adminK, Author at Stoked Surf School

MAKE SURFING YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

Jan 17, 2020 | Blog

It’s a New Year, and that can mean only one thing: It’s time for us to make (or break) our New Year’s resolutions. But instead of setting yourself resolutions that you can’t keep (like going to the gym), why not try something fun? This year, why not make surfing your New Year’s resolution.

Human nature states that if you find something you love doing, it won’t be a chore. Force yourself you to do something you hate, and before long you’ll be making new and exciting reasons why you can’t do it.

A great tip to keeping to your goals is to avoid generalisations. If you want to get healthy, don’t say “I want to be healthier”, rather commit to something that makes you healthier.

Bad Goal: I want to get healthier and fitter

Good Goal: If I commit to surfing a few days a month, I will become fitter, and by default, I will become healthier.

Did you know that besides being fun, there are a ton of mental and physical benefits of surfing? Now ask yourself, would you rather be in a hot, sweaty, stinky gym, or out on the water? We know what we prefer!

First Time Surfing

Of course, it’s easy to make excuses, such as, “I’ve never surfed before”, “I can’t afford to buy a board”, “I have no one to surf with”, and so on. Fortunately for you, there is no obstacle that you can’t overcome.

Even professional surfers had to get onto a surfboard for the first time and fall off it to get better at surfing. Also, keep in mind, there is no age limit for learning something new.

Get Rid of Excuses

You can easily rent a surfboard for as little as R350 — and if you head to Muizenberg or join one of our classes, you will have people to surf with. You can even make a booking with friends so you can start a new hobby together!

Benefits of Surfing

Play Time

When was the last time you played? As children, we would run and play outside all the time. When our parents called us in for dinner, we would beg for 30 more minutes of playtime.

Most adults seem to have lost this wonder and eagerness to play; this is reflected in our resolutions. We set goals to lose weight, stop smoking, eat healthier, and all that boring stuff. When was the last time you made a commitment to yourself to have fun?

With surfing, you’ll be able to muck around in the water with friends and family, or even friendly strangers. And if you want to take a short break from the water, you can always play with a ball or frisbee on the beach.

Mental Health

We always seem so busy nowadays. With our smartphones continually beeping and demanding our immediate attention, and work or studies that seem almost unending, few sports allow you the opportunity to disconnect fully.

Surfing isn’t only great for physical health; it’s one of the best ways to clear your mind. So if you want to get into a better mental space, de-stress, or you just want to run away from the world for a few hours, almost nothing can compare with surfing.

Nothing can compare to the deep peace you get when sitting on your board waiting for a wave.

Get high – In a Family-Friendly Way

It’s worth noting that as you surf your brain will release endorphins which have been proven to reduce depression and anxiety. So when you come out of the water, you will be more relaxed, less depressed, and ready to take on the world!

Doctors really should consider writing prescriptions for surfing, wouldn’t you agree?

Make it a Habit

For a resolution to stick, you need to make it into a habit. The best way to make surfing a habit is to take a few classes to boost your confidence, then commit to going down to the beach a few times a month. Here at Stoked School of Surf, we offer to pick you up for your lessons.

Even if the water is cold, head to the beach. There are numerous types of wetsuits with various thickness, length, etc. that you’ll definitely find your perfect fit. And if your skin is a bit more sensitive on the sensitive side, get a thicker wetsuit to keep you from freezing.

And if you’re thinking “What if it rains?”, what’s the worst that could happen… You’ll get wet? However, don’t go surfing during a thunderstorm…

If you chat to someone who has been surfing for a while, they’ll tell you that surfing gets into the blood. If they go too long without surfing, they get an almost physical craving to get back into the water. So, once you’ve been surfing a few times, surfing will be second nature.

Are you ready to make surfing your New Year’s resolution? Get in touch and let us help you make that happen.

INCREDIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SURFING FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY

Jan 8, 2020 | Blog

Although surfing originated in Hawaii, there are surfers all over the globe catching wave after wave. Surfing can make you feel euphoric especially if you catch that mega wave like a pro surfer. From breathing in the crisp air to working your muscles to become stronger with each paddle, surfing has loads of benefits. Let’s take a deep dive into both the physical and mental health benefits of surfing.

Physical Health Benefits of Surfing

From boosting your cardiovascular health to muscle strength, let’s have a look at all the physical health benefits of surfing:

Heart Health

Since you’re paddling out on a board and using your arms, legs, back, and everything else to work your surfing mojo, you’re getting a workout in. All that paddling gets your muscles pumping, allowing your heart’s strength to increase with all the cardio you’re doing. Over time surfing will help lower your blood pressure and your resting heart rate which can result in a decreased risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other diseases.

Strengthen & Tone Muscles

Surfing is an excellent total body workout.

You’ll strengthen:

trapezius (traps)
rectus abdominis (core or abs)
Obliques
Biceps
Triceps
Deltoids
Pectoral
Rotator cuff
Lumbar muscles
Legs
Bottom
Calves

Since you make use of bodyweight in surfing, you’re toning your muscles more than going for a workout in the gym. Although you can train some of the muscles used when paddling, you can’t 100% increase your paddling strength at a gym.

Tip

Increase your paddling strength by paddling for about 20 minutes on flat water.

Burn Calories in a Fun Way

Instead of visiting a gym and working out for an hour or so, jump on your surfboard and burn calories as you surf.

Although it depends on the surfer’s body type and other measurements, surfing can burn as much as 130 to 260 calories when surfing for 30 to 60 minutes at a time.

Use this calculator to calculate how many calories you can burn according to your weight and the time you surf.

Boost Your Immune System

Studies have shown that regularly immersing your body in cold water (aka the freezing ocean) has major benefits for your body. Cold Therapy helps activate your body’s natural healing powers to help it relive symptoms of various medical conditions. It also improves your immune and lymphatic systems as well as your circulation.

The pressure in cold water is anti-inflammatory and can help ease headaches and pain. No wonder you’re always told to bathe in ice water when you have physical injuries!

Cold Shock

Be careful when going into cold water as it can shock your body by the sudden immersion in cold water.

Vitamin D

Get your dose of D-elightful hormones from your time in the sun. Since you’re spending all that time in the sun when surfing, you’ll obtain vitamin D for your body to help your bones get stronger. Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium in your blood.

Sleep Better

Surfing can help improve your sleep quality and help you catch some extra z’s. When you’re outside, the melatonin in your increases and this hormone is responsible for healthy sleep.

Since surfing physically wipes you out from all that exercising, you’ll fall asleep quicker and stay asleep for longer. The exhaustion will help you get into a deeper sleep to ensure your muscles get repaired from all that activity.

Better Balance & Flexibility

Standing up on your board and staying there requires loads of balance, another benefit of surfing is it improves your balance immensely.

Another benefit of taking up surfing is increased flexibility. As you almost do yoga-like positions to get on top of your board, surfing requires some flexibility on your part. Being flexible also helps prevent injuries on and off your board.

Healthy Skin & Hair

Free whole body facial and detox anyone? Since the ocean is full of saltwater, you’ll get a natural exfoliant making your skin, hair, and scalp oh-so-smooth. Plus, the saltwater can help detox harmful chemicals and air pollution from your body.

In fact, loads of skincare products make use of saltwater and seaweed. Why buy products when you can reap benefits directly from the source?

Train Your Brain

Think about it… Every day you spend surfing you’re learning to read the ocean and its waves, learning to handle rips, tides, and currents, maybe seeing a new fish or two, and so on. Even if you’re a skilled surfer by now or a total newbie, surfing makes you use your noggin, even if you don’t realise it.

Mental Health Benefits of Surfing

Now that we’ve covered the physical health benefits of surfing, let’s have a look at some of its mental benefits…

According to a report, people suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) saw improvement with a bit of surf therapy incorporated into their daily activities. So as it seems, surfing doesn’t just have a high impact on your physical well-being but on your mental health as well.

