If you want to be the “cool dude” or dudette, then you will be wise to sign up for some lessons. You will also learn how to put your wetsuit on the right way, avoiding the first cardinal sin of surfing!

Taking surf lessons in Cornwall with one of the renowned surf schools such as Waves Surf School (see bottom of this article for links) will get you standing up and riding a wave within your first two hour lesson. And yes, that’s true for everyone, for all ages and abilities, from Gran to Uncle Albert. What can you expect from a surf lesson? Well firstly, your instructor will probably be good looking, which some might say is the best perk of all! Seriously though, here are the perks:

* Firstly, you’ll get the best wetsuit around, in a size that fits, and one that will keep you warm.

* Equipment: your surfboard will be big enough to keep you safe, but soft enough to make sure that you don’t get hurt.

* You’ll have the best two hours of your holiday, and are sure to go home with the surfing bug!

* You’ll be standing and riding a wave within two hours. Some beginners take to it like a duck to water and, with the right instruction, open up their lives to a whole new hobbie.

Surfing can be fun for all the family and is suitable for all ages and abilities, especially if you have surf lessons where you will be provided with a big, soft board. Waves Surf School of Cornwall say that their youngest learner has been six, with their eldest being a 65 year old Grandad.

The one criteria of going out into the seas to learn to surf, is being able to swim. It is recommended that you can swim 50m before taking surf lessons. Remember, surfing is an excellent form of exercise and is great for keeping fit. You don’t see many overweight surfers paddling out to sea on their surfboards!

Cornwall is the perfect place to learn to surf, with gentle waves for all the family. There is a whole coastline to be explored, with the surf beaches found mainly on the north coast from Porthcothan to Harlyn, and Padstow on the doorstep and Newquay just around the corner. And for those in the family that don’t want to surf, there’s plenty of other things to do in Cornwall, from exploring the golden beaches, to eating in many of the fine restaurants.

Mavericks

The most well know of the California big wave spots. This cold water wave breaks a half mile off Pillar Point in Half Moon Bay, 25 miles south of San Francisco. It is mostly a right breaking wave over 20 foot, although lefts can be surfed under 20 feet.  It was surfed virtually alone be Jeff Clark from 1975 until 1990 when it finally became known to the rest of the world. Now it is home to the annual Mavericks Surf Contest. Supposedly there were 100ft waves seen year during a huge swell a few hears ago, but nobody surfed them. Documented waves have been surfed here almost 70ft high. The inside is a nasty mess of boulders called “The Boneyard”. Hawaiian big wave surfer Mark Foo died here in 1994.

Cortes Bank

This spot is created by  a chain of underwater mountains in the Pacific Ocean. It is about 100 miles west of San Diego and about 40 miles south-west of San Clemente Island. It’s shallowest point is only 6ft beneath the surface.  These peaks are what cause the waves to break on huge swells.  Although first surfed in 1990, really big waves weren’t surfed until 2001 as part of “Project Nepture”. It now attracts a group of surfers every year, despite being only accessible by the long boat ride. Biggest documented waves surfed here are about 70ft, although it is theorized that this spot could produce rideable 100ft waves.

Ghost Trees

This big wave surfing location is off the 18th hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Course. This is a very scenic location on 17 mile drive between Monterey and Carmel. The deep water of the Carmel Canyon just offshore refracts long period west swells. This creates waves 4-5 times larger than the surrounding area. Nasty rocks on the inside.  It only breaks when gigantic and only about a half dozen times a year. Big wave surfer Peter Davi died surfing Ghost Trees in 2007. Personal watercraft used to tow surfers into huge waves were banned recently, making this mostly tow-in only spot “illegal” on the biggest days when  such craft be necessary.

