Many of you may be wondering how you can choose the perfect wave. There are definitely many factors that come into play when figuring out what is the best wave for you versus the best wave for someone else. After some thought, I’ve come up with three, general decision making factors: your skill level, your surf style and your surfing goal for the future.
Your Skill Level
Maybe you just started surfing or maybe you have been surfing for 10 years… Your skill level will play a huge role in deciding which wave is the “perfect wave” for you. If you are a beginner than you would ideally like a smaller, slower and softer wave. It will be the best wave to practice on as you master your pop-up and learn to cruise down the line. A “peeling wave” is what I would suggest as your go-to, perfect wave choice. With a peeling wave, it will be clear the direction the wave is going (left or right) and will allow you a clear opportunity to learn to make it down the face of the wave. You can easily find this nice, little peeling wave at a beach break.
Perhaps, however, you are an intermediate surfer looking for the perfect wave…what type of wave might you be looking for? Choosing a reef break with a faster take off, a bit quicker ride and the ability to gain speed and momentum, might be a good choice. Of course you will want to still be choosing open, clear direction waves and working on maneuvers as you take the perfect wave. This type of wave will allow you to still challenge yourself while improving your existing skills.
The pro surfer. Are you pro? Maybe yes, maybe no. If you are or if you are on the brink of becoming pro, you probably love pitching, barreling waves. You probably love to get a sick barrel and throw giant vertical sprays off the lip of the wave as you race down the face if the wave. If this sounds like you, than I can assume you already know how to choose the perfect wave for your skill level.
Your Surf Style
Your surf style is a very important factor when choosing the “perfect” wave. Depending on your style, if you love long groovy longboard rides or maybe you prefer steep, tubular waves, this depends on your surf style. Every surfer has a different style and that is what makes surfing so unique and intriguing to learn and to watch. You can choose perfect waves based of off your preferred surf style, such as choosing a peeling wave as a pro long boarder who walks toes to the nose or as a beginner who simply prefers to catch big waves just to make the epic drop, because maybe that is just your style. Whatever your style is… own it! Choose the perfect wave to suit whatever it is that makes you the happiest surfer out there.
Your Surfing Goal for the Future
Your surfing goal for the future should play a huge role in choosing the perfect wave. If your goal is to improve your surfing, than more than likely, you need to push yourself onto more difficult waves. Choosing the perfect wave may require you to chose the not so typical wave you would usually go for. This would be the case if you are looking to improve and therefore that once difficult, tricky wave, may now be the “perfect” wave for you in order to progress in your surfing career. So set goals for yourself and push the limits. Choose the “perfect” wave to get you to achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
Perfectly Different for Everyone
The perfect wave will be different for everyone. However, based on your skill level, your surf style and your surfing goal for the future, choosing the perfect wave can become a little more clear. Now go enjoy the perfect wave, you know how to find it!
Instructor/Host
Kelsey Cecil