8 Surfing Myths Debunked!
What you really need to know before catching waves.
Surfing is one of the most epic and exciting sports a person can try, however, there are loads of myths and false beliefs about it that prevent many people from ever trying the sport. Don't allow these widespread misconceptions to stop you from getting on a surfboard and catching your first waves. We want to correct the myths around surfing and show you that surfing is for everyone and a sport that everyone should try at least once in their lives.
We at KIMA SURF think that everyone can enjoy surfing, and we're here to help you tell fact from myth. These are the facts behind eight of the most widespread myths about surfing. The sooner we bust them the sooner we will have you ripping the waves with a huge smile while enjoying this epic sport!
#1 You Need to Be a Great Swimmer to Surf
It is commonly thought that one needs to be a skilled swimmer to be able to surf and that surfing is not for you if you can't swim well. This is not true!
To begin surfing you do not need to be a great swimmer, but you should have some sort of comfortability in the water and having fundamental swimming skills will help to boost your confidence in the water. If you have never tried surfing before and you are not a strong swimmer it is advised to learn with a surf guide and take our 5 day Learn To Surf Package. For those who will attempt to learn to surf without a surf guide, strong swimming skills are a must. The main focus for beginner surfers is to work on their technique of paddling and putting themselves on the board, which doesn't require skilled swimming abilities. At Kima Surf we offer a secure learning environment with knowledgeable guides, who will prioritise safety above all. You can go as long as you feel comfortable swimming and floating on the board for small distances.
#2 Surfing Is Too Difficult for Beginners
Another misconception one will often hear is that surfing is too difficult for beginners and that a beginner surfer will be unable to catch waves, again this is not true.
Surfing can be intimidating at first however with practice and patience anyone can learn how to surf. Many beginners will take their first few classes and then will be able to catch their first few waves and gain good balance on the board. Surf schools will always teach beginner surfers the basics of surfing before progressing, basics include how to paddle, how to pop up, and how to keep a good balance. If you keep practicing and have patience you will progress to become a skilled surfer in no time!
#3 A Fear of Sharks
Another fear people have is that the ocean is filled with sharks and because of this surfing is extremely risky and you are bound to encounter a shark.
Shark attacks are extremely rare, your chances of being struck by lightning while surfing are much higher than your chances of seeing a shark. Most sharks in the surf zones are only curious or searching for other prey, and are not interested in the surfers in the line-up. The chances of encountering a shark while surfing are slim to none and to make you feel safe just follow local advice and use appropriate surf etiquette when surfing unknown spots.
#4 Surfing is Expensive
Another misconception is that surfing is an expensive sport and that surfers need top-quality equipment to begin.
Yes, it is partially true that some high-end surfboards and accessories might be pricey, but you don't need expensive equipment to start surfing, putting money into the sport only comes at a later stage. Beginners can easily rent surfboards and wetsuits from surf schools. This allows you to begin your surfing journey without having to invest in buying your own board. You can buy your own equipment once you feel more confident and ready to tackle the waves alone. Fortunately, there are many reasonably priced boards and wetsuits made especially for beginners. Skill and experience are more important than the price of your gear.
#5 You need to be young to learn to surf
People often falsely believe that surfing is for the most athletic or physically active people, and only for the young and fit, however, this is false.
Surfing is a sport practised by people of all ages. Being physically fit makes your surfing journey a lot easier but it is not a necessity. At Kima Surf we surf with individuals of all ages and ability levels emphasising skill development at your own pace. Balance, perseverance and mastering the proper technique are more important in surfing than age or physical fitness.
#6 You need to live by the ocean to surf
Another myth is that surfing requires surfers to live near the beach and to live in coastal locations. Surfing can be more convenient if you live by the beach, but it's not absolutely necessary.
People who live inland can travel to the beach to catch some waves on weekends or holidays. Even if you're not a local, you can travel to great surf destinations and learn surfing at one of the many fantastic surf schools that provide surf camps in different places. You don't have to live close to the beach to begin surfing because Kima Surf offers camps that welcome visitors from all over the world. All you need is a passion for the water and a little willpower to make the journey to the waves!
#7 You need perfect weather to surf
Some individuals believe that you can only surf in ideal weather conditions, such as clear skies, sunshine and warmth, but this is again a myth! Surfers ride waves in a variety of weather conditions—the water and the waves are more important than the weather!
People can surf in a huge variety of weather conditions, including colder temperatures and even light rain, however, there are undoubtedly perfect conditions that are preferred to surf in. You can still have a great surfing session if the forecast is bad, the secret is to be ready with the appropriate equipment, such as a wetsuit and change your perspective to accept and embrace the weather.
#8 Surfing is about catching big waves
People think that surfing is about catching the biggest waves, this is because of the way surf competitions or movies portray surfing, but this is not the case and is mainly the focus for experienced surfers.
Yes, catching big waves is exciting, but beginners shouldn't focus on this, they should go for the smaller and more mellow waves. Smaller waves are perfect for beginners to practice their technique, timing, and balance. Riding smaller, more reliable waves and simply being in tune with the water may lead to some of the best surfing experiences.
Now that we have busted surfing myths, it is clear that surfing can be enjoyed by anyone. Don’t allow these myths to prevent you from attempting surfing! Kima Surf is here to start your surfing journey!
So grab your board, go surfing and experience the ocean's essence! Are you prepared to try surfing? Come experience professional instruction, lots of fun and the opportunity to create lifelong memories with us at Kima Surf.
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