1. The Morning Briefing & Warm-Up:
Spot Check: Based on the day’s swell, tide, and wind conditions, your instructor will decide the best beginner-friendly beach for your lesson. Spots like Crocro Beach or Devil’s Rock are often ideal with their gentle, sandy bottoms.
Theory & Safety: You’ll receive an introduction to basic surf theory – understanding waves, currents, and essential surf safety rules. This is crucial for keeping everyone safe in the water.
Warm-Up: Before hitting the sand, you’ll go through a series of stretches and dynamic movements to warm up your muscles and prepare your body for paddling and popping up. Think arm circles, leg swings, and light cardio to get the blood flowing.
2. Gear Up: Wetsuit & Soft-Top
Wetsuit: You’ll be provided with a wetsuit suitable for the water temperature. Don’t worry if it feels a bit snug at first – it’s supposed to! It keeps you warm and offers some protection.
Soft-Top Surfboard: For your first lesson, you’ll use a large, buoyant “soft-top” surfboard. These boards are incredibly stable, easy to paddle, and, most importantly, soft and safe for beginners and for falling on.
3. Beach Fundamentals: The Pop-Up Practice
Lying to Standing: Your instructor will demonstrate the “pop-up” – the swift movement from lying on your board to standing up. You’ll practice this motion repeatedly on the sand until it starts to feel more natural.
Paddling Technique: You’ll also learn the correct paddling technique to efficiently catch waves.
Safety Recap: A final reminder of key safety signals and rules.
4. Hitting the Whitewater: Your First Waves!
Into the Whitewater: Your instructor will guide you to the shallow whitewater (the foamy part of the wave closest to the shore). This is where you’ll start, as these small, broken waves are perfect for learning.
Instructor Assistance: Your instructor will often help push you into waves, giving you the perfect start to practice your pop-up and balance. They’ll be right there, offering real-time feedback and encouragement.
Falling is Learning: Expect to fall! It’s a fundamental part of learning to surf. Every wipeout is a lesson, and you’ll quickly learn to recover, paddle back out, and try again with a smile.
Your First Ride: The moment you stand up, even for a second, will be exhilarating! That feeling of gliding across the water is truly addictive.
5. Debrief & Recovery:
Post-Surf Chat: Your instructor will gather the group for a quick debrief, reviewing what you learned, celebrating successes, and answering any questions.
Lunch: You’ll head back to the beach for a well-deserved, healthy packed lunch, rehydrating and refueling after your efforts.
Rest & Relax: The afternoon is then yours to relax, stretch, and recover, perhaps with a gentle yoga session or just chilling at the camp.
