Surfing

Let's Go Surfing!

Why choose the sport of surfing?

You may be one of those girls who sits on the beach and watches your boyfriend surf. You may sit and watch just anyone wondering how they do it? Well forget sitting and watching - get up and have a go! Give yourself a challenge! But make sure you go with some experienced swimmers and surfers. Or go to a surfing school!

Apparently there are more girls surfing than ever before. Most women learning to surf are aged between 20 and 50.

How do you start? What do you need?

You need to be a good swimmer and you need to be very confident in the water. You should learn to surf within your own limitations. Don't feel pressured to go out too deep or if the waves are bigger than you feel confident with.

What should I buy? What do I need?

You need a good, well made one piece swimsuit. Also invest in a good wetsuit and of course a surfboard.

If I chose a surfschool, what should I look for?

Schools and surf coaches should be accredited with either Surfing Australia or the Surf Schools Association of Australia. A good surf school will put you in a group with people who are at the same level as you. If you prefer, you can have private lessons or ask to be in a females only class if you'd like.

What can I expect?

Well apart from being a great place to meet boys, surfing will help with confidence in water, your overall self-esteem and will improve general fitness and well being. Your arms will most likely become more defined and you will probably generally feel much happier within yourself for taking on a challenging sport.

- Michelle Palmer (michelle@girl.com.au)

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