How to Become a Big Wave Surfer

Big wave surfing is a challenging water sport and requires intense dedication. Big wave surfing varies from the smaller wave surfing most people are accustomed to watching. For a wave to be classified in the "big wave" category, it must be 20 feet high, at minimum. If you're looking to make the transition from amateur surfing to big wave surfing, it will require extreme discipline and even a general understanding of oceanography and weather.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin endurance and strength training. Regular surfing involves good balance and strength, and big wave surfing involves being even stronger. Perform aerobic exercises that focus on the legs, as big wave surfing consists of controlling the surfboard with your lower body.

    • 2

      Improve your swimming abilities by any means you can. Big wave surfers are constantly surrounded by water, and even seasoned experts fall off their surfboards regularly. Big wave surfing can be more violent than regular surfing, and it is likely that the majority of your time will be spent paddling and swimming. Swim and surf every day you can to improve aquatic skills.

    • 3

      Study and research oceanography and meteorology. Big wave surfers must be aware of weather patterns and the movement of the water to be successful. Surfers also need to be aware of the oceanography in the area they plan on surfing. As a big wave surfer, or even a regular surfer, wiping out is always a possibility, so it is important to be aware of any rock formations or shallow areas in the water. Studying the ocean will also help a surfer to predict wave patterns.

    • 4

      Choose an appropriate surfboard. Length and shape are customizable, but you should choose a board that will be sturdy and hold up well in big waves. Retailers of surfboards should be able to point you in the right direction.

    • 5

      Make sure you are confident on the smaller waves before moving to the big ones. Becoming a big wave surfer is not something that happens overnight, and it is a dangerous sport. If you've never surfed before, do not start out on a huge wave. Work your way up from small waves to bigger ones.