Roth Regatta

Surfing is a whole other world. You have to be in it to understand it completely. Surfers have a brotherhood that ties them together for life. If surfing has got you interested and you want to know more about it, let’s take you through the process and common terms.

On large open surfaces of water, swells are created in particular weather conditions. They occur several miles into the sea and make their way towards the shoreline, creating big waves that are ideal for surfing. Wind conditions

affect the waves immensely. It is the tail end of the waves that all surfers love. Moderately strong offshore winds that blow into the front portion of the wave like a tube or hollow barrel are ideal for surfing. Swell conditions vary across the world and change with different weather conditions. For surfing you need a good surf board, wetsuit to protect you from the sun, wax for the board, a leash and fins. While learning to surf, catching the first wave to take you further is the most difficul

t. In fact, catching a good wave is a sign of a great surfer. A surfer catches the wave then stands on the board and rides the wave to the best of his ability with some common sense and some signature moves. To understand surfing better, here is glossary of terms.

• Take off means to catch and start riding the wave.
• Goofy Foot means keeping the left foot on the back of the board.
• Natural Foot is placing the right foot on the back of the board.
• Pop up is when you switch your

position from lying flat to standing in one single jump.
• Snaking is waddling or paddling in water to get into the best position possible for surfing.
• Duck Dive is when the surf board is pushed underwater with its nose in front through a wave without any riding.
• Cutback means cutting back toward the breaking part of the wave.
• Hang five or hang ten is a surfing move when you put five or all ten toes over the nose of the board.
• Hang Heels is when a surfer is facing backwards and puts his heels over the edge of the board.
These are just a few terms; there are many more that you can learn as you go along. While you go to surf school or surf camp you will come across all these terms.

If you’re looking for a surfing school or a special surfing retreat in Australia, visit http://www.soulsurfing.com.au You will find all the information you need to start riding the waves!