As it's known, the ocean creates illusions: someone might think that gliding on a wave is just renting a board and heading into the ocean. Others, on the contrary, believe that only well-prepared individuals who have been doing it since childhood can engage in surfing. So who's right? How much time does one need to spend on surfing in order to proudly write "SURFER!" in the profile header on Instagram?

The answer is both obvious and non-trivial, as the leader of the proletariat once said: live a century, learn a century! Yes, in surfing, just like in any other endeavor, there's no limit to improvement. However, 90% of beginner surfers catch their first wave already on their debut ride. This is under the condition that you're accompanied by a competent instructor who will:

• choose a suitable board for you, which is very important,

• provide clear instructions (ideally in your native language),

• set up the surf stance even before entering the water,

• ensure a safe time in the water,

• select an optimal surf spot for your skills (yes, you can't just surf anywhere),

• help you catch optimal (comfortable) waves,

• timely notice your mistakes in the water and correct them,

• be your king, god, and best friend on the water,

• conduct photo or video analysis of your rides after the lesson so that you can visually see what you did wrong and where you excelled!

All of this and more is provided by the instructors of our surf camp on the island of Tenerife.

Is one lesson enough to continue surfing independently?

It's very individual, but the answer is more likely to be negative. Why? "They explained everything to me, told me, showed me, and taught me, right? I was taught snowboarding for just an hour, then I did everything myself, and it's the same with other boards too!"

You see, most beginners overlook one obvious detail: in surfing, you're not riding on a snowy slope, asphalt, or concrete; you're riding on a wave, which is not a static surface. The point is that in nature, there are no two identical waves. And if the weather conditions were one way when you entered the ocean, an hour later the elements might change their mood, and the technique that was just working could become useless on a new wave.

In general, for "getting to know the ocean," our instructors recommend completing a minimal course of five sessions, three hours each, with photo and video analysis.

What happens during the first surfing lessons?

First of all, astonishment! It turns out that a surfboard is large and heavy. Yes, the training boards are big, and though it's challenging to carry them to the beach, it's much easier to balance on them and ride the waves. Over time, with regular training, the board will become smaller and lighter.

Secondly, another surprise! It turns out that in surfing, you need to paddle a lot - about 95% of the time. Seriously, you wouldn't be surprised that in soccer, you spend 95% of the time running, and only 5% of the time have possession of the ball, right?! It's somewhat similar in this sport.

Thirdly, yet again surprise! It turns out that the wave isn't as fluffy and gentle as expected; it's a powerful force with which you need to become friends to understand and use its energy to your advantage, not against yourself.

Fourthly, not surprise, but enthusiasm with touches of euphoria when you finally stand up on the board, and the force of nature named "wave" carries you from behind.

During the initial lessons, you'll likely be riding on the foam of the overturned wave behind you or riding on small "green" (open) waves. Your minimum goal in the first lessons is to stand up on the board and ride straight to the shore. According to our experience, 90% of beginner surfers manage to accomplish this task.

What's next?

And next, we continue to find a common language with the ocean to befriend it. After all, surfing is a true game of chess with nature. Depending on the grandmaster and our personal grandmaster skills, we will want to master a smaller board, a bigger wave, a more serious trick.

Because, as was said at the very beginning of this article, there is no limit to perfection in surfing!

Engage in surfing!