TWP Surf Guide

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:13:39 +0000

by Trey Webb
Some call surfing a sport. Others call it an art. You then have those who live and die by surfing. Those that are this passionate about what they do, are very adamant about sharing their way of life with others. There are several ways that someone can get started surfing. But before they do, there are a few things they should become educated on so that they are not “a fish out of water.”
The first aspect one must consider in taking up surfing is how well of a swimmer they are. Half of surfing is getting out to the spot where it is best to catch a wave. If someone is not a strong swimmer, not only will they not catch the best waves, they will also put themselves as well as others at risk of injury. Nobody should ever paddle out further than they can, or are willing to swim back. The ocean is unpredictable and is not like walking on dry land. Currents change, waves shift, weather is merciless, and there can even be occasional marine life that can affect a surfer’s well-being.
This leads to the hazards that a surfer may face while being out in the ocean. Besides the currents, wave height, and weather, plays a huge part in the surfing experience. Sharks, fish, jellyfish, and sting rays are just a few of the many forms of sea life one can expect to encounter in our oceans. One local Wrightsville Beach surfer, Courtney Hall, said “One of the many things that I like about surfing is feeling the rush of adrenaline from riding a wave.”
Wrightsville Beach is a very “surfer friendly” area. Locals care about everyone’s best interest. The city of Wrightsville Beach has a few laws to protect both surfers and beachgoers. Some of these include: no surfing is permitted within 500 feet of Johnnie Mercer’s pier, within 100 feet of Crystal Pier at Oceanic Restaurant, and not within 100 feet of the Masonboro inlet Jetty at the south end of Wrightsville Beach. All surfers are also required to wear a leash attached to themselves as well as the surf board.
These are just a few of the many things that one must consider before giving the sport a try. The best way to learn is to find a qualified and reputable instructor and get out there and learn more about surfing before trying to teach yourself. WB Surf Camp is a great surf school in the area that offers lessons from professional instructors at a very affordable price. Surf coach Ryan Marchi advises that “Before you grab a board and hit the surf, you take a lesson.” See what all the ocean has to offer other than just laying around on the beach tanning, drinking, and burying your friends in the sand. Surfing is also a fun way to stay physically fit. Who knows, maybe you will discover that surfing is more than just a sport and it may even become your way of life at UNCW.
Log onto www.wbsurfcamp.com or call (910) 256-7873 for more information and to schedule a lesson. Be sure to mention that you are a UNCW student to take advantage of the student discount they offer

TWP Magazine » Ryan Marchi

TWP Surf Guide