Everything you need to know before your first wave
Fuerteventura – the "Hawaii of Europe." The island is a true surfer's paradise and the perfect place to realize your dream of surfing. But the power of the Atlantic always demands respect and, above all, knowledge, no matter which coast you begin your adventure on.
As pioneers who have lived and taught surfing on this island since its very beginning, we want to provide you with the most important knowledge. This guide is our contribution to your safety and enjoyment – so that your first wave on Fuerteventura isn't just a vacation photo, but the beginning of a true passion.
1. Not without my warm-up: Preparing your body for the wave
This is the most underrated, yet most important part of any surfing session. Surfing is a full-body sport that works muscles you may not even know you had. Jumping into cold water is not only the fastest way to pull a muscle, but it also slows your progress. A good warm-up prepares your muscles, improves your flexibility, and sharpens your focus.
Two essential exercises that every beginner should do:
- The torso twist: Stand in the sand with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent. Extend your arms out to the sides and slowly and controlledly rotate your torso from left to right. This activates your core muscles, which you need for stability and turns on the board.
- The dry take-off on the beach: This is the most important exercise of all. Lie down on your board in the sand. Paddle a few strokes with your arms. Then, in one fluid motion, place your hands under your chest and jump into the surf position. Repeat this 5-10 times to embed the movement in muscle memory before you even get wet.
2. Safety first: Understanding the currents
This is the most important lesson, whether you're surfing in the north or the south. Rip currents often form on Fuerteventura's sandy beaches.
- What is a current? Imagine the waves constantly pushing water toward the shore. This water must flow back out to sea. It does this in channels – the currents. A current doesn't pull you underwater, but out to sea.
- How do I recognize a current? Look for spots where there are few or no waves breaking. The water there often looks calmer, darker, or choppy, like a river flowing into the sea.
- What should I do if I get into one? The golden rule: Never swim against the current! You'll just waste your energy. Instead, swim parallel to the shore (left or right) out of the current and then use the waves to wash you back onto the shore.
3. The right technique: The difference between “vacationer” and “surfer”
You'll see many surf schools that promise quick success. They often teach a "tourist takeoff" using your knees or in multiple steps. The problem: This technique only works in white water and hampers your further development.
From the very first minute, we teach the one, true takeoff in a fluid motion. It may be more challenging at first, but it's the foundation you need to surf real, green waves later on. It's the difference between being able to say "I stood on a board" and "I learned how to surf" after your vacation.
4. The right material & the most important rule
- Your board: For beginners there is only one right choice: a large softboard (a surfboard with a soft surface). It's stable, helps you catch waves easily, and minimizes the risk of injury.
- The rule: Even though the beaches are extensive, there is one universal rule: The surfer who is closer to the breaking part of the wave (the peak) has the right of way. Respect this rule, and you will receive respect in return.
Conclusion: Knowledge is the key, a coach is the door
With this knowledge, you'll be perfectly prepared for your adventure in Fuerteventura. You'll understand the basics that will make you more confident and accelerate your learning progress.
The fastest and safest way to put this knowledge into practice, however, is always with an experienced coach. They will show you the intricacies of that particular day's conditions, correct your technique directly in the water, and ensure that you ride your first wave with a huge smile on your face.
Are you ready to put theory into practice?
