The Official Surf Guide of Hawaii - ALOHASURFGUIDE.COM|Respect the ocean, the land and the people who grew up surfing in Hawaii.

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Surfing Tips for Beginners

Respect the ocean, the land and the people who grew up surfing in Hawaii.

Don't choke the coral reefs. Apply sunscreen at least 30 min before surfing.

Avoid frustration, fatigue and save money by starting with the correct board, usually long and sturdy and always use a leash. Local surf shops can help determine the one best suited for you.

Check the surf report. Waves over 2-3' Hawaiian size can be dangerous for beginners, never put yourself or others in harm's way by paddling out into conditions beyond your abilities.

At the beach ask a lifeguard about surf and ocean conditions. Sit and watch for at least 10-15 minutes before paddling out, give yourself time to relax. Hawaiian surf is much more powerful then you may expect.

In Hawai`i the motto is, "If in doubt, just stay out!!" Surf lessons are strongly advised and will strengthen your surfing skills.

Learn how to read the ocean; rip currents are a part of surfing. If you don't know how to read the current look for warning signs and/or ask a lifeguard. If you get caught in a rip you need to relax, don't panic or fight the current. Instead allow yourself to be pulled out until you feel released then steadily paddle back diagonally to shore, if you are too tired, signal for help by waving your arm.

Rough shore breaks and undertows are also part of surfing. They can be unpredictable and can cause serious injuries to both experienced and inexperienced surfers. Educate yourself and again, watch, wait and ask questions!

A simple smile and friendly attitude go far. When you paddle out stay humble and leave humble.

After you have made it to the line up, take a break and gather your energy. Don't try to take off on the first wave or set. Check ocean conditions and orient yourself to the surf spot.

Never make contact with the ocean floor, you can injure yourself and destroy the living reef. When falling off your board keep your body parallel with the ocean. Never, ever, ever dive or jump in head-first.

When surfing a wave, try to always maintain control of your surfboard. If you are losing control, try grabbing the rails firmly near the middle of the board and lower yourself down. Look for fellow surfers and immediately begin paddling out of the way.

Between sets keep yourself and your board pointed out to the ocean, away from the shoreline. Use landmarks, watch for drifting. Stay aware of what's happening, ocean conditions can change quickly and radically. Be aware of other surfers in the line up.

When paddling for a wave, look both ways to check if another surfer is paddling or taking off on the wave. If someone is already catching it, be respectful and wait for the next one. Don't drop in!

Sometimes other peoples boards and bodies will inadvertently come into contact with you. Always make sure the other surfer is OK and apologize if you were wrong. If the other surfer was wrong, forget about it and paddle away.

Surf with an experienced friend and make new friends in the water. Don't be ashamed to ask questions or to let others know you are just learning. Most surfers will appreciate your interest and honesty.

Leave your valuables at home. If you really need your iPod or cell phone, be ready to part with them. All vehicles can be subject to break-ins.

Don't even try to surf the north shore until your ready, please.

Helpful Surf Moves 2 basic techniques

Getting Through White Water

When a large wave breaks in front of you, it is a good idea to try to get "under" the wave to prevent being pounded and pushed closer to shore. The most common techniques are the Turtle Roll also called Turn Turtle and the Duck Dive. Depending on the wave size, your board, your body size and weight, and your own preference as you practice, you will find which style fits you better. The Turtle Roll is also effective in protecting you from an oncoming surfer or an errant board.

Turtle Roll or Turn Turtle - Longboard

Longboards are a great addition to any quiver, but getting them out can be a humbling mission. Because the boards are so big and buoyant, a duck dive is next to impossible. A turtle roll is the next best thing. The idea is to get under the board and let the wave pass over you. Before you attempt this make sure there is no one behind you incase the board gets ripped from your hands.

Step 1: Paddle as hard as you can. Momentum.

Step 2: With the wave starting to break about 3 seconds in front of you, Tightly grab the rails near the nose. Holding the board, flip your body into the water so the board is on the surface and you're under it.

Step 3: Wrap your legs over it or clench the rails with your knees and pull the nose of the board further underwater. This will allow the wave to flow over the board without going under and ripping it out of your hands.

Step 4: You're set up; hold on and let the wave pass over you.

Step 5: Once the wave passes, let go of your board and surface. Flip your board over. Pull yourself back up and start to paddle. You should be out in no time.

Duck Dive - Shortboard

Step 1: Paddling out, a wave is approaching. Keep paddling, approach the wave with speed and momentum. Without momentum the wave has the upper hand before you even try to get under it. If you can, find the weakest part of the wave to duck under; avoid the spot where the lip of the wave lands.

Step 2: Now, about 3/4 of the way up your board or just in front of your shoulders, grab the rails, push with your knee on the deck and straighten your arms to plunge the nose and your body under the wave as deeply as you can. It's like swimming under a wave, remember be quick!

Step 3: As the wave washes over you, the natural momentum will begin to bring you back to the surface.

Step 4: With your eyes open, the surface in sight, and your foot still on the tail, Pull the board towards your chest. If you've done this all correctly the momentum of the wave should suck you under and to the surface.

Step 5: You now have your board under your chest, start paddling.

Relax, enjoy, have fun and be safe!