Big Wave surfing is extremely dangerous and the vast majority of surfers in California never surf these spots. They are for dedicated, fit surfers willing to take serious risks for that ultimate rush. For the rest of us this is a spectator sport. These three spots have put the Golden State on the big wave map. Your best chance to see any of these would probably be at Mavericks. Large surf forecast services like Surfline can tell you when the these big waves combine with the right wind conditions for it to draw the big wave riders. You will want to bring your binoculars as the waves break very far out. Ghost Trees does not break as often but can also be seen from land. Obviously Cortes Bank can only be seen from a boat so a television or computer is as close as most of us will get. There may be more big wave spots waiting to be discovered in the more remote areas of Northern California.

A key element to the success of kitesurfing is the availability of suitable locations where the sport can be practised. Unlike surfing, kitesurfing does not rely on a particular sea state. As long as there is sufficient wind and it’s in a suitable direction, ideally side onshore, then the activity can be carried out. Offshore winds are dangerous for obvious reasons while a direct onshore wind direction also carries an element of risk should the surfer be driven onto rocks or other beach obstacles.

Having said that, many locations lend themselves to the sport; there are some that are unable to accommodate kitesurfers and there are others that have quickly found fame as favourite locations. The main reasons why a location would be unsuitable for the sport lie in prevailing wind directions but also with the hazardous nature of the sport for other beach users. Several beach resorts already ban kitesurfing for that reason.

Weather places only a small part in kitesurfing. Obviously very strong winds or storms would make the sport more dangerous than it already is, but air and water temperature matter very little. You often see surfers on the water during winter months wearing thick wetsuits, but the most popular kitesurfing destinations usually boast warmer climates making the sport very enjoyable.

Having developed in the US there are hundreds of locations in North America that attracts high numbers of surfers, but in Europe now the sport is already well-established and in the warmer waters of southern Europe you will find several world-class resorts.

Perhaps surprisingly, The Netherlands has a high number of kitesurfing resorts, as does the UK despite its variable weather. But Spain has the advantage of both climate and thousands of miles of coastline, allowing it to provide a wide choice of great kitesurfing locations.

The resort of Famara on Lanzarote is one of those locations that attracts thousands of surfers year-round. A 5 kilometre long beach that shelves through shallow water until around 50 meters offshore provides a perfect environment for the sport. Famara village is off the beaten track for the typical tourist so is normally a haven for kitesurfers only. The kitesurfing centre in the village provides equipment hire, instruction and transfer to the beach which lies just 5 minutes away. As such it has a laid back and welcoming feel. Flights to Lanzarote are available from all over Europe with a wide choice of airlines operating frequent flights to the island’s airport at Arrecife.

Operators like FlyThomasCook offer low cost flights to Fuerteventura which also has a kitesurfing beach called Flag Beach just outside the village of Corralejo, however surfers seem to rate the beach at Famara on Lanzarote as better.

Many flight operators are now used to travellers wanting to carry sporting equipment. Some accept sporting gear on a ’space and weight permitting’ policy which is not entirely helpful, because what are you supposed to do with your kiteboard once you’ve already arrived at the airport and they don’t accept it onboard? If they are able to carry your kiteboard, FlyThomasCook will charge around 40 pounds return for short haul flights and 60 pounds for long haul. That compares favourably to Thomson and Britannia who currently charge 100 pounds for long haul.

Surfing first had started way back in Hawaii when Captain James cook was on the island. The boards they used back then were made from heavy thick wood so it made them hard to even paddle out. They were later made from other materials but not till way later when the modern short board came into play. After the short board came into the picture it changed surfing forever. Surfers could then use smaller boards but they would still float the same way as the others. Except now they could catch waves fast and do tricks that they had never done before. The boards allowed them to get down the line faster then ever so they could do new aerial tricks. The airs first started in California and places like that then other surfers started to do the same tricks so they changed surfing like never before. If you were to look at surf videos today and look at surfing videos from back in the day like the 60s and 70s you will see the difference.

