Donnette

Conquer your learning curve faster when you learn to surf.

Does good surfing instruction make a difference to your learning curve when learning to surf? You bloody bet it does!

Most of the older guys you see in the water these days did not have the benefit of surf schools when they where learning. The only surf school they attended was the school of hard knocks, heavy wipe outs, and plenty of peer pressure.

It took me years to learn what good surfing instruction from an experienced coach can teach you in hours today. The only surfing instruction available to us was watching other guys in the water, copying what they where doing, and hanging on for grim death if it all came unstuck, which it usually did.

If you want to learn to surf, and to skip the trial and error. I suggest you find a good surf school and take classes with an experienced instructor.

Tips for finding a good surf school.

1. Look for schools with accredited coaches. In most countries, surfing instructors are required to be accredited coaches through the governing body for that country.

2. Check out how the school operates. A good operator is a good sign they take the business of surfing instruction seriously.

3. Check out the schools gear. Surfing gear such as wetsuits and surfboards that are in good shape and well maintained is another great sign that they are serious about their business.

4. Ask people who have had lessons with the school. Did it work for them?

5. Have a chat with the instructors and go with your gut feel.

If you can get onto a good school your surfing will come on in leaps and bounds. Good surfing instruction really does make a world of difference.

Now, get out there!

Brett BJ Jones is the owner and Head Coach of a Central Coast surf school called BJ's Surf School. He teaches people to surf all year round at Terrigal Beach in Australia. http://www.bjsurf.com.au