Is surfing fun? For many people, the allure of catching waves and gliding across the open water is undeniably exciting. However, as anyone who has tried their hand at this exhilarating sport knows, it’s not as easy as it looks. Surfing, with its blend of athleticism, balance, and timing, presents a unique set of challenges that can leave even the most determined individuals feeling a bit discouraged. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of surfing and explore why it can be so difficult to master. From understanding the dynamics of waves to honing the necessary skills, join us as we uncover the reasons behind the question: “Why is surfing so hard to do?”
Why is surfing so hard to do? Yes, surfing is hard to do. Aside that it requires strength and patience, learning and becoming good at the sport also requires dedication, commitment, and time.
To give you a clue, here are reasons why many say surfing is so hard to do:
Surfing Requires a Lot of Commitment
Some people ask me, “Is surfing hard?” Well, it is. But everything is worth it. Learning to surf takes a lot of commitment, time, and dedication.
A skilled surfer will spend tens of thousands of hours searching for waves in the ocean over their lifetime. They will travel to different locations in search of the perfect wave. Surfing is a lifelong passion for many people, and they continue to surf into their older years.
This sport entails lying on a surfboard, duck diving, paddling, positioning oneself to catch a wave, standing and riding, with a little bit of falling and gasping your breath thrown in for good measure. To get better, a surfer will repeat that exercise countless times. That doesn’t even consider all the additional organizational time required for the sport, such as repairing surfboards, commuting to and from the beach, packing equipment, and the list goes on.
Even if the circumstances are bad, there will be moments when you don’t want to go surfing. But you will go nonetheless since commitment is the most crucial quality necessary to improve.
Surfers Practice Patience in the Ocean
It can be difficult to stay relaxed while waiting for the waves. Surfing is about being patient and waiting for the right moment. The best surfers can control their anxiety and wait for the perfect wave.
25% of the time surfers are in the water is spent waiting on their boards. When the waves come in, there can be a lot of surfers and little sets (1-3 waves), which implies most surfers will not be able to catch a wave and will need to wait for some longer.
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Surfing Can be a Frustrating Sport
At times, surfing development can feel like two steps forward and one step back. It is because, as you improve your skills and become a better surfer, you also become more aware of the flaws in your technique and the areas that need improvement. As a result, it can feel like you are constantly making progress and then taking a step back as you focus on improving specific areas. However, if you keep at it, eventually, you will reach a point where your skills are good enough that you can enjoy the sport without constantly worrying about making technical improvements.
Surfing is sometimes Scary
Surfing may be frightening sometimes. But that’s fine. Confronting your fears can be a fulfilling experience. There are many valid reasons to fear surfing, such as sharks, drowning, or the ocean.
To be honest, I worry about sharks quite a lot when I travel and surf in tropical regions. But, there are some precautions you may take to lessen your chances of encountering a shark.
The focus should be improving swimming, and safety skills, and avoiding ocean and drown-related fears. Gaining experience in or near the sea will also help soothe concerns and establish a comfort level gradually.
Learning the Basics Is Easy
Don’t be intimidated, knowing that surfing is among the hardest sports to learn. The basics of surfing are fairly easy to understand and master, so don’t be discouraged before even beginning.
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