Swells and waves are created from wind blowing over a long distance. That’s what makes the swells travel until they hit the beaches in which we surf today. Like when you were to have a hurricane the wind would be blowing hard and fast out at sea but 50 to 100 miles inshore the waves would be pounding the shores. Hurricane surf is good because you are like guaranteed good clean offshore surf sometime or another when the hurricane gets close. Other types of swells are ground swells which just pop up over night from a low pressure or something like that. Other than that waves are made from wind.

You will see the difference between a surfer who can ride the wave and one who just can’t catch the wave before it breaks. The one who can catch the wave before it breaks on them and gets in front of the barrel of the wave will be the one to show you how to surf. Like me I would drop into the face at an angle so I would gain better speed so then when I stood up I would already have a good amount of speed then I would do a few little pumps down the line then do a huge lip slide or off the lip. You are not limited to what you can do on a wave when its chest to head high surf and walling up down the beach. All you do is catch it then speed down the line and perform some sick trick that gets everyone hooting and then paddle back out.

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

And for the surfer looking to catch great waves in a top beach destination, Lanzarote has just been recognised as being one of the best locations in the world to pursuit the sport – or just for fun.

A leading internet for surfing puts Lanzarote high on their list of the hundred best places in the world, coming shortly after another travel site suggested Lanzarote had one of the top beaches in the world, and hinted that other beaches in Lanzarote were good for watersports.

The recognition among the on-line travel sites of Lanzarote being top for their own niche sector will come as no surprise to many Europeans, who are helping Lanzarote defeat economic pessimism with a possible ten per cent or more rise in tourism in 2008 compared to last year.

Lanzarote is a favourite dive destination for many divers worldwide for example. Underwater visibility in the waters around Lanzarote is 65 to 100 feet. Marine life includes angel sharks, moray eels, damselfish, groupers and many others. The occasional hammerhead shark is also known to inhabit the waters of Lanzarote.

Diving during the summer months is often more comfortable in a 7mm semidry suit – however a 5mm wetsuit will suffice any time of year. Some divers prefer a dry suit with hood and gloves during the winter months. The water is warmest from June through to around mid October or so.

One of the travel and holiday sites that recommends Lanzarote states that while Lanzarote is just a hundred miles off Africa, it is Spanish, and describe the locals as ‘passionate’.

And of Lanzarote’s 90 beaches they say the best one, which ranks among the best in the world, is on the south of the island, at Caleta del Congrio, with an 87 per cent privacy rating.

They also suggest that those who like wind surfing should head for a different Lanzarote beach – the four mile long Famara Beach. And it is this beach that has helped prompt the windsurfing fraternity to put the island as among the best not just in Europe but globally.

Sandy beaches and water sports aren’t all that await in Lanzarote, and the island is great for family holidays as well.

Puerto Del Carmen for example is a great town for many family activities. The Rancho Texas Theme Park, established around 1731, is one of the most popular sites in Puerto Del Carmen. The first mayor of San Antonio, Texas, was originally from Lanzarote and the park is, in part, a tribute to that connection. Some of the park’s most popular attractions include crocodiles, parrots and a ‘Birds of Prey’ show. Pony and canoe rides and many other activities await anxious tourists and excited children.

But if it is for a watersport activity holiday Puerto Del Carmen is good for that too as it offers sports enthusiasts a wide range of activities. Locally owned diving shops often take tourists on amazing underwater adventures to various places around the island. Diving schools are available for those who wish to learn to dive or snorkel. Windsurfing, swimming, boating, jet skiing and paragliding are also very popular water sports enjoyed by many locals and tourists. Sports enthusiasts also can enjoy golfing, cycling, running, hiking, camping and other local activities, including the Ironman competition.

Costa Teguise is another town that is built around tourism. It is about 6 miles north-east of the capital city Arrecife. The entire resort is built on former lava fields and saltpans. The resort consists of several apartment blocks, bungalows and villas. Primary attractions are the golf course, a marina, commercial shops and entertainment. Many visitors enjoy the water park in the outskirts of the resort.

