Beginners

Fundamentals of Surfing
Knowledge of the Ocean - Looking at the Ocean\Surf can be deceiving. Knowing what to look for may save you from danger injuries and death.
Watching the ocean for a few minutes is always advisable to assure yourself a safe and fun surf. "Never underestimate Mother Nature"!

Currents - Rips - Undertows - Are caused by water expelling out to sea, direction of wind and swell. Rips are seen with darker colouration from sand being turned up and chop on top of the water from smaller waves breaking. Do not paddle\swim against a rip, take an angled approach, or put your hands up for help!

Swell \ Wave Size -. Swell is formed by Low-pressure storms out to sea. Lower the pressure, the bigger the waves. Always stay in your Limits! The bigger the waves, the more experience you should have.

Tide Times - Most tides work on a 6-hour change, some work on 12-hour change. High tide has more water making the waves spill downthe face. As low tide has less water, making the waves shallower, plunge and barrel.

Wind Direction -

	You determine the direction from were the wind is coming from.
	If the wind is blowing from the south, they call it a Southerly Wind.
	If the wind is blowing from the west, they call it a Westerly Wind.
	Sometimes it blows from the northeast, they call it a Northeasterly. (Etc.)

Dangers to You and Others - All sports can be dangerous, always take care, and be aware of conditions and situations at hand. Do not go out in surf above your capability, (Know your limits!) Avoid rips and always surf with someone. You should watch where the waves are breaking, with help from markers on the beach will assist your position.

Surf Etiquette \ Rules - Surfer on the inside has right of way. Be patient and Respect the Ocean, Land, Mother Nature, and the Locals. Surfing is enjoyable, so have fun!

Surf Breaks \ Reef, Sand and Point - Waves have different formations when it comes to certain breaks. Reef breaking waves are shallow and dangerous; they create a plunging wave that breaks from top to bottom called a barrel. This should be left to confident surfer. Sand breaking waves are easier for the beginner surfer. They make various shaped waves and normally not so crowded. Point breaking waves rap around a headland, creating long winding waves.

Be aware, Have patience; Timing and position will all help!

Surfing Procedure

Standing Up - Find out which stance you are most comfortable with, right foot forward is called "Goofy", and left foot forward is called "Natural".
Simulate this on the beach or in the privacy of you home. You will best understand and develop the actions of standing up.

First Step - lie on your surfboard or simulate on a towel, you must have correct position. The middle will give you an indication, your feet near or over the tail.
The nose of the surfboard should not be sinking nor should it be pointing to the sky. A Correct trim is required (one inch movement up or down will achieve this.)

Second Step - Paddle in a coordinated fashion. Similar to swimming, without the arms going over the shoulders. Cupping the hands to pull as much wateras they can hold. We need to extend one arm from the top right down the side of the board, while the other arm lengthens on the other side, opposing the arms.

Third step - Catching the wave, pick a wave or white wash. Face towards the beach, use your paddling technique for forward motion, and the force of the wave to help you catch it. Place your hands in front of your chest on the board to lift yourself up.
Some people find it hard to get to their feet, using your back leg or knee to assist you will make it easier. Feet should be shoulder width apart, front foot at a 45-degree angle, back foot straight across the board. Knees bent slightly with arms out for balance and direction.

Experience Surfer

Fundamentals of Surfing

	There are two directions for the experienced surfer.
	One is to enjoy the thrill of riding a wave, or to keep fit and healthy. The other is for the competitive approach.
	Both will need a routine to keep themselves in shape or keen enough to keep surfing.
	It is good to know what you want out of your surfing. At our Godfathers of the Ocean Surf School, we cater for everyone.
	If it is correcting your style, learning new manoeuvres, video analysing or just to enjoy the experience, w have it for you!
	If you're after competition results: We teach preparation for competition, conditioning yourself, stretching routines and diet. It is Godfathers of the Ocean commitment to help you achieve your goals to succeed!
	We will show you the winning ways, what it takes to be a professional and how to get there!
	Knowledge of surfboard design. What is best for you, and what works where.
	Travel tips, the best places to go for that adventure you have always wanted. Places to stay,contacts to help you, things to take.

Advance Surfer

	Daily routine workouts, stretching,
	Video, analyse your style. Correction,Diet, Surfboard Design, Competition strategies, Physiological strategies, Quality time, down time, re-cooperation, peaking at the right time, rules and regulations