Are you thinking of diving into the sport of water surfing? It’s an exciting way to spend a day in the sun, and you’ll join a community filled with millions of surfers.

It’s important that you learn some of the basic tips before you hit the waves for your first time. With the right foundation, you’ll minimize your chance for injury. Listed down below are the top five beginner tips you’ll need to get started with surfing!

1. Splurge for a Bigger Board

When you’re first learning how to water surf, you need to use a bigger board. The larger space gives you more room to place your feet and find your balance.

Plus, it’s much easier for the wider board to catch more waves. Even on the slowest of days, you’ll have a great time with one of these boards!

2. Wear a Life Jacket

Beginners need to wear life jackets. When you wipeout for the first couple of times, it’s a frightening experience that makes it difficult to know which way is up.

That’s where a life jacket saves the day and makes the experience far less frightening. Until you’ve learned more about warm water surfing, make sure to keep that life jacket on at all times!

3. Learn to Enjoy Wipeouts

No water surfing tips list is complete without a mention of wipeouts. They happen to even the best surfers. There’s no way to avoid them and it’s better if you learn to accept and even enjoy them.

The art of practicing to fall the right way is as important as learning to stay upright on your board. Whenever you wipeout, use it as an exercise to get better at falling from your board. Since it’s going to happen anyway, might as well enjoy it!

4. Remember to Wax Your Board

Surfboards are smooth which makes them slippery once they hit the water. Without something to coat the topside, you’ll find yourself wiping out through no fault of your own but because the surface is too slick.

The best way to give your feet more traction is to apply a layer of wax on the surface of the board before getting into the water. This protects the top of the board from the water and gives you extra grip as you surf.

5. Find an Instructor

The best way to learn the ropes is to find an instructor who knows all there is to know about surfing. They’ll recognize the rookie mistakes you make and help you correct them before those mistakes become habits.

They’ll also teach you how to sit and stand on the board, as well as knowing how to recognize the best waves. If you’re looking to quickly learn all you can about this amazing sport, find yourself a dedicated teacher!