Whatever the reason for a holiday in Lanzarote, the island is a good choice, and with airlines often offering good return prices, it doesn’t have to be an expensive holiday either.

So, it’s not surprising that you will become very familiar with the virtue of humility. As you’re out there in the lineup observing other people’s epic rides while you, in turn, paddle for a wave and falter, use that to your advantage. Consider your failures as something worth improving upon and try to understand what the good surfers are doing so that you can correct your technique. It’s okay to feel completely uncoordinated as you lie there awkwardly, belly down, on the surfboard. It’s better to be out there on the water than cooped up in your house or office wondering why you didn’t push yourself harder.

Tip #1: Once you go, keep at it for a month.

The best way to get through the difficult beginning stage of your surfing career is to make it as short as possible. Try to dedicate a whole month to your pursuit of surfing. Get in the water every day no matter what the conditions are. Rain or shine, just get out there, paddle around a bit. You don’t even have to catch a wave! The simple act of being on the water and trying will advance your ability is enough.

Tip #2: Choose the right place to learn.

If you’re heading out as frequently as you should, you should also consider choosing one good learning spot. Find a break that is convenient, where people are nice and friendly, and where you feel comfortable. You’ll establish a comfortable routine in no time, and most likely you’ll acquire some surfing companions! Once you begin paddling out to the same break day in and day out, people will recognize you and help you. Eventually, they may even wonder where you were if you missed a day and will keep you on track.

Tip #3: Observe advanced surfers,  and learn from them.

There are also ways to learn how to surf when you’re not even in the water! Pick up some good surfing videos and study them for your next session in the water. There are even some good instructional surfing videos at SouthCoast.com taught by pro surfers that are worth a look. Take mental note of the areas your surfing could improve on, like how to stand on the board, when to pop up, how to duck dive, how to paddle effectively. Then paddle out and work on what you’re having trouble with the most based on what you’ve seen. You can also learn a lot by observing surfers on the beach. Pick one or two that seem to be catching the most and best waves at that break. Then, analyze what it is they are doing that is effective. Maybe they are paddling longer or harder or popping up quicker. Maybe they know the right place to line up to catch the best waves and you don’t yet. Observing other surfers is particularly effective if you are having trouble paddling into waves. If you’re desperately paddling your heart out, but the guy three feet from you is catching every wave that comes by, you have some homework to do. Chances are that better surfers have better wave knowledge of your favorite spot, and their familiarity with the wave gives them an edge. Next time you’re on the beach, watch them and find out what makes your local wave tick.

Tip #4: Observe beginning surfers, then critique yourself.

Likewise, you can learn what not to do. Countless times beginning surfers make mistakes that prevent them from properly catching waves. Sometimes they lie too far back on their boards or don’t pop up soon enough. Other times, they seem heavy footed and not quick to respond to the conditions of the wave. Make a list of things that beginning surfers do wrong and strive to check your own mistakes off that list. Use it as a checklist when you paddle out each day. That, along with your list of what TO DO, will get you to the next level in no time!

Organized riding guidelines have enabled kitesurfers to resume the sport at their favorite places. Kitesurfing has become one of the latest attractions that it now being offered at resorts and beaches. A good spot though will depend on the weather conditions. Strong winds and gust can carry riders away that can be potentially hazardous.

Finding the right spot

Kitesurfing can be dangerous due to weather conditions. Excessive beach traffic and poorly organized practices of kiteboarding also leads to its restrictions. But some riders just refuse to listen to well intended advice and get into accidents. Fortunately other kitesurfers are able to reverse these bans by communicating with the local authorities. This opens a lot of places in the country to ride with the wind and kitesurf.

The best spots to learn and go kitesurfing are areas not jus the beaches with renowned breaks but also consistent weather. The area must have strong winds but not too much that it carry the rider away. Costa Rica has been a popular tourists and water sport enthusiast destination. The coastline has many beaches with sunny and dry weather.

