Surfing is arguably the coolest sport around because it asks its athletes to harness the natural elements in a way that nothing else does.

Then consider all of the music, fashion, and culture that have come out of the surfing world. No trip to SoCal – and especially Newport Beach – is complete without stepping onto the sand with a surfboard under your arm. Too intimidated to give surfing a try? Don’t be! With these practical and straight-forward steps, you’ll be more than ready to enjoy what the Beach Boys deemed “the greatest sport around.” 

Endless Sun Surf School- @endlesssunsurfschool

The right gear will help you overcome your fear

Surfing is considered a “sport” for a reason. It requires the proper preparation and gear if you expect to shred. And you can! Surfing is a sport for anybody at any stage in life. The only prerequisite is that you know how to swim. You don’t have to be an exceptional swimmer – you just need to feel comfortable treading water for at least a minute. If you’re unsure, try it out the next time you’re at a pool. With that skill set alone, any decent surf instructor can get you standing on a board in no time!

The proper gear is also crucial in setting you up for success. Here is our list of top 5 must-have items:

1. Longboard: Everyone should learn to surf on a longboard. For kids who weigh 60lbs or less, boards can be 6 feet or longer. For older kids and adults, a good beginner surfboard should at least be 8-9 feet long. The longer the surfboard, the more stable it will be and therefore more forgiving as you figure out how best to maneuver. 
2. Leash attachment: A leash that’s roughly the length of your surfboard will save you a world of trouble by keeping the board close after you fall. Because you will fall. Don’t worry – it’s part of the fun of learning! 
3. Wax: If you’re learning on a surfboard that doesn’t have a soft top, make sure you or your surf coach brings wax for your board. This will keep the surface of the board sticky so you don’t slip and slide. 
4. Wetsuit or Rash Guard: These are vital for three reasons. They keep you warm, protected from the sun, and protected from stomach irritations as you slide on and off your board. You’ll always see the surfers in Newport Beach in wetsuits because the water is usually cold enough to warrant one. And because we want you as comfortable as possible while you learn to surf, wearing a wetsuit is most likely your best move. 
5. Warm clothes/food for after the surf sesh: Once you’re out of the water, you’ll be cold and hungry – trust us on this one! A great surfing hack is to fill a clean plastic milk jug with hot water before you leave for your surf lesson, so that you have a hot “shower” waiting for you when you’re done.

Need to rent gear? Reserve an 8 or 9 foot soft top surfboard on beachviewbikes.com and they will deliver it to your vacation rental! It doesn’t get easier than that!

@endlesssunsurfschool

Location and Coaching are Key!

Assembling the proper gear and gadgets is pointless if you aren’t heading to a surf break conducive for beginners. In Newport Beach, that can only mean one destination: Blackie’s.

With tame waves and a flat, sandy bottom, Blackie’s is the Waikiki of California and is the ideal place to learn to hang ten. Because this surf break stretches from 28th Street to the southside of the Newport Pier, you’ll have plenty of space to surf and won’t have to worry about dodging other surfers. If you want to get a sense of what to expect at Blackies, visit its live cam on Surfline.com by typing “Newport Beach Pier” in the search engine. 

Also at Blackie’s you’ll find our favorite surf school: Endless Sun Surf School. Run by longtime locals Amy and Tim Reda, Endless Sun is your ticket to all things surfing. Not only will they provide all the necessary equipment, but you’ll also be taught by the nicest people in town!

They are open 365 days a year and teach all ages and abilities. Join a class or book a private. And if your kids are looking for a new hobby, consider Endless Sun’s Summer Surf Camps, which are offered weekly throughout the Summer months. 

Check out our profile on Amy and you’ll see why we are so on board with this team of surf experts.

Dive into Surf Culture

Once you have your surf lesson booked, get those surf vibes going. Rome wasn’t built in a day and we don’t expect you to be ready to brave the waves straight away! So warm up to the idea with some mellow surf music. How about this SPOTIFY PLAYLIST that’s swimming with sunshine, palm trees, and lazy afternoons? 

Or throw on a classic surf movie like Endless Summer (which streams for free on Amazon Prime) while you pack your beach bag. And while you’re at it, add a couple of Newport and surf-centric accounts to your Instagram feed to really get you in the mood.

Our favorite account for all things Newport Beach is @beachviewrealty. @brianbielmann is our go-to for simultaneously gorgeous and epic surf shots, while @kookslams  gives us the laughs and wipeout footage we never knew we needed.

After an epic day of surfing, you’ll need an extra soft pillow to lay your head on at night. Check out these exceptionally outfitted homes on the Newport Peninsula that are all steps to the sand – and more importantly – the waves!

FEATURED NEWPORT BEACH
VACATION RENTAL PROPERTIES