by Susan B. Barnes Surf's Up There’s nothing like the feeling of floating on top of the water, with the waves swelling beneath. One after the other, they continue to roll in. You bide your time, waiting for ‘your’ wave to appear. At last, there it is: the perfect wave. As the surf begins to swell, you start paddling, gaining momentum as the wave moves underneath you. One, two, up! And that’s when you feel it. The undeniably ecstatic moment of catching your first wave. From that point on, you’re hooked. Surfing becomes a part of you.

If you’re ready to hit the water and hang 10, all you need is gumption, drive and patience. After all, it’s most likely you won’t get up on your first attempt – though you may! – and waiting for that perfect wave can take awhile. It helps if you’ve been working on your strength and endurance, as surfing is definitely a workout, one which you’ll feel the following day. Those who practice yoga will recognize some standard moves as you prepare to ‘pop up’ onto the board – plank and warrior poses certainly come into play. Be sure to bring along your swimsuit, towel, sunblock and something to drink – you will get thirsty! Depending on where and when you learn to surf, a wetsuit may be needed. Most schools will supply them, but double-check before you head out for your lesson. For beginners, expect to learn on a foam board – they’re softer and won’t hurt as much, should you lose control and have the board come up over you in the water. Boarding School Most surf schools offer group and private lessons, ranging from a few hours for an overview to surf-filled, week-long camps. When checking out a school, be sure that the instructors are experienced, familiar with the area in which you’re learning to surf, and certified in CPR and lifesaving techniques. Surf the Web (pun intended) to find surf schools near you. Here are just a few that you may want to look into. If you’re heading to (or live on) the east coast of Florida, check out Florida Surf Lessons. This outfit of professional instructors offers weekday and weekend clinics, private and small group lessons and a surf camp, and was named one of the world’s best surf camps by Newsweek. If you’re looking for a women’s or adult-only camp on the East Coast, check out Surf Camp in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., named one of America’s Top 10 Surfing Towns by Surfer Magazine. Surf Camp’s instructors have more than 150 years of combining surfing experience, so you know you’re in good hands. Surf Diva teaches surfing year-round in weekend clinics, surf camps and private lessons. All classes are women-only, unless you opt for a private lesson, in which case you can bring a guy along. Surf Sister in Tofino, B.C. promotes women’s surfing in Canada and teaches boys, girls, men and women of all ages – even families – the technique of surfing. Wetsuits and boards are provided for your lesson, and you’ll learn etiquette as well as technique and safety. Maui Surfer Girls has hosted students from as far away as Japan, Scotland and New Zealand, and they’re waiting for you! Their team of instructors and camp counselors will ensure you learn technical skills and the self-confidence you’ll need to hit the waves. There are a number of surfing magazines at bookstores and available for subscription – some are even web-based. Some of the most popular include Surfing and Surfer; women-specific online magazines are Wahine Surfing and Jetty Girl. Save the Waves Once you’re hooked on surfing, or even if you haven’t hung 10 yet but love the ocean just the same, check out a Surfrider Foundation meeting. With chapters throughout the U.S., including some for those who are landlocked, this group is dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for everyone Whether you’re an absolute novice, have had a lesson or two, or have surfed for years, the exhilarating feeling you get when you catch a wave is indescribable. What are you waiting for? Surf’s up!