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.

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.

If you are exploring holiday destinations try Portugal Surfing holidays this season.You will find Portugal Surfing Holidays to be a very unique and special experience that will give you an opportunity to enjoy the truly stylish and exciting culture. The Portugal Surfing Holidays are for everyone – for singles, couples and families looking to experience warm sunshine, pleasant water conditions and excellent sea food or great wine.

So Portugal Surfing Holidays will prove to be a great idea to go for a perfectly holiday -relaxing and action packed at the same time. You can go with your friends and family, and believe me there’s no better spot for that than Portugal. Some people are under the misconception that holiday with Portugal Surf in mind, is just for young college-goers. That is not true. Even if you’re older, or younger, you can still have fun with Portugal Surfing Holidays.

If you are planning Portugal Surfing Holidays first and foremost what you should do is to explore district regions of Portugal. Each district has something unique to offer. Right from the lush vineyards of the Douro in the north to the craggy coastline of Alentejo in south-west Portugal to holidays on the sandy beaches of Portugal’s Estoril Coast which offers green and unending golf courses in the Algarve to the mid-Atlantic Azores islands if you would like whale watching and nature trips as part of your Portugal Surfing Holidays

Portugal Surfing Holidays is one of the oldest adventure sports known to man. Historians have dated Portugal Surf adventure to as early as 3000 years ago, but the modern form of Portugal Surf as we know of it today was developed in Hawaii couple of centuries ago. Portugal Surf as a sport came to Portugal much later, but now it’s a major sport for amateur surfers because of friendly waves that help a beginner learn it in safe and encouraging environment.

Portugal Surfing Holidays are not just for the pros or those who already know the sport. Like mentioned earlier even the beginners can have surfing fun here and Portugal beaches have a lot to offer to them too. Portugal Surfing Holidays means, friendly waves that you can ride even if you are newbie, it offers you good instructors plus there are shops where you can rent surfing gear etc that make Portugal Surfing holidays a perfect destination.

If you are seriously considering Portugal surfing holidays, there are many travel agencies in Portugal which offer you packaged holidays inclusive of `Portugal Surf Learning Sessions and practice’ with pros. The tutors and instructors will guide you through the the lessons of surfing.

If you are planning Portugal Surfing Holidays you must be aware of all the aspects of Portugal Surf. Remember that surfing is an adventure sport, which means there’s a slight amount of risk involved with it. You should not go for your round of Portugal Surf if you don’t know how to swim. Because if the surfboard overturns, which often does, your swimming skills will come in handy and if you are an energetic swimmer you will be able to get back to shores safely.

Have a great, memorable and safe Portugal Surfing Holiday!

Sand. Sun. Surf. Think beach, and those are the first descriptions that pop up. Images of azure waters gently rolling to pristine shores, coconut and palm fronds waving in the sea breeze, the soft tinkling of wood-and-string instruments accompanied by the staccato of percussions… all in keeping with the picture-perfect summer holiday. So the general, typical beach-going public would agree.

But take it to a different world: one of waves swelling to as high as thirty feet overhead, of deeply tanned pecs, abs, biceps and legs running, jumping and swimming in shape and of human figures skating the surface of these gigantic waves on colorful boards in a race against crashing foam and surf. It’s the world of surfing.

Surfing traces its historic roots in the early Polynesian people of Hawaii. Memoirs written by Capt. James Cook on his visits to the Pacific are the earliest records of surfing anywhere in the world. Traditionally, the people of Hawaii lay flat on their bellies on wooden boards to skim the waves. Surfing is deeply-rooted in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, playing a role in the construction of legends and myths. The imminent danger faced while surfing, the thought of conquering the waves, the thrill of being atop them and the discipline it takes to reach all of the above: these elements are responsible for the excitement and popularity that surfing has become.

The last statement proves true in the fact that Hollywood has capitalized on the surfing industry, making movies out of it and of the lives of surfers. “Blue Crush” features Kate Bosworth as a female surfer struggling to make her mark in this male-dominated sport. Along with two other female friends and her younger sister, Anne Marie (Bosworth) is determined to prove her worth, eyeing the Pipe Masters competition as her triumph. Amidst the stunning visuals of the Hawaiian coast, Anne Marie drives herself into shape and hones her surfing skills for the event, while making a living teaching football players the game. Though she loses the Pipe Masters contest, Anne Marie does get to demonstrate that women can surf and surf well, too in a wonderfully executed exhibition at the “Pipe,” one of the most dangerous surfing challenges present.

