Our Surf Lessons focus mainly in Four Major areas to get you up and riding the waves.
- Technique: Our instructors are certified by ISA (International Surf Association), therefore all techniques used by us are based on already tested and approved techniques. In addition to them, after years teaching we have added few “tips” that make our students learn easier. The instructors stay with the students in the water the entire time in a ratio of 2-3 students per instructor maximum. This personalized assistance makes sure that the students really learn the correct techniques on positioning on the board, paddling, getting through the waves and standing. According to our students level we will chose the best equipment to improve their surfing as much as possible. As part of our methodology, we make use of Instructional Surf Videos, Photo and Filming analysis, Instructors feedback during and after lessons and “land tools” such as the balance board, balance ball and “surf swing” to improve students techniques.
- Safety: That is a very important topic for us. While many surf schools use normal fibber glass boards to teach first timers, we make sure that we have quality “soft boards” that prevent major accidents, especially with new students. Another aspect of safety is the surf spot. We always make sure that surf spot is appropriated to the student according to their level. As well we go over the ocean elements and conditions, equipment and etiquette.
- Fun: Always thinking of other aspects of the work, we never forget that the most important to our students is “to have fun”. It does not matter if you get a bad wipe out or if you get the best ride of the day, what matter to us is the “Aloha spirit” that surfing gives you. Making jokes, laughing and enjoying every moment is what matters.
- Mobility: According to the surf conditions our set up allows us to be mobile with our Kombi van. That means that according to the conditions of the waves and to the level of the students we will search for the right spot for you.
Methodology
All classes begin with stretching and warm up, so the students get the awareness of the importance to stretch. After that a deeply explained land lesson begins so the students have a chance to listen to the instructor`s explanation and observe the demonstrations on land. After, all movements and techniques that was demonstrated by the instructor are repeated by the students so they can feel it and understand it themselves. This simulation prepares the students for getting in the water and controlling the board in the waves, paddling out, getting through the surf and standing up. Before getting in the water the instructor also describes the wave’s conditions for that day and points out rip currents and sand bars, so the students can be familiar to what is happening in the water at the spot they will be completing the lesson.
Levels, goals, knowledge, safety and theory
Beginners
The beginner level will give a good introduction to the sport for a first timer. We will work on the correct techniques to get a good position on the board, paddling, getting through the waves and how to stand up with an easy movement. At this level our goal is to get the student riding the white water, with a basic knowledge of currents, etiquette and technique.
The equipment used may vary but normally students will stick to soft boards that might vary in size from 9`0 to 6`6 ft according to body type.
We will accommodate the students onto easy small waves that will give fun rides on the whitewater, to make riding time possible. Getting onto as many waves as you can, will give good practice time for your pop up and according to progression the instructor can progress you more and more on every lesson.
Intermediate
On the intermediate level, we will focus mainly on timing and positioning, as we know judging a wave is not easy. Our main goal will be getting green waves (unbroken waves) and getting to a stage where students are able to bottom turn and get going down the line. Instructors will pass knowledge on about equipment being used, types of waves, currents, positioning on the peak, getting through the waves using different techniques and choosing the right waves.
At this level the student will start the transition from a soft top to hard boards (fibber )and reducing normal board size in order to get more mobility on the wave`s open face. Board sizes will vary from 8`4 to 6`4 or smaller according to body type.
Instructors will aim for small open face waves to gradually move towards bigger waves according to student’s confidence which will be built over the lessons.
Advanced
On our advance training module, students will work mainly on posture correction and technique, timing and positioning and turns. This is a more advanced level where surfers should already have a high level of confidence where they can paddle out on they own, being able to locate currents and be aware of behavior in the water (surf etiquette).
All surf sessions will be filmed by the instructor, that will make constant comments by sometimes bring the student back to the sand in order to correct and increase the surfer`s performance.
After the surf session, the coach and the surfer will head to our training center where all images will be analyzed using specific software to look into your body movements and then make the corrections needed. At this stage the surfer will work along the coach on surf fitness.
Vibrant platform, balance board, pilates ball, weights, TRX straps among other specific equipment will be used to improve your performance in the water.
Note - At this level the surfer will be working at a 1:1 or maximum 2:1 surfer to instructor rate. Price is different to surf school package as you have video analysis and surf pilates as an extra.
Equipment
All equipment used during our surf lessons are according to the student´s level. Soft boards are used for beginner level and the hard boards (fibber glass) for the intermediate and advanced levels.
Along the surf boards we provide rash guards, leashes and all the necessary gear for you to have fun in the water in a secure way.
All equipment is in good condition and included in the lesson package.
