Surfing is an exciting sport that carries quite unique characteristics. It’s not just all about skill. Half of the sport is also spotting good waves that are perfect for surfing and a good long run. Wave spotting is not about making guesses; there are actually some steps you should learn in order to spot good waves. Here are some of them:
• One of the factors that contribute to the quality of waves is the weather condition. So before you go out to the beach, check out the weather bulletin for your area. A patch of bad weather will mean bigger waves, which are more fun to ride. But do make sure to use caution. A bit of bad weather may be good for surfing but gauge if the weather may be too bad that your safety may be compromised. Erring on the side of caution is always the better decision.
• There are some beaches offer better waves than others. This is a confluence of different external factors that contribute to bigger, ridable waves. If you’re new to the area, ask the locals about popular surfing spots.
• Before you plunge in, go look at the quality of the waves first and assess the area. Look for spots where waves are more frequent and of course you need to consider if the waves are the kind you can handle. If you’re a beginner don’t try your skills on intermediate or advanced level waves.
• Part of the assessment is to find out the shallow areas are; where the reef is more easily exposed. Areas like this are dangerous for surfers especially if they wipe out. The waves will often bear down on the surfer and this could lead to serious injuries especially when he gets dragged through the sharp corals and rocks. The undertow is also something to be wary about so it is something you should also watch out for.
• When you see a spot that you like, head over in that direction. It would be a good idea to look for a spot where there’s less surfers so you won’t have to bump into other surfers, or worse, accidentally hit them with your surfboard (or vice versa).
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