Correct paddling trim

Ever see the bumper sticker "I'd rather be paddling?" We can all attest to spending lots of time paddling while surfing. I remember how surprised I was not only by how much paddling was required to surf, but how tiring it could be. Although paddling can be a pain at times, it is necessary for good surfing. Getting your technique down pat will help you surf better, up your wave count, get you in the wave sooner, and keep you and those around you safe. Here is a quick article that does a a great job of explaining proper paddling trim and technique and why you need it: 

http://www.surfing-for-girls.com/paddling.html

Excerpt from article:

The confidence that knowing your paddling ability is the best it can be is also important. It will allow you not only to get past the white water, get to the waves and stay out of danger, but it will also help you to remain calm and composed when faced with new situations. As a beginner not panicking can save you a world of trouble. Additionally, if you have stronger paddling skill you will have a lot more momentum when you do catch a wave. That makes it easier to maintain you balance and you can also stand up sooner and get ready for the drop.




Important Safety tip!
As a safety tip when you are waiting for waves, always sit with your board pointing towards the waves and not parallel. This is extremely important. The force of the water hitting your board when it is parallel to a wave is amazing. It can knock you unconscious. For your safety, always point your board into a wave and do not begin a turn if you risk only half completing it and ending up parallel to a wave.

Words to Live by

Very simple.....Very true....

Remember this when you have a moment in surfing :)

Words to Live by

Our Last Video!

Hey Gals!

Last week for videos and this one is great right before our first meetup. This is a video on surfing etiquette which goes great with my posting in our discussion section of the meetup. So check it out and I'll see you tomorrow. M

Surfing 12 

Ride a Wave!

Ok so I know it looks much different than VB waves but just remember starting here will only make you better! Hope to see you out on June 5th. M

Week 11 - How to ride a wave

Week 10 - How to select and catch a wave

This week's video is how to select a wave and your stance! Both are vital if you are going to get good. You need to be able to tell when the swell is coming from your board and the correct way to stand up. So check this weeks video out and the next time your out, don't follow someone try it for yourself. M


Week 10

Controlling your surfboard

This week you will learn the ins and outs of using your surfboard in the water. Enjoy!

week 9

How to get out? This is what you should do!

This week you will learn warm ups, how to paddle correctly, how to enter, and lastly how to get over waves. F.Y.I - What the Aussies call Eskimo flip we gals call  Turtle. This is a cruticial element to learn to get out the back.

 Week 8 - How to get out

How to? Lease, Hold a board and put on a wetsiut

So you may think really? Yes Really! There are tricks to every trade and you don't want to reievent the wheel. Check out some common how to's that will help.

Week 7 - How to?

All About Stance

Hey Gals!!

So this week is about standing up. For all you newbies this is a great video so take a look.  Gals from last summer this is a great refresher course and will get you ready for the camp.

Enjoy!

Week Six - Standing UP

What is A Rip?

This week you will be able to identify a rip and learn what to do when you are caught in one. 

This is something you should familiarize yourself with because it can also be used as a tool for surfing.

Check Out Lesson 5!

Surfing Lesson 5 

Safety First!!!

We all get excited about being in the water and catching awesome waves but as a beginner surfer you should know the ins and outs of personal safety.

This weeks video will show you swimming and rescue skills plus what to do when you get a cut or lacaration. Cuts may not be a big problem when you are here at home but when you are on surf trip in the middle of nowhere its crucial thing to undertstand!!

So this week question is what should you do when you have a cut? Email me with your answer and if you the first to answer correctly you will receive $25 off the surf camp!  Good Luck

http://www.surfing.digestopia.com/videos/personalsafety.htm

Lesson 3 - All about Waves

This week you will learn about waves.  When you are finshed you should understand what a right and left wave is, what a face is, how waves are formed, and how to measure wave height! That way you can brag on what an awesome wave you are going to ride this summer.

Question - Is wave direction on the beach the same as wave direction when you are in the water? If you are the first to answer this in class on Saturday you will get $10 off a lesson with Peter. ( oh and it is not only a yes or no question you will have to have an explanation. :) Good Luck

Check out this Video and see you in surfing class this Saturday. Mere

http://www.surfing.digestopia.com/videos/surflesson3.htm

The next few weeks are going to be around the beginning fundamentals of surfing. I have found some videos I think may be helpful to you and will have you ready to surf this Spring! Don't forget to join us for our second class March 6th. 

This weeks video is learning about beginner boards.

Enjoy! http://www.surfing.digestopia.com/videos/surflesson2.htm

Simple Thoughts

As I sit and think about what I am going to write for this week and the next since I will be in warm sunny Barbados!! Yeah!!  I begin to wonder the shape I want this blog to take. Yes I love for it to have info to help you gals out in the physical form but I also think it could be used as a forum to think deeper and link us to why surfing and surfing gals have a great mental aspect to them also.

I have only been surfing for a few years and for the first time I find myself accepting of where I stand. I guess the competitor/ driver in me has always wanted to be the best and would take that to the extreme like starting Surfing Gals to get better at surfing for myself but I've come to realize and cherish what else Surf Gals has given me. A place to have friends who truly care about each other and love to surf! 

So to bring this all together - lol !!  I wasn't looking for the deeper part (aka mental) of surfing gals but she has shown herself .  So I hope all you will take a deeper look at what is bringing us together. Yes a group of gals who love to surf together but it may be also a place where you can find great friendships and learn more about yourself.

In this past year I have grown tremendously and part of that is from Surfing Gals. So for this week and the next I ask you to look at what surfing and our group have done for you and be thankful.....maybe it brought you friends, maybe it helped you with a fear or maybe just simplly brings you happiness.

Take that feeling with you throughout your day and spread some sunshine waves on others!  I promise you when you combine the mental with the physical aspects of surfing....something happens and the world of waves becomes richer.

Off to Barbados!!! See you soon...hopefully with a great short story~ M

Mediate before Surfing

Becoming aware of what life is offering can be blind and sometimes we are out of the moment, so we tend to forget to take in our surroundings.

Surfing like anything else has a beauty to it and will connect you with the elements and recharge your battery if you pay attention to her cues. We can feel the exhilaration as our eyes peek on Mother Ocean. We can feel her vibe as she sends us beautiful waves to ride on and we can become renew by breathing her in.
Mediation before surfing is a great tool for wellbeing and is a great opportunity for you to take five minutes for yourself. So use this simple tool to make the best out of what Mother Earth has given us.

Simple Mediation-
When you arrive at the beach leave all your stress from the day at the line where the sand meets the world.
Contemplate on your surroundings and a take three long deep breaths as you head to the water’s edge. Take a moment to look at the ocean and what she if offering. Be thankful for the fact that you are here in this moment.

Spend 5 minutes breathing in the salt air and trying to clear your mind.  Find what is easy for you.  Try sitting, standing or doing yoga. Whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Set an intention for yourself. It may be surfing better, releasing stress, or just enjoying the moment. Then release any thoughts you may be having. The idea is trying to clear your mind. So whenever you have thoughts flooding your mind, acknowledge them, and then release them.

Try doing this for 1 minute and working to a goal of five minutes. This may take awhile but don't be hard on yourself. Sometimes taking time for oneself seems impossible at first.
Let go of any negativity and let this be your time. I promise taking five minutes for yourself will not only help your surfing ability but help your whole world in general.

So get out there and make time for yourself!!