This weather is good for absolute beginners who are just getting to know the sport and veterans who want to have a good kitesurfing session. Apart from kitesurfing there are also activities that tourists can do such as snorkeling.

In Playa Papaturro, there are beautiful beaches that are not well known to the public making them perfect for kitesurfing. They offer courses and training in kitesurfing by certified instructors. These courses range from absolute beginners to advanced lessons. They can teach a maximum of 4 people for beginners. You can also opt for private course if you want to have a one on one lesson with an instructor.

They will provide with the necessary equipment during lessons. If you already have an experience you can also rent gear from stores in the area. The duration of your course will depend on your level.

The beginner’s course lasts about 2 to 3 days, others 3 to 4. However this will depend on weather conditions. Certified instructors will teach students the basics including flight techniques and basic steering. The first part of the course is the land lesson where the instructor lectures the students about the basics.

The second one covers body techniques, wherein the instructors will discuss equipments and students will be taught how to land and launch a kite including bodydragging. The last one covers water start which includes sailing and jumping techniques.

Intermediate and advanced courses last for hours, depending on your skills. Interested students can also apply for independent courses and hire private instructors. Prices vary and you may want to contact them first. Students are required to bring in their wetsuits (during January or February), water shoes and sunglasses with bungee. Other necessary equipment for the lesson will be provided.

Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran Costa Rica is a great place to visit. The beaches are little known which means you don’t have to worry about boats and tourist. The weather is also suitable for kitesurfing. If you want to try the sport on your own or with your friends they have a good spot for you.

Surfing started off as a recreational, fun activity and is now a billion-dollar industry, what with companies getting into the sponsorship act because they want their sports merchandise to be hyped around and sold.

The Surf Culture

There are three kinds of surfers – those who want to surf because of the money, those who want to surf for the fun and recreation it offers, and those who are professional surfers, but don’t want to sell their souls for money – the last category of guys are known as soul surfers.

Common surfing terminology

Regular foot: When you place your right foot on the back of surfboard

Goofy foot: When the left foot is placed on the back of the surfboard

Take off: When you begin the ride

Drop in: Dropping into the wave

Duck dive: Diving underwater along with your board, like a duck, and then emerging as the wave breaks

Snaking: Going around some other surfer

Shoulder: The part of the wave that doesn’t break into surf

Over the falls: When you go out of control

Pump: a movement that generates speed

Stall: Slowing down the speed of your board

Floater: Riding on top of the breaking part of the wave

Hang-five/hang-ten: Placing five or ten toes over the nose of a longboard.

Re-entry: Hitting the brim of the wave and re-rentering the wave in quick succession.

Tube riding: Riding inside the curl of a wave

Carve: Turns

Air/Aerial: Riding the board briefly into the air above the wave and then landing back on the wave.

Surfing dangers

Every sport has some danger associated with it and surfing is no exception. The main danger of surfing is of drowning, and if a surfer is not confident of swimming back to the shore in case he loses his board, then he must not venture out alone or in dangerous waters.

Then there is the chance of a surfer colliding with another surfer, or on rocks or reefs, and rendering himself unconciousness in the sea. The precaution to take would be to surf in a group or have someone watch you from the shore.

Then there are sharks too – but that is a negligible danger.

Training to surf

To surf, you need to have solid upper body strength, which can give you the wherewithal to fight for at least 5-10 minutes against a strong wave, after which you need to have the strength to swim back to the shore. So, for the upper body you need medium-intensive weight training. Push ups too are a great exercise to develop upper body strength.

Then you need low-medium weight training for your lower body muscles because while swimming you move your hips and legs quite a bit.

Along with strength you need to build up endurance and stamina too and for these, you can take up jogging, running or any aerobic exercise that will improve your cardiavascular system.You also need to stretch your limbs and get your flexibility going because surfing needs you to be flexible as you navigate around the rough waves.

A good, healthy diet and nutrition will make you feel light and enjoy surfing a lot more than you ever expected.

Go ahead, hang ten and gimme five!