Deal with Stress & Get Rid of Tension

With so many factors contributing to stress in today’s busy world, whether it’s about money or relationships, stress can have some nasty effects on the mind and body. Constantly feeling overwhelmed or anxious is nobody’s cup of tea.

Surfing can have wonderful effects on the mind as it’s a combination of working out, being outside in the sunshine, and having fun. Doing all this helps your body release cortisol and feel-good endorphins (dopamine or L-theanine) which are linked to improving your mood and even easing pain.

A surfing session will guarantee a zen moment when you feel like the world is caving in on you or you just need a quick escape.

Improve Confidence and Build Self Love

Taking the time to teach yourself a new skill, like surfing, can help boost your confidence by proving to yourself that you can achieve the goals you set.

You’ll also build some self-love as you experience the amazing things your body can accomplish, whether that’s surfing like a pro or even just standing up on your board as the wave takes you to shore.

Meet New People

The ocean is massive and there are thousands of surfers out there catching the waves, so meeting new people is a given.

This is a great benefit if you’re not always keen on going surfing on your own. Now you can call up your new, fellow surfer friends and spend your day in the water, having a blast!

If you’re too shy or feel the ice is impossible to break, and you’re a newbie, you are bound to either drop in on someone’s wave or crashing into them, which will guarantee a conversation to spark.

Want to reap the benefits of surfing and become part of the surfing community? Why not start with some surfing lessons in the new year? At Stoked School of Surf, we have lessons available for any occasion, from group to private and Stand Up Paddling (SUP) to surf camps. Get in touch to start your stoked experience today.

BEACH SAFETY THIS DECEMBER

Dec 18, 2019 | Blog

The thought of balmy weather, a cool ocean breeze, and goofing off with the sand between your toes, allure millions of South Africans to the beach every December.

Whether you’re heading to the coast to rip, trekking the family on annual vacation, plan to spend your time soaking up the sun, or entered the yearly beach-bat bonanza on Boxing Day, remember that the ocean is a multifaceted and mercurial environment to be enjoyed with mindfulness and consideration.

So before you rush off in your slops and shades, have a quick look at the tips we’ve assembled to help you and your family enjoy the beach safely, and prevent accidents or injury.

Safe Swimming

Be aware of your, and your family’s fitness, and swimming skills levels.
Find the red and yellow flags and stay between them.
Look at, understand and always obey the safety signs.
Always swim with a buddy. Never alone.
Only swim in areas where other people are present.
Stay in sight of the lifeguard.
Never swim when lifeguards are off duty.
Enter the water feet first.
Swim sober.
Surfers and body-boarders shouldn’t surf in areas where bait and game fish are running, where seals are present, or seabirds are diving.
If you get into trouble, stick your hand up, stay calm, and call for help.

Shark Safety

Do not swim or surf near feeding birds, dolphins, or seals.
Do not swim in deep water beyond the breakers.
Don’t swim if you’re bleeding.
Don’t swim near river mouths.
Pay attention to any shark signage on the beach. See below.

A shark has been spotted – sirens will sound; leave the water immediately

A white flag with a black shark diagram means that a shark is currently near the beach, and beach users must get out of the water. A siren will sound and the white flag will be raised.

Rip Currents

How to Spot a Rip Current

Water through a surf zone that is a different colour than the surrounding water.
A break in the incoming pattern of waves.
Seaweed or debris moving out through the surf zone.
Isolated turbulent and choppy water in the surf zone.

When Caught in a Rip Current

Don’t panic. Remain calm.
Swim or paddle very slowly, parallel to the shoreline or relax completely and allow the tide to carry you out past the breakers.
If you can tread water or float, you’ll be safe until you can escape the flow and head back to the beach.
When you head back in, do so at an angle to the shoreline. Again, maintain a slow and relaxed pace until you reach the shore or assistance arrives.

