A former newspaper writer and columnist who now teaches yoga for women, Lulu Roberts believes in giving back to the community by empowering women. When not supporting her local community and teaching yoga, Lulu Roberts enjoys spending her free time rock climbing and surfing.
Surfing is an exciting sport that typically requires some time to master. Because beginners often start out without taking the time to learn even a few basic points, new surfers make some common mistakes that can easily be avoided.
For example, beginning surfers often don't realize how physically demanding the activity is and end up neglecting their fitness. It is essential to stretch before and after a surfing session to warm up the muscles and prevent injuries. Swimming is another way to prepare for longer surfing sessions, since it works the shoulders and back, minimizing soreness if done regularly.
New surfers may also make a mistake when choosing their first board - since they see experienced surfers using thinner high-performance boards, they often believe this is the best type for them as well. The problem is that this type of board lacks the flotation and control that a beginner needs. Ideally, newcomers to the sport should choose a large and thick board. Depending on their height, a suitable length for most beginners ranges from 6'10" to 7'2", and an adequate thickness is 2” or more.