You arrive at the beach with your wetsuit under your arm, look at the sea and think: "I hope I don't make a fool of myself". Relax: everyone feels that the first time. In Rincón de la Victoria we've seen thousands of first lessons, and almost all end with the same phrase: "when can we do it again?"
Before you get wet: the briefing on the sand
The lesson starts on the shore. We don't grab the board and run into the water. First we explain stance, paddling and the take-off step by step. Then you practise on dry sand until your body starts to memorise the movement. It's boring for five minutes; then you'll be grateful for the rest of the session.
In the water: whitewater and a lot of balance
When you go in, the instructor goes with you. You aren't left alone while they shout from the shore. In Rincón the waves are beach break, sandy bottom, and near the shore it's shallow. That makes the fall soft and lets you recover the board quickly. We start with whitewater: already broken, carrying force and pushing you toward shore. Your job is to stand up and hold it for a few seconds.
- You don't need Olympic swimming, but you should feel comfortable in the water.
- The foam board is your friend: big, stable and almost impossible to sink.
- You'll catch waves on day one. They won't be barrels, but they'll be yours.
After the lesson
You'll come back to shore with tired shoulders, a big smile and a new question: "what now?" We usually recommend a three-lesson pack to settle stance, paddling and timing. Surf is slow progression, but you remember your first wave forever.