Tips for Beginners

Surfing is a sport that poses risks that you should prepare yourself for carefully and with respect for the ocean. Here are some safety tips for beginners:

In this article, we’ll give you practical information and crucial advice for beginners, including aspects regarding safety, basic paddling and pop-up techniques as well as equipment recommendations. Get ready to catch your first waves with Oceanside Gran Canaria!

Surfing and safety

Surfing is a sport that poses risks that you should prepare yourself for carefully and with respect for the ocean. Here are some safety tips for beginners:

• Start with professionals: surfing is a dangerous sport, which is why it is highly recommended you start with a surf school that is officially recognised by the Canarian Surf Federation or the Spanish Surf Federation. Oceanside Gran Canaria is a good example. Be aware of the water conditions: before going into the water, ask local surfers about tides, currents and impact zones. Understanding the water conditions of the beach will help you avoid dangerous situations. Check the surf forecast at Las Canteras Beach on Gran Canaria.

• Conoce las condiciones del mar: Antes de entrar al agua, pregunta a los surferos locales sobre mareas, corrientes y rompientes. Comprender el entorno marino te ayudará a evitar situaciones peligrosas. Revisa la previsión de olas en la playa de Las Canteras en Gran Canaria.

Basic paddle and pop-up techniques

Paddling and getting up on your surfboard are two fundamental skills you should master before catching real waves. You should practise them at length both on the beach and in the whitewater:

• The right position on the board: lie face down on your board and make sure you are well centered and balanced on the board. Place your hands on each side of the board and put your feet together, slightly lifting your torso and legs.

• Efficient paddling: make long deep strokes to gain momentum forward, always keeping your arms close to the edge of the board for more powerful paddling. Your body shouldn’t move around and you should try to ensure your hips don’t move from side to side.

• Standing up or pop-up: there are various techniques for standing up on a surfboard. A pro surfer’s pop-up will look different from a beginner’s. Beginners should first learn to master getting up in three steps, trying not to press the knees against the surfboard. Once you gain momentum from paddling and feel that the whitewater is pushing you, (1) place your hands alongside your chest and extend your arms, bending back your upper body without lifting your hips from the board. (2) Bend your back leg bringing the foot you are going to place on the tail of the board forward until it is next to the other leg’s knee. (3) Stretch out the bent leg without moving your foot (or hands) and lift your hips as much as you can, trying to bring the knee of the front leg towards your chest, and place your front foot right between your hands.

Equipment recommendations

Having the right equipment is essential if you want to enjoy surfing. Here are some equipment recommendations for beginners:

• Surfboard: choose a board with more volume and stability, like surfboards designed for whitewater. These types of boards ensure better buoyancy and help you to have a safe learning experience.

• Wetsuit: regardless of the water temperature, which in Gran Canaria is around 20ºC almost all year round, it is advisable to wear a wetsuit to avoid grazes caused by repetitive contact with the surfboard.

• Sunscreen: don’t forget to apply water-resistant sunscreen before going into the water. The sun can be very strong and protecting your skin is vital to avoid sunburn.

At Oceanside Gran Canaria we offer both surf equipment rental (for all levels) and surf courses for all levels in groups or individual classes with various class times to choose from. On top of that our facilities have recently been upgraded and provide lockers, changing rooms and showers with hot water as well as a beachfront location.

Surfing can be quite challenging to begin with, but with practice and patience you can experience all the feelings it has to offer. Always remember to put safety first, follow the paddle and pop-up techniques for beginners and have the right equipment. Now you’re ready to start your surfing adventure with Oceanside Gran Canaria! Have fun riding the waves and enjoy this beautiful water sport.