Sometimes, when we think about it, the experiences we tend never to get enough of were among the things we never wanted to try. This is because our initial dislike for such activities pushed us aside from experiencing the sheer joy attached to them.
It is like never knowing you like some particular kind of food, then all of a sudden you begin to love and enjoy their taste. Wakesurfing is one of those activities you never know you would love until the humid air massages your face, complementing the sweet sound of the breeze in your ear as you tear through water.
The pleasure people derive from wakesurfing can be likened to the rush of a football match combined with the excitement of scoring a goal – the thrill is endless. However, some people might not enjoy wake surfing because they do not have the right teachers. Even if a beginner uses the best wakesurf board as recommended by Wakeboard Buddy, they might not still get it right until they learn essential things about the sport.
Tips for Wakesurf Teachers
For teachers and beginners, patience is a vital tool while navigating the sea’s smooth or, sometimes, boisterous waves. One common mistake wakesurf teachers make is expecting beginners to learn at a fast rate. This is why it is common to see teachers shouting at their students to “Just stand on the board.” However, you should bear in mind that it was never that easy when you were a novice. So, it is best to allow newbies to ease into it.
Teaching beginners how to wake surf comes after making sure that all the safety precautions have been met. Beginners should not surf with an outboard boat because the surfer is too close and can cause significant accidents. Also, beginners should always wear U.S Coast Guard – certified life vests. This is because no matter how quickly a beginner learns, safety is paramount.
You should also always help your students choose the right equipment to enable them wakesurf correctly and with ease.
Guide for Teaching Beginners how to Wakesurf
Tip 1: Firstly, you want to position the surfer so that they are facing the wakeboard. This allows them to see and measure their speed while surfing. Also, it helps them to move better and understand the different surfing techniques.
Tip 2: Getting out of the water is one of the hardest things for beginners. This is not entirely because of its complexities but also because of the surfer’s innate desires to do it by themselves. Since the boat is pulling the surfer up, all you need to tell them is to sit in the water with their arms apart and to bring their knees to their chest slowly.
Tip 3: Surfers need to understand how to position their feet and body on the board. You have got them to stand on the board, but there is nothing they can do just standing. Before they get on the board, tell them to sit in the water. Let them attempt to stand on the board by pulling their chest to the knees or vice versa. Once they get on the board, tell them to imagine themselves in a tug of war match. This will help them know which foot to push forward.
Finally, surfing the waves is the part every beginner wants to skip to. But then, it takes a gradual transition. Here, once they stand well on the board, you need to explain that their forward foot acts as the gas pedal while the back foot acts as the brake. Gently instruct them to slow if they need to adjust or move their legs.
Keeping one’s feet above the board’s centerline is a crucial skill for ensuring a smooth surfing experience, and teaching your students about it will save them a lot of trouble. Beginners also need to hold on to the rope’s tow. Once they get the right momentum, they should toss to the other side of the boat for easy pickup.
Conclusion
At this point, the beginner is probably already riding the waves like a pro. Most times, all that is needed in this stage is your presence and proper communication. Indeed, your students are set to safely enjoy many fun experiences when you follow this guide to teach them how to surf.
