Surfing is a lifelong sport, and a lesson or two can take you from belly-rider to carving walls of water like a pro. Here are some tips for making the most of a lesson.
Before you head to the coast:
Work on your core strength. As with snowboarding, core strength will give you an edge in getting up and staying up on the board. Krissy Montgomery of Surf Sister Surf School in Tofino, B.C., says yoga is the best compliment to surfing.
Get ready to pop up. Swimming is a good off-season exercise to improve strength for paddling and popping up, that smooth motion every surfer needs to make the move from lying on the board to standing as it flies over the water.
Once you're there:
Fuel up. When lesson day arrives, fuel up with a good meal and drink plenty of water. "Surfing does burn a lot of calories," Montgomery says.
Keep your chin up. A positive attitude works wonders. Montgomery sees people stand up during their first lesson, and she says that has a lot to do with confidence.
Take baby steps. Come as a student, listen to the instructor and be prepared to take baby steps on your way to becoming a surf god or goddess. "You need to earn your way out there," Montgomery says.