Learning to surf with Melinda Lloyd

Living the life of a surf guide in Bali is a million miles away from her original life. Melinda left Melbourne, and the life of corporate fashion to move to Bali. She now shares her passion for surfing with guests at Surf Goddess Retreat. Here she shows us the basics to get you in the water this summer.

Wearing a leg rope :

Your leg rope is an important piece of safety equipment that must always be tightly secured to your back leg. If you surf with your right leg back is known as “natural” and a person who surfs with their left leg back is called “goofy”. To determine which leg should be where, stand with your feet together and get a friend to gently push you in the back. Whichever foot you step forward on to steady yourself is your front foot.

Walking your board out:
To get your board safely out through the white water simply hold onto the back of your board with one hand and have the other hand resting on the deck. As the wave approaches, push down on the back of the board and let the wave glide underneath.

Paddling your board out:

When paddling your board out, as the wave approaches, simply put your hands under your chest (in the chicken wing position) and push your chest off the board. The wave will roll over your board and under your body.

Tips

It is always easier to learn to surf on a long board or mini mal. If turning on a longboard you pivot on the tail, if turning a shortboard more emphasis is on the rails (the edges). ?? Keep your centre of gravity low, this helps to keep you stable. ?? Use every part of the body to help you turn. ?? Always keep your eyes up in the direction you want to turn. ?? If you are feeling a little unbalanced simply crouch low and if need be grab hold of your board. ?? This is a great exercise to help get the idea of turning your board. Simply draw an arrow shape on the sand and follow the tips.

Melinda offers us some useful tips to help get you turning your board for the first time.