Different Types of Surfing
Dive into the Ocean
According to the dictionary, surfing is ‘the sport of riding on the top of a wave while standing or lying on a special board.’ What began as a traditional practice back in the day has evolved into an expansive realm of styles and different water sports, each offering an experience on the water. Let’s take a look into the different types of surfing, each with its own set of rules, equipment, ideal conditions, and locations. From traditional wave riding on a surfboard to more innovative sports like SUP, foil surfing, windsurfing, and wing surfing. What kind of surfing are you keen to try?
The Classic: Wave Surfing
Wave surfing, the basis of the surfing world, is the oldest and most popular form of riding the ocean's waves. From the tropical, lush beaches of Bali to the iconic breaks of Hawaii or the big waves from Portugal, wave surfing has created a global community of enthusiasts who share a deep love for the ocean and the sport. At Kima Surf, we offer surf experiences for surfers of all levels.
Wave surfing is a timeless sport that connects surfers to nature, themselves, and other people. The global surfing community is huge and spans across continents, creating a vibrant and diverse culture.
A lot of different kinds of waves mean a lot of different type of boards and styles. Within classic wave surfing, there are different kinds of surf styles. Whether you are more into riding the waves with dynamic, fast-paced manoeuvres using a shortboard or using graceful and unhurried movements on a longboard.
The conditions for ideal wave surfing vary depending on the surfer's skill level, ranging from beach breaks, point breaks to more challenging reef breaks.
No matter where you are in the world, surfing offers a year-round excitement for enthusiasts. Hawaii, Indonesia, and California are renowned surfing havens, each providing a unique backdrop for riding the different waves.
Big Wave Surfing: For Daredevils
Let's talk about big wave surfing – the wild side of riding waves. These surfers are the daredevils of the sea, taking on massive waves that seem like they're straight out of a movie. Big wave surfers ride specialised, longer boards designed for paddling into massive waves. Safety equipment, including inflatable vests and jet-ski tow-ins, is crucial for handling the unpredictable power of these giants!
Big wave surfing is, for sure, a high-performance type of surfing that involves being towed into the waves by a jet ski or boat. It allows surfers to ride much larger waves than they would be able to catch paddling on their own, and they often perform professional manoeuvres and ride in the barrel of the wave.
Ideal conditions for big wave surfing are found in locations with a consistent, massive swell. Popular spots with the biggest waves in the world include Jaws in Maui or Nazaré in Portugal, with the big wave season typically in winter.
Foil Surfing: Flying across the ocean
Foil is a bit similar to regular wave surfing. However, foil surfing incorporates a hydrofoil beneath the board for lift, creating a unique and exhilarating ride. The surface you stand on, the board, is completely above the water. The foil lifts the board above the surface by a whole foot or more. People describe the sensation of foil surfing as if they're flying along the ocean. Foils can be used to surf, race, or cruise around.
The biggest difference with surfing is that you can surf anything, the slightest hint of a wave, a harmless white foam, is enough to get you up and going on a foil board. Advanced surfers can even catch multiple waves without getting off the board. Take a look at Kai Lenny, widely known as the face of foil surfing; he set a personal best of catching eleven waves in a row over six minutes.
Riding the Wind: Kite Surfing
Kite surfing is next – it's like flying over the water. Even though it has ‘surfing’ in its name, you don't necessarily need waves. It involves using wind power with a large kite to pull you across the water, land, or even a snow surface. A harness is used once you get into the water, which takes all the power of the kite, allowing anyone to learn and have fun for hours on end without becoming tired.
You've got this kite pulling you, and you can do crazy tricks in the air. Places like Tarifa, Cape Town, or Cumbuco are known among surfers who want wind and waves. The kite surfers are like a community of friends who share tips, tricks, and a love for riding the wind.
Sail away: Windsurfing
Another thrilling sport, created by the wind, is obviously windsurfing. While standing on a board, holding a sail (which is attached to the board) you are being powered across the water by the wind. You steer by adjusting the position of the sail, moving your feet and body. You can practise windsurfing in a lot of different places all around the globe where there is wind, from Lake Garda in Italy, to the windy coasts of the Caribbean and Maui in Hawaii.
SUP: Calmth on the Water
From high-performance sports to a more calm variation. As surfing evolves, innovations like Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Also known as SUP, adds new and different experiences. SUPPING is done on a stable, larger board with a paddle in hand, making it accessible to a lot of people. You can cruise on serene coastlines or partake in yoga on the water during a sunset or sunrise, SUP offers a versatile and serene aquatic experience. Whether you're in the chill waters of Bora Bora, gliding through the Algarve in Portugal or just in front of your house in a lake, Supping is really accessible, and the SUP crew is all about easy vibes and welcoming everyone.
Knowledge is key!
Remember, no matter which surf tribe you vibe with – whether it's taking on massive waves, cruising on a paddleboard, flying with a foil, or gliding through the air with a kite – understanding the safety rules and spot conditions is key. Safety first! At Kima, we teach classic wave surfing and offer fitted programs to ensure you learn the fundamentals in the best way possible. Included in your Kima Package are weekly classrooms, where we explain everything you need to know for a safe and enjoyable surf session. From the unwritten rules in the line ups, how to read the waves and how to read the conditions of the spot.
All sports are accessible, sustainable, and also exciting. Pick your choice and let’s go!
Ready to try out the most popular and traditional sport, wave surfing? Join one of our Kima camps in Bali or Sri Lanka and join our Learn-How-To Surf Program. In 5-days you will learn all the basics, tips, and tricks on riding the waves!
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