Learn to surf safely with Costa Rica’s experienced surf instructors
July 20, 2024
Top surf tips you should know for a fun and safe surfing experience
There are a lot of things you’ll learn during a surf lesson at School of the World. While we agree that the thrill of surfing is one of the most attractive qualities of the sport, it’s critical to understand how to keep yourself and others safe while on your board.
At School of the World, our number one priority is the safety of our students. That’s why our experienced instructors have created a custom course that ensures all our students feel comfortable on their boards before stepping foot in the ocean and once they’re in the water.
3 SAFETY TIPS TO LEARN ON LAND
There’s nothing better than catching a wave and feeling the ocean on your skin! To prep for that life-changing experience, our students are guided through a few on-land lessons before hitting the surf.
- Learning to surf is a team sport. Staying close to your instructor and fellow students is key to ensuring safety while in the water. Depending on class sizes, we pair 2-3 students per instructor. Pairings are made during the very first on-land lesson. This allows the students and instructors time to get to know each other and feel comfortable working together. Pairings are determined by things like height, weight, experience level, and level of comfort and familiarity with the ocean.
- While it’s easily one of our favorite aspects of Costa Rica, the ocean is unpredictable. It’s important to approach the water with care and consideration. One way to do that is to assess the waves for 5-10 minutes before entering the water. Standing down the beach a few feet from where you plan to surf will allow you to check the size of the set waves. It’s crucial that the waves aren’t too big for your skill level.
- As with most physical activities, stretching before surfing is key to avoiding injuries. Stretching helps prevent injuries and strains to your muscles. Our instructors lead each surf session with exercises specifically designed for surfers. Also, if you need a pre- or post-surf stretch, our yoga instructors have curated flows, especially for surfers!
3 SAFETY TIPS TO LEARN IN THE WATER
Injuries that occur during surfing are usually caused by a collision with your surfboard or someone else’s. Our students are armed with the following safety skills to help them avoid injury in the water. If an injury does occur, our students are equipped to handle the situation.
- Paddling out is the first step in preparing to catch a wave once in the water. Our students are instructed to keep their boards close to them and be aware of the other surfers around them when paddling out. Awareness is a core element of being a safe surfer.
- After paddling out, students are instructed to keep a safe distance between themselves and those around them. This helps maintain control and awareness while in the water. The average surfboard at School of the World is 7 feet long, with an 8-foot-long leash. For beginners, a safe distance between fellow surfers is about 15 feet.
- Never forget the right-of-way rule—or should we say the right-of-wave rule? Whoever is closer to the peak of the waves has the right-of-way. Our students are taught always to look to see if someone else is already riding the wave before they go. You can take the wave if that person goes in the opposite direction. If that person is coming towards you, you’re not allowed to take the wave.
