Surfing Tips for Beginners at Scotts Head NSW

Perfectly positioned between Sydney and Brisbane and an hour’s drive south of Coffs Harbour, Scotts Head Holiday Park occupies prime beachfront position in a tiny coastal village at the southern end of the Nambucca Shire. And boy does it attract the surfers!

If you’re planning a stay at Reflections Scotts Head, but you’ve never stood up on a board, never fear! We’ve compiled some tips just for surfing beginners.

1. Don’t learn by yourself

Call in the professionals. We recommend Scotts Head Surf School for group and private lessons for all levels. All lessons are held at the Main Beach; a fantastic location to learn how to surf, right next to Scotts Head Holiday Park.

2. Get the right gear

You’ll be wanting a soft-top board with a leash (so you don’t have to chase it back into shore when you inevitably fall off), a rashie and boardies (or a wetsuit if it’s chilly) and of course don’t forget the sunscreen.

3. Find the right beach

Make sure you know a bit about the beach you’re preparing to embark upon. The Main Beach at Scott’s Head (also known as Forsters Beach) is a great learning spot because it’s in a bay, there are no rocks and there are nice easy waves to catch.

4. Spend time on the sand

Don’t be surprised if you spend a lot of your first lesson out of the water. It takes time to be able to confidently stand up on a surfboard. Being able to do a quick and fluid ‘pop up’ means perfecting the move on the sand first.

5. Be at one with the wipeout

You’re going to fall off. A lot. You might only stand up on the board for a few seconds at a time in your first lesson. Don’t be discouraged. And when you do wipe out, do it in a way that minimises the chance of injury. Try to flop onto your side or back - don’t go headfirst.

6. Learn about surfing etiquette

Whilst you don’t need to worry too much about the ins and outs as a beginner, there are some things that apply to surfers of all levels. For example, don’t paddle out without an awareness of where other surfers are waiting and always treat others like you’d want to be treated.

7. Know the lingo

This one isn’t compulsory, but it is fun. For example, a ‘kook’ is a beginner surfer and an ‘ankle buster’ is a wave too small to ride. A ‘drop in’ refers to dropping in on a wave that someone is already riding, forcing them to abandon the wave (and a breach of surfing etiquette, see point 6!)

8. Bend ze knees

If you do manage to stand up on the board (go you!), then make sure to bend your knees instead of hunching your back over. It lowers your centre of gravity so it’s better for your balance. You’ll look the part too.

9. Start small

This is a no-brainer, but it’s important to keep things modest when first starting out. Leave the ‘bombora’ and barrels to the more experienced surfers. If you keep at it, you might be able to get out there with the big boys and girls eventually, but for now, know your limits.

10. Have fun

That’s what it’s all about right? Get out there, have a blast, tell your mates and be sure to come back to Scotts Head Holiday Park so you can practice your sweet surfing skills.