Protection

Seek shade under an umbrella or tree between 11:00 and 15:00 when the sun is at its hottest to protect your skin from too much exposure. Too much sun can cause nasty sunstroke.
Keep hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, excluding alcoholic drinks.
Always wear a hat and apply high-protection sunscreen regularly, even when it’s overcast.
Leave your valuables at home, put your cell phone and keys in a waterproof bag, and never leave it unattended to go swimming.

Consider Other Beachgoers

Do not take glass containers/bottles to the beach as it can injure bare feet.
Shake the sand off your towel away from other people to avoid getting sand in their eyes. Take note of the wind direction as well.
If you’re digging a hole, fill it up before you leave, to prevent someone from falling in and hurting themselves.

Preserve the Environment

Take along rubbish bags to dispose of your trash properly.
If you smoke, leave those ugly butts off the beach.

So whether surfing or building sandcastles is your thing, the beach if there for everyone to enjoy. Make sure that you and your family are aware of the risks, and know what to do in case of an emergency, and take others into consideration so everyone can have some fun.

Reporting Beach Emergencies

Keep emergency numbers memorised or saved for urgent assistance.

Call 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone. Or dial 112 from any cell phone, irrespective of your network. Dial 10111 for ambulance services.

We wish you stoked surfing and a safe festive season

Want to learn how to ride the waves like a pro? From group lessons to private lessons, you’ll find your perfect fit. Get in touch with Stoked School of Surf to get started on your journey learning how to surf.

WHAT THE SURFER IN YOUR FAMILY WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS

Dec 17, 2019 | Blog

Christmas is coming up and it’s the stressful time to get all your loved one’s gifts together. Luckily, we’re here to make the process an easier one for you. You probably have a surfer in your family or even a close friend (almost family) and you have NO IDEA what would be a great gift for them. After all, they already have a surfboard and the ocean, what more do they need, right? WRONG.

There are numerous great small gifts to get that they probably don’t already have or need extra of! Stick around to get your inspiration to skyrocket, we’ll even let you know what NOT to get them.

What to Buy

1. Wax

Surfers can never have too much wax and most brands get the job done. If the wax is not festive enough for you, get wax with a great scent. Guaranteed they’ll think of you every time they use the wax.

If you can’t afford wax, there are some great clear surf grip stickers available on the market, like The New Pinline Deck Grip from boardriders.co.za.

2. Surf Lessons

The December holidays are coming up and you’ll need something to do after all. Get some pals or even other family members keen on joining together and just have a blast learning to surf together.

From group, private, and even Stand Up Paddle Boarding lessons, there’s something for any type of surfer. If you want to give the gift of surfing, why not consider a voucher for lessons?

3. Surf Backpack

Since surfers have loads of gear they need to carry around with them, a surf backpack is a great gift. They can add in their wetsuit, sunglasses, towel, and more.

There’s an abundance of colours, sizes, and pricing available on the market.

4. Wetsuit & Other Essentials

Wetsuit

A great, practical gift would be a wetsuit. These Cape Town waters can get pretty icy, and any surfer can benefit from a wetsuit, especially if they surf all year.

Just remember to check their size beforehand.

Wetsuit Hanger

It’s always an issue when you’re done surfing for the day and you don’t know where to put your wetsuit.

Wetsuit Dry Bag

Who wants to put their wet wetsuit in their car after a surf? Not us. A great gift would be a dry bag for storing a wetsuit that won’t allow it to make your seats or the boot of your car wet.

You can find a great dry bag from takealot.com. You just stand on the mat, take off your wetsuit and pull the strings close.

5. Rinse Kit

Having a portable shower nearby after a surf session can be handy, especially if the water was colder and you need some hot water. There are various portable shower options on the market with the option of hot or cold water, and some can produce up to four minutes of shower time.

A great option would be the Outdoor Shower from naturehike.co.za.

6. GoPro

Any surfer would love a GoPro or other camera to help them catch some great shots when