busy back at home, with all the pressures and distraction every day living brings? We believe there are 3 things you should do. The first 2 should be part of your long term commitment to personal health and fitness and the last is aimed at giving you a real fitness boost before you go on holiday.

The first thing you need to take care of is your general level of endurance. You need to be fit enough to go hard for 10 – 15 minutes minimum as often this is the minimum paddling requirement for getting through the breakers and out the back. I believe this fitness requirement needs to be a little more specific than “general endurance”. I believe you need to have a base level of “water endurance” or water fitness. Surfers and swimmers have an inate feel for the water. It is very different to exercising on land. It has a different type of co-ordination and efficiency. The fittest runner can be a disaster in the water, burning up all their energy and getting nowhere.

So to cover off this requirement, you should be swimming or surfing at least twice a week, every week of the year. Do not leave it till a month before your holidays, it is impossible to develop water fitness in such a small span of time. If you love surfing, you will love the water. Make it a part of your life. Then, in the month leading up to your holiday, increase you workload by 1 or 2 sessions a week and make your sessions much more intensive. This will give you a little fitness boost pre-arrival.

The second key to surfing fitness is flexibility, balance and core strength. Once again, this is not something you want to leave till the last minute, rather something you want to develop over time as part of your commitment to surfing, health and fitness. Yoga is the answer here. Yoga is so good for surfing fitness, it is almost as if it was invented purely with the surfer in mind. Not only does yoga help you improve your flexibility, balance and core strength, it also re-aligns and re-balances your body back into its natural and healthy position, away from the imbalanced position which surfing causes. For example, even the simple act of paddling requires you to over-arch your back, creating a distortion in the development of your back muscles. Yoga sorts all these types of issues out, as well as conditioning your body. My advice, get yourself a surf specific yoga DVD and do it 2 or 3 times a week.

The final thing you can do is a surf specific, functional training program. If you have taken care on the first and second items above, surf specific training is the ideal pre holiday fitness preparation. It should be short, (Ie a fitness program which runs from 4 – 12 weeks) it should gradually increase in intensity over those weeks and it should be designed specifically for the muscles you use in the water. The point with such a training program is to give your surf specific fitness a massive boost prior to arriving on your holiday. You’ve got your base level of fitness sorted out already by ensuring point 1 and 2 above are part of your lifestyle. This training program recognises though, that there will be a short period of time where you will need a higher level of fitness (Ie. For those long sessions while on holiday) and prepares you specifically with those higher needs in mind.

I hope this helps you prepare for your next surfing trip where ever it may be. We all know training can sometimes be a bit of a drag, just remember how much more fun those surfing days are when the waves, your skill and your body all come together at the same time, so you can catch that elusive perfect wave.