HOW TO HANG TEN DOWN THE SHORE

Not just for “dudes”anymore

 

What does it take to hang ten at the Jersey shore? You might not find “Endless summer” style rip curls or turquoise waters along the parkway, but that makes the area’s beaches even better for beginners

“All you need is a board and a will to learn,” Ocean City Heritage Surf and Sport manager Andrew Traa says.

Despite the stereotype of the bleach-blond teenage surfer dude, Traa emphasizes that anyone can come in to learn how to ride. “As long as they can swim and are comfortable in the water, we’ll take them out,” Traa says.

“My daughter was three when she started going out with my husband,” Heritage owner Tracy Hennessey adds.

Surfing has become an unlikely family activity here at the shore. Kids do it because it looks cool and parents’ interest is often sparked by watching their children ride the waves.

“We get lots of mothers and daughters or fathers and sons,” says Matt Keenan, professional surfer and manager of 7th street Surf Shop in Ocean city. “People come in and say ‘My kid’s doing this,’ so they want to try it.”

Like most sports, surfing has been traditionally male-dominated, but more surfer chicks are out there riding alongside the guys. Movies, like last year’s “Blue Crush,” and clothing lines, such as Roxy by Quicksilver, are getting more girls interested in the sport.

Although they have less upper body strength necessary to ho onto the board, once they get up women have an easier time staying on the board.

“Women take to it more quickly,” Traa says. “They have more of a background in sports like gymnastics and cheerleading, so it’s easier for them to balance.”

Experience in other sports can also contribute to a quicker learning experience. Skateboards and snowboarders already have the coordination to stay on the board and turn it. Swimming, Traa says, is the bet way to get in shape for surfing.

“Paddling out and pushing up really works our upper body and shoulders,” he says.

Traa recommends lessons fro anyone who wants to get their feet wet

“We start giving group lessons in mid-June,” he says. “Right now the water temperature is too cold for most people.”

For $10, Heritage offers beginners an hour long group lesson and a rental board. Most surf shops offer lessons with a ration of one instructor for every three or four students or private lessons for an higher fee.

If you’re feeling competent (or shy), 7th ‘street (which is on the Boardwalk) will rent you just a board for $10, give you a few pointers and send you on your way.

No matter how much a beginner thinks he knows about surfing, everyone should visit a surf supply shop before buying a board. A smaller shop with a knowledgeable staff is your best bet for finding one specific to your needs.

“You have to take into account a person’s height, weight and experience,” Traa says.

First-timers need a longboard (about 8 to 10 feet)< which because of their greater thickness and width are more stable and easier to get up on.

In the past few years, soft boards - made of body-board –style foam – have become popular with beginners for their durability and softer skegs (or fins). At $150 to $170, they’re about the same price as a used fiberglass board and far less expensive than new longboards, which will run you at lest $300. Get a leash to keep your board from getting away after wipeouts and a wetsuit or rash guard, depending on the weather.

Lindsay Scarborough