Joanna James
The Maldives are maybe better known as a great diving location however there are quite a few atolls and resorts which are simply ideal for learning how to surf as the waves aren't too strong.
There's a reason why 'wave storm' surfboards are the best-selling in the world. If you're a beginner it is most likely you will fall quite a few a times and your board will definitely hit you a few times, most probably many times. But by having a soft-top surfboard your body won't mind the abuse so much. As a beginner, it's important not to lose interest and this will be quite helpful in the long-run.
Experienced surfers know the best places and will inevitably catch the best waves but by surfing at places with lesser crowds you’ll get a chance to catch some good waves and get better quite faster. This is another reason why the Maldives is such a great place for beginner surfers as the resorts islands have their own little beaches it rarely gets crowded. So if you visit any of the best resorts in Maldives like the highly recommended Naladhu Private Island Maldives definitely make the most of the secluded beaches and plentiful waves.
The key to standing up on a wave is to have a quick and fluid pop-up. Though it may seem a bit dorky lay your board on the sand and lie down on it and practice the motion a few times before getting into the water, it'll make quite a difference.
Finding that sweet spot where the board doesn't do a wheelie or a nose dive while you paddle is important. You can often see beginners making both those mistakes and by finding that sweet spot you can actually save a lot of time and effort.
You will get clobbered if you get caught horizontally against a wave. So instead lay low on your board and knife right through the whitewash.
This is something that can be used by surfers of all levels. When you're paddling for a wave there is a point you can feel it lift you up, take an extra paddle at this point and add a little more velocity to your plunge to ensure you are not stuck at the top of the wave.
When you are riding a wave to bend your back is simply bad form. By bending your knees instead you'll find it is much easier to find balance while your knees are better able to absorb the energy of the wave.
If you're going to surf you're going to fall, there's no way around it. The safest way to fall is to fall flat, never dive off your board of flop to your side you could easily injure yourself.
The whole point of surfing is to have fun, so don't give up and find the joy of riding a wave and life will never be the same.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
