Surfing has become a popular recreational activity and sport these days, and because of that more and more people suddenly wanna surf. However, not all interested surfers are able to hit the waves successfully. The reasons behind why some people who wanna surf just can’t are endless. But the greatest contributing factor among all the possible reasons is the failure of some surfing schools to provide the best education newbie surfers need.
Surfing schools are a very controversial topic.
Although marketing forces would have us believe otherwise, the majority of surfers are not overjoyed with the introduction of the modern surf schools. Even though there are some very fine surf schools operating today, surfers often blame surf schools for filling the lineup with people, who can’t surf. This is an over simplification of the problem, and pointing the finger at the entire surf school industry is misguided.
But the main issue is that everyone wants to surf, and they wanna surf now. People don’t understand just how difficult surfing really is, and they try to take short cuts. They want the ability of a surfer with ten years experience, and they want it in two weeks. Unfortunately there are surf schools out there that take advantage of this situation. These schools know that if they explained the reality of learning to surf, they would get fewer students.
This omission of the truth is a grave injustice to the learner surfer. The newcomer to surfing needs to be able to trust the information given to them by the surf school operator whom they have paid, to teach them to surf. But sadly in many cases they cannot.
Also, because learners quite naturally assume that they should be able to trust all so called surf instructors to guide them correctly. These learners no longer ask the more experienced surfers in the water for guidance. And conversely most experienced surfers no longer offer it. And so we have a self perpetuating dysfunctional cycle.
The root of the problem is this – you simply cannot teach anyone to surf in a couple of hours let alone a couple of weeks, it’s just not possible. Anyone saying they can is putting profits before principles. The absolute best a surf school can do is to give you a glimpse of what it could feel like to ride waves, while standing on a surfboard.
Yes a personal surf coach, who is an experienced surfer themselves, can be of great benefit to the person who wanna surf over a period of time. But that requires serious money. No matter what the newcomer to surfing may do, they must get in the habit of seeking guidance from the more experienced surfers in the water.
Well don’t forget that we are a generation of spoiled pampered bratz. We want everything fast, from our latest purchase to getting laid. Why would it be different wen the time comes to learn anything at all?
I’m a surf coach. Every person that arrives at my lessons with tales of surf courses done all over he world ends up doing lesson number one!! Most of them can not understand the need for it and end up hatting my guts. You can not tell people the truth about surfing or your business will soon be over.
If you think carefully about it, we can not blame the modern approach of surf tutoring/business. It gives exactly what people are paying for! Couldn’t be more honest. After all what’s really important here is to take home loads of cool facebook pics.
I do apologise for any English language mystique (not my native language). If anyone feels offended by my words, well that’s your problem, try learning something from it.
I do honestly hope you will try to open your mind wen learning to surf and understand the sacrifices necessary. It will be worth it.