In the case of surfing, it is not at all necessary to go for an Olympic record - the skiing itself will bring a lot of pleasure and benefit to the figure. But who knows what your new hobby will turn out to be? Moreover, you can practice on different beaches around the world, including in Russia.
Kuta, Bali island, Indonesia
It is on Kuta that beginners go to learn to surf. The advantages are obvious: skiing and accommodation here will be inexpensive. You will be able to stand on the board already in the first lesson - the waves dispose. But do not expect extreme at the beginning of training. Most likely, you will be asked to ride on the foam that forms near the coast after large waves.
Our tip: go to school with Russian-speaking instructors - they will tell you a lot of useful theory before you go to conquer the waves (usually this happens in the third lesson). Good schools will provide you with boards, clothing, towels and sunscreen for free. Do not even think to neglect the latter: constant exposure to the sun and salt water is fraught with burns.
Some schools (for example, Endless Summer) practice teaching with video analysis - this makes it much easier to master the technique. On Kut, many schools are located on the territory of hotels and offer full-fledged programs, the cost of which includes accommodation and tuition. If the goal of your trip to Bali is to learn how to ride a board, do not neglect these offers: they are often much more profitable than regular tours.
The ideal time for surfing in Bali is May-September. If a couple of days of training have inspired you with confidence, do not rush to conquer big waves - underwater currents can be dangerous.
Biarritz, France
The French Atlantic coast is a magnet for both beginners and experienced surfers. There are two reasons: the charm of the region and the waves of different caliber. Biarritz, for example, has large but beginner-friendly waves and a huge number of surf schools centered around La Côte des Basques beach. Tourists can rent equipment, conduct individual and group lessons. Don't worry about uniforms in advance: there are many surfer shops in Biarritz.
Here you can safely train with kids: there are more than enough programs for children and families. Most likely, your training will start with a longboard - it is easier to handle in the water. By the way, it is in Biarritz that one of the best surfer schools in Europe is located - Quiksilver Surf School.
For a more secluded getaway, head out of town. 18 km from Biarritz, in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, there is Lafitenia beach, a favorite among surfers. You can stay at the Maison Tamarin. Just like you, novice surfers, will accompany you at barbecues and beach picnics.
Sri Lanka
A suitable beach for beginners can be found in almost every part of Sri Lanka. Focus on the southwestern city of Galle (three hours from Colombo). Hikkaduwa Beach is a half hour drive away - a great option if you want to learn how to board. Here you will meet like-minded people and divers. But do not rely on instructors especially: in Sri Lanka they do not differ with special responsibility, they can only show basic techniques, and you will have to master the technique on your own. Stay away from the coral reefs - experienced surfers train here.
Hikkaduwa is especially good in winter, and head to Arugam Bay Beach in summer. The place is famous for small waves and well-developed infrastructure. At the same time, there is practically no foam here - you will learn right away on the waves.
On the eastern side of Weligama Beach, 30 km from Galle, you can also learn how to board. Conditions are: sandy bay and perfect waves from December to April.
A rule of any surfer school: the longer you stay in the spot (training place), the cheaper it will cost to rent a board. Keep in mind that you will have to train in Sri Lanka on shortboards. This complicates the task. In addition, lifeguards are rarely found on the beaches of Sri Lanka, so be extremely careful.
Lagos, Portugal
Travelers are attracted to Portuguese Lagos not only by the famous architecture of Mauritania, but also by the opportunity to learn to ride a board at one of the local spots. To get started, head to Arrifana Beach: learning the basics is a pleasure here. And you can practice your skills on any other beach near the city. Most schools in the region not only teach surfing techniques, but also provide transfers from your accommodation to the beach (you will train on different beaches), provide equipment and treat you to lunch. The only negative: the water is cooler here than, for example, in Bali.
Russia
We hasten to dispel your doubts: there are surfing beaches in Russia. A lot of impressions can be gained by riding a board in the Far East: in Kamchatka and Vladivostok. Not far from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky there is Khalaktyrsky beach. From June to September, there is a surf camp, where anyone can try their hand at the ocean waves. In Vladivostok, go to Lazurnaya Bay or to Reineke Island, where a surf camp operates at the Chaika Water Sport Club. The conditions are extremely Spartan, which more than compensate for the beauty of the wild nature and a very special ride on the waves of the Sea of Japan.
For residents of the European part of Russia, there are more accessible locations: Kaliningrad, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Anapa. Of course, you will have to enjoy the wind waves, but it is very easy to study in such conditions. Look for the main spots in Zelenogradsk near Kaliningrad, on the Khostinsky beach in Sochi, in the village of Solnechny near St. Petersburg. Last year, a team of Russian surfers tried their hand at the shores of the Arctic Ocean in the Murmansk region. During the year, the guys mastered capricious, cold waves and shot incredibly beautiful videos. We do not recommend repeating, but it is definitely worth seeing!
Why surfing is good
Surfing strengthens the muscles in the arms, shoulders and lower back. An added bonus is a perfectly flat posture that allows you to maintain balance on the board. Do not be lazy to sign up for the pool before your trip to the sea or ocean: additional physical training will not hurt (as well as pre-arranged insurance). And surfing goes well with yoga, Pilates or banal stretching before skiing.
What to ride
It all depends on the weather conditions. In Kamchatka, for example, you will definitely need a tight wetsuit with gloves and a hood. In warm water, you can ride in Lycra - a tight long sleeve that protects the skin from burns and damage. Similar ones can be found, for example, at the Roxy brand. Do not hesitate to wear loose board shorts: they protect your knees well from abrasions.
Text: Julia Kozoliy