“Point Break” is about surfing, yes, but with a rather peculiar twist. Keanu Reeves plays Johnny Utah, a rookie FBI agent on the tail of a gang of bank robbers called “The Ex-Presidents.” The gang robs banks using masks bearing the faces of previous American presidents, and Utah’s partner, agent Angelo Pappas (Gary Busey) has a theory that they may be surfers. Utah immerses himself in a surfing culture, learning the ropes of surfing through some newfound friends headed by a guy named Bodhi, played by Patrick Swayze. Bodhi turns out to be a one of the “Ex-Presidents” and he and Utah battle it out with the waves of the Los Angeles coast as their background. Utah goes from being an ex-football player who is clueless about the sea to a a competent surfer who has learned not just the art and beauty of surfing, but of good relationships as well.

A movie with a story different from what mainstream Hollywood has to offer. “Riding Giants” is just that. In documentary format and featuring real-life surfers, “Riding Giants” takes the viewer for a dive into the history of surfing, the culture that holds it alive today and the commercialized hype that has popularized it. It gives a detailed look inside the real world of surfing, where the dangers are always close by and how the fascination for those huge waves have lured and molded the icons and legends of surfing. It has been dubbed as the most informative surfing movie to date, complete with fantastic visuals.

There are more surfing movies, particularly from the sixties to the seventies. Those mentioned above have been produced in this recent century. Other popular surfing movies include “Endless Summer” and “Endless Summer 2,” “Big Wednesday,” “Billabong Odyssey,” “In God’s Hands” and the digitally animated film, “Surf’s Up” that has a penguin for its lead surfer.

To know more about surfing sites, visit www.Marconibeach.com

Surfing is one of the most thrilling sports there can be on sea. But unlike most sea sports, it does not require machinery of some sort. All you need in surfing are: a board, surfing gear, rippling waves and a sense of adventure. But just like any other sport, surfing can also drain your energy and patience. It can be grueling especially to the neophytes, as it requires perfect mind and body coordination. To have a body in total harmony with your inner self to get your body in the best surfing condition, surfers will recommend one thing and that is to practice yoga!

You might think that surfing and yoga are far out from each other but you are wrong. Both have similar concepts that really blend well to give you a better life. Here are five reasons why surfing and yoga is a great combination.

1. Yoga and surfing have a common denominator. They are ways of life.

Yoga is more than an exercise as surfing is more than a sport. Both are ways of living that help make people attain a fuller and more complete life. They also help you know more not only about yourself but also about your surroundings: yoga seeks enlightenment of your spirituality while surfing makes you one with nature. The yoga world is also similar with a surfing moment; a place of freedom, a place of peace, a place without time… Either way, you become your better person as you completely immerse yourself in the activity and in the process, rest your mind and spirit to release your fullest.

2. Surfing without exercise such as yoga can have health repercussions.

Although surfing is a good exercise, it is not perfect because it is not completely symmetrical. Surfing does not work all body parts as it concentrates only on some especially the shoulders and arms. In the process, the rest of the body does not get its proper exercise. That is why it is always recommended that surfing be paired with a form of exercise that gives emphasis on stretching such as yoga. Yoga can work the body parts that are not frequently worked out in surfing. With that, you are ensured that you have a complete activity for your entire body.

3. Yoga will teach you patience in surfing.

Starting to surf may be difficult to some people who do not have the skill of balance pros have. However, with a little more practice, you can gain more knowledge about reaching your body’s equilibrium but this may take time. Some may learn to surf in only a few days but some may take several weeks or months with a very long learning curve. With the help of yoga, meditation and breathing can make you become a more patient student surfer. The extended patience that you gain from practicing yoga can also be helpful while waiting for those surf quality waves to practice on.

4. Yoga will increase your strength and flexibility on the board.

Yoga can enhance your self-awareness and make your body and mind exist in perfect harmony. Yoga will sharpen your concentration, enabling you to attain perfect equilibrium. Because yoga includes stretching and different forms to be followed, it will improve the flexibility of every part of your body. Flexibility is the key to constancy on top of the board while surfing a wave. Flexibility gained by practicing yoga also helps you move with more freedom, balance and comfort. And in this area, it is obvious how yoga can really be helpful.

5. Yoga will help you improve posture and breathing.

Just like in yoga, proper posture and breathing is also important in surfing. You reach maximum performance when your body has proper amounts of oxygen taken in and is in the proper position. With yoga, you will learn to breathe and pose better. Yoga benefits such as minimized tension on the body especially on the back and the shoulders can maximize surfing performance. Proper breathing and posture will give you strength and balance that can increase stability while you glide on the waves.

Surfing and yoga is a perfect complement that assists in excelling each other to higher levels and that is why most surf schools have yoga activities as well. The pair not only enhances your spirituality and physicality but also harmonizes your mind and body in perfect balance. So the next time, before you surf, practice a few minutes of yoga and breathing. Then you’ll realize that surfing is not only a purely physical activity but can have spiritual liberation effects as well.