|
How long does it take to learn to surf?
Seventy percent of all students stand up in their first lesson, and we guarantee by the end of our 3-lesson course you will be up and surfing. However, surfing is a journey and, like most of life's challenges, to surf well you need time, practice and guidance.
What sort of surfboard do I need?
Surfboards come in various shapes, sizes and names: shortboards, longboards, mini mals, fish, Waterskates, eggs, Coolites, softboards, etc. It can get very confusing. However, the right surfboard for you is determined on a number of factors, including your surfing experience, age, weight, height, frequency of expected surfing, your level of enthusiasm and how quickly you progress. Generally, a beginner surfer requires a longboard or mini mal, since the length provides greater stability and a faster paddling speed that makes it easier to catch waves. An intermediate surfer may require a mini mal or hybrid board, which provide more manoeuverabilty with a bit less stability. An experienced surfer usually surfs shortboards (aka thrusters), which turn lightning quick but difficult to master. There are exceptions to all the rules, however.
What about sharks?
Sharks certainly live in the ocean (it's their home, after all), but statistically speaking you have a much higher chance of winning the lottery, being struck by lightning or cleaning out your local casino than being bitten by a shark while surfing -unless you're a small-time actor in a Jaws movie, that is! Bondi Beach is a very safe beach with its own shark nets, which are barely necessary anyway since sharks prefer to reside where schools of fish hang out, not at Bondi. Very few sharks have ever been caught around Sydney and Bondi hasn't seen a shark in decades.
When is the best time to surf: morning or afternoon?
If you are a beginner surfer, it is easier to learn to surf closer to the lower tide.
What time is low tide?
It changes daily. Low tide arrives approximately one hour later than the day before it - it's all to do with the Earth's rotation around the Sun, and the Moon's rotation around the Earth. See, you're getting in touch with Mother Nature; we told you surfing is good for your soul! We've made it easy for you, however. All you need to do is check out or daily tides update on the website, seen on the lower left of every page (see it?). You can also check out the weather report on TV on in the newspapers. Or just ask us at the store -- we program our whole year around the tides!
Where is the best place to learn to surf?
Bondi, of course! Other than that, the best place to learn is with an instructor at a beach that has other surfers learning, as well. The instructors will put you into the safest waves and the best learning environment, while you and your fellow students will be able to give each other moral support. Plus, having other people learn with you will help boost your confidence and will let you learn even more from watching their mistakes and breakthroughs.
Is there any place to put my stuff when I take a lesson?
Yes, we will be happy to store your gear in the store so you can surf without any worry of leaving your gear unguarded on the beach. It's also nice to not have to carry anything but your board.
back to top
|
