Surf Tips
The ocean is a source of mysticism and the basis of legends and facts that have become embedded in who we are and what we have become. We hold the ocean in respect and awe through its many changing moods of chaos and tranquility and all phases in between. While we cannot seek to tame such an unpredictable element, we are constantly seeking ways to work with it, to harvest its potential, to find balance, to seek understanding of ourselves and the environment, and to work together in harmony with the ocean leading to greater productivity and a better way of life. A unique team building activity
Choosing a surf school If you want personal attention and a giant leap of progress with your surfing private classes are the best way to go! Otherwise make sure there aren’t more than (4) students in the ocean per instructor at a time. If the conditions are strong two students is best per instructor.
Make sure the surf school you choose will teach you all about ocean awareness, water safety and surfing etiquette. As these are so very important with your experience and foundation to your surfing.
Enhance your life. Surfing will enhance your life and help you to relax again. Through surfing you will gather a greater appreciation for your body and the environment. Surf lessons and surf clinics in the islands of Hawaii with Nancy Emerson’s professional surf instructor’s and coaches are best in the worldwide.
Knowledge is power
Check which way the wind is blowing: off shore, on shore, side shore. Check for under tows and the rip currents and which direction they are moving. If you do not have knowledge of what these are, then come sign up at our surf school on Maui or Oahu, which will teach you these very important aspects. Nancy Emerson School of Surfing on Oahu, on Maui Aloha Surf Clinics and the Gold Coast Australian School of Surfing will share all these and more to help introduce you to Surfing.
Grabbing your rails. Grab the rails on either side of your board, between your upper waist and chest. Any further forward this will create problems for you going thru the waves, catching a wave and springing up to your feet. If you have a problem pearling when you take off, just move your hands down towards your upper waist and you will find a major difference in your take off.
Paddling your surfboard: The key is to be centered directly down the middle of your board, with your body weight equally distributed on either side of the wooden stringer. Arch your lower back and up on your lower ribs, keeping your eyes and head looking forward where you are going.
It’s very important to take a surfing class or a surf clinic to get a solid foundation for your surfing. Look for a surf school that takes pride in their teaching and attention to detail.
Healthy lifestyle Surfing will give you a healthy lifestyle that can be shared with your family and friends.
Never surf alone. Always surf with someone else for safety, plus it’s more fun to share your surf experiences with others.
Paddling your board: Remember your fingers closed and smooth strokes all the way thru. Think of the free style stroke, but pull your arms alongside your rails. If you are on a long board your feet/toes should be at the edge of the tail of your board, but not off it. Keep your legs together and relaxed, so you have no tension in your lower body. You want a nice smooth glide.
Remember, wherever you are paddling out or catching a wave your eyes should be looking up and forward, your board will follow. Look forward on the wave and where you want to travel to. Look at a point down the line and stay focused surfing to this direction. Keep your body over the midpoint of your surfboard and lean slightly on your front foot, and you are on your way.
Remember fingers closed and smooth strokes all the way thru. Think of the free style stroke, but pull your arms alongside your rails. If you are on a long board your feet/toes should be at the edge of the tail of your board, but not off it. Keep your legs together and relaxed, so you have no tension in your lower body. You want a nice smooth glide.
Some of Nancy’s favorite quotes:
“Lokahi is mind, body and soul. To just strengthen yourself physically is not enough. To strengthen yourself mentally is not enough. To strengthen yourself spiritually is not enough. To strengthen yourself physically, mentally and spiritually is Lokahi.”
- Brian Keaulana
‘La’i lua ke kai’ The sea is very calm All is peaceful
“I think we have to teach a lot of these kids to first be gentleman… Try to help one another and not hog the doggone waves. You know, there are so many waves coming in all the time, you don’t have to worry about that. Just take your time – wave comes. Let the other guys go. Catch another one. And that’s what we used to do. We’d see some other fella there first and we’d say, “You were here first. You take the first wave.””
- Duke Kahanamoku (1966)
“Surfing is very much like making love. It always feels good – no matter how many times you’ve done it. But what is most important about surfing, as with loving, is it’s worth to the individual. There’s a strong sense of fulfillment, as opposed to frustration.”
- Paul Strauch
“Team building activities are integral to our business. We all know the benefits of increased productivity and the development of more open communication channels, but in 2005 I was challenged by my staff to find a fresh, creative, and stimulating avenue for our annual team building activity. Nancy Emerson’s Corporate Surfing Clinic provided the angle I was looking for. Learning to surf was the ultimate leveler, providing a fun, relaxed and educational environment that also offered a skill for life – ocean awareness. My staff have requested (for the first time) to repeat Nancy’s clinic in 2006. I would definitely encourage other organizations to choose this as a team building activity because I know how much they would benefit from it.”
