Skiing has become a very popular winter sport in recent years, and with good reason: It’s fun, it’s refreshing, it gets you away from the crowds, and it’s a great way to spend a winter holiday. But what if you don’t live near a ski resort? Don’t worry โ there are still ways for you to enjoy the great outdoors and get some fresh air during the winter months. One of the best winter sports for those who don’t live in a cold climate is surf skiing. It’s a combination between skiing and surfing, where you can use your board to push you off the face of a wave. The following will discuss how to surf ski and how to get the most out of it.
Table of Contents
Find A Resort That Does It Right
Just like any other winter sport, surfing the right place is essential if you want to have fun. Even the most famous and popular ski resorts aren’t exactly the best in the world, and it’s important to do your research before committing. Do you want huge crowds and lots of people? Then go to a popular resort; if you want peace and quiet, visit a quiet one. There are lots of places across the world that are ideal for surfing, some of which you may have never even heard of. During the offseason, it’s a good idea to do some research online and visit potential surf spots that interest you. This will help you have a better understanding of what to expect when you visit the place in person. It’s also worth finding out what amenities the resort offers, including restaurants, bars, and coffee shops โ knowing what’s available will make a massive difference when you’re there.
Get The Right Surfing Gear
Just like any other sport or activity, surfing needs the proper tools to be enjoyable. Without the right equipment, even the best spot can become pretty boring. One of the most essential items to have is a board โ this is basically what will get you up and riding waves. There are lots of different types of boards, all with their perks and quirks. For beginners, ask your local surf shop for advice, or take a look at the following list of recommendations for what type of board to get based on your experience level:
- For intermediates: a long, slender, and flexible board that’s slightly concave on the front of the board is perfect.
- For experts: a wide, flat, and almost perfectly smooth board with a pointed nose is what you need for maximum maneuverability.
- For beginners: shorter and wider than the previous two options, with an almost flat nose, is what you need.
- For intermediates and experts: a longer and wider board that’s also thicker than usual is what you need for maximum stability.
Besides the board, you need a paddle to get going. There are lots of different types of paddles, each with their perks and quirks. For beginners, ask your local surf shop for advice, or take a look at the following list of recommendations for what type of paddle to get based on your experience level:
- For intermediates: a longer, slim, and flexible paddle is perfect.
- For experts: a long, slender, and very flexible paddle with a rounded end is what you need for optimal performance.
- For beginners: shorter, thicker, and more flexible than the previous two options is what you need for maximum maneuverability.
- For intermediates and experts: a shorter, wider, and thicker paddle with a curved end is the best for maximum stability.
As for the other equipment, apart from the board, you need a wetsuit, a life jacket, and goggles. Make sure to have a cap that fits well on your head while enjoying the thrill of being in the water. If you plan on surfing during the winter, make sure to wear warm clothing, including long johns and a long-sleeved top. Depending on the season and the place you visit, you may need additional equipment like a waterproof bag or jacket. Remember: More is more when it comes to being prepared for the activity. Always have more than what you need; it’ll make the experience much more enjoyable. In the same way, make sure to bring a towel, a swimsuit, a pair of gloves, and shoes if you plan on getting wet. This last item is very important: When getting out of the water, make sure to dry your feet thoroughly or risk getting painful blisters. Another important point to make is that, no matter where you go, the water temperature will be different; it can be pretty chilly even in the summer. Make sure that you’re prepared for the temperature or risk getting sick.
Learn The Basics
Skiing is a pretty complicated sport, and to be able to enjoy it, you need to have a good understanding of what’s going on. Even the most basic information, like how to stand on a ski, can be very useful. If you want to improve your experience, it’s worth spending some time reading about the history of skiing and figuring out the basics. Learning the history of the sport can give you a greater appreciation for what you’re doing and make it much more enjoyable. There are also lots of videos online that can help you learn the basics of skiing, as well as improve your technique. Practice on dry land until you feel comfortable in the water, and make sure to have fun!
Go When The Tide Is Right
Just like in any other sport or activity, there are times when the tide is right and times when it’s not. Going when the tide is right can be a lot of fun, but you need to be aware of when this is and isn’t the case. If you want to avoid a lot of frustration, it’s important to go when the tide is right. If you have no idea when this is, it may be best to look online to see when the tide is at its highest and lowest. This way, you’ll know when it’s best to go and when it’s best to stay away. Going on a Sunday probably isn’t a good idea because there’ll be a lot of people around, making it harder to find a good spot. Wednesdays and Saturdays are usually the best days to go, as this is when the tide is at its lowest.
Be Prepared For The Weather
Just like in any other sport or activity, the weather can play a role in how much fun you’ll have. The best conditions for skiing are usually snow, sun, and wind. It can get pretty chilly even in the summer, so make sure that you’re prepared for the weather wherever you go. The best way to do this is by bringing a warm jacket and long johns along with you. Depending on where you visit, you may also need oversize clothes or slush suits. If you’re planning on visiting a cold place, make sure to wear warm clothing and gloves, and bring your ski gear along as well.
A lot of fun can be had during the winter season, but only if you approach it the right way. Just like any other winter sport, it’s important to go to a place that does it right. Make sure to research the place before visiting and have fun!