Long Beach Island Surf

        Yes, it is not just about fitness and health, but stand up paddle surfing is also about enjoying a sunny morning with clear blue sky and glassy horizon. You can thus get onto your surf boards, enjoying and breaking the surf. For every paddle surfer, it is a challenge to be standing alone in the water. While surfing, you take it as a challenge to paddle out early and try to beat the crowd. Every paddle surfer yearns to reach the line up and then turn towards the horizon. This is the ultimate moment that you can experience as a paddle surfer when you see the magnificent wave roll in towards you as if it was waiting for you to dive in to the water.
        As you reach the magnificent wave, no matter big or small, whether ridden or not, there is a thrill that you experience not just in your mind but also your heart. This is a feeling that is uniformly shared by all the paddle surfers. Thus, surfing with elan and cordiality in water is what paddle surfing is all about and this is what a true paddle surfer looks forward to. The sport of paddle surfing has over the years challenged the skill and strength of every water sport enthusiast. This sport is an age-old form of water sports which was first experienced by the Hawaiians. They were among the first to be seen playing with their surf boards among the waves.
        Till today, the spirit of the sport has remained the same that was practised by the Hawaiians. However, there has been a variation which has been introduced by the surfing enthusiast over the years. This is one sport that has enthralled people with its grace and noble rhythm. The sport of paddle surfing is today also known as beach boy surfing. The beach boy surfers became popular during the 1960s as they would paddle surf into the water to take pictures of tourists. Slowly and gradually, the beach boy paddle surfers got noticed and garnered a lot of attention. Thus, with increasing interest in this form of the water sport, the surfers began to experiment with paddle surfing as a way of fine tuning their skills and training.
        Over the years, the paddle surf boards have evolved from long board, short board, and paddle boards to the today's SUP surf boards. The surf boards used today are very different from which were used when the sport first came into existence. Thus, the paddle surf boards used today are much smaller, faster and lighter than ever before. The surf boards used today are made with materials which are lighter and effective. Also, there are new composite techniques used for construction of these paddle boards. The makers of these paddle surf boards are also working on the existing design and shape, strength and weight of the boards. Thus, the paddle surfers can look forward to a speedier and thrilling ride on the waves in future.

        Like any other adventure sport, surfing has its dangers. After all, you are dealing with a force like the sea and its unpredictable waves. To make sure you make it back in one piece, take surf lessons from experienced individuals, choose the right gear and take it one step at a time. Don't try doing too much at one time. Here are a few pointers that will keep you safe to surf again. Choose the right beach. If you're a beginner, don't let the adrenaline get to you soon. Start with the smaller waves and work your way up. Learn to surf cautiously, which will eventually make you a pro. Always choose a beach that has lifeguards. Most beaches have an area marked especially for surfers, be sure to stay in the designated area.
        Surfing means tackling the waves and carrying your own body weight through it. You have to be extremely fit to surf, that's just the way it is. You also have to be strong enough to swim back to shore in case you lose a wave. Just like drinking and driving is a crime, drinking and surfing is, too. You have to be alert and focused while you surf and take care of yourself at sea. Also remember to eat 45 minutes to an hour before you go surfing; it will help with agility. A collision with other surfers is a common problem. Be careful of that while you're out surfing. Always be aware of other surfers, weather changes, water conditions, etc.
Catching a wave is very important. You must know when to hold your board and when to let it go to catch that wave. When you're paddling out, hold your board and lose the board when you feel like your about to fall. The chances of serious injuries are less. Maintain surfer's etiquette. Don't snatch someone else's wave. The rule is that the surfer closest to the breaking wave gets first preference. You just have to wait your turn. No one is invincible. Use a good sun block while you're in the water, especially if you're not wearing a wet suit. You have no idea what kind of damage the sun can do. Surf with a friend. It's more fun and there is someone to help you and look out for you if anything goes wrong.

        Many people think that you can simply surf anywhere that there is some kind of a wave. While you can indeed surf any wave, there is so much more to it than that. Knowing and understanding ideal surf conditions is an important aspect of surfing. Not only will surfing in the correct conditions keep you safe, but it will also maximize the potential for you to catch the best waves possible.

So what does make ideal surf conditions? Well first and foremost we have to look at proper wave formation conditions. There are three main factors that will affect the size of a wave.
1. Wind Speed - More wind speed equals larger wave.
2. Wind Direction - The Longer wind blows, the larger the wave will be.
3. Fetch - The more space/area that wind affects will directly affect the size of a wave.

        It may sound crazy, but what most surfers are looking for is a storm. This creates the most optimal waves (in most places at least). Before you get nervous about surfing in storms, a surfer is not particularly looking to surf in the middle of a storm, he/she is looking to surf the waves during a storm's build-up time or the waves directly following a big storm.
        After you have taken a peek at wave formation conditions, you need to look at local weather formations. This will most directly effect you. The ideal wind a surfer wants to see is a light wind that is coming from directly offshore. The reason is because that an offshore wind blows from the shore, which smooths out the face of the wave and helps hold the lip of the wave up. This is what most any surfer is looking for. Finally, we want to look at tides, or tide conditions. Technically speaking, tides can either make or break a sought after surf spot. Many surf spots are only surfable for a couple of hours every day because of the huge tidal range. When the depth of the water below you increases or decreases at too fast of a pace, then waves don't break in the same way. This makes it confusing when a surfer catches a wave, as they may expect the wave to do one thing and it does something totally different. This is why only the best surfers in the world surf waves on a shallow reef, because reefs are very susceptible to this kind of tide movement. Knowing your tide tables is an essential part of learning proper surf conditions.
        Ideal surf conditions can be tough to find sometimes. The conditions you surf - or choose to surf, may also be made based on what level of surfer you are. If you are starting out and don't really understand tides and weather conditions that well yet, then it is best to surf at a local spot that you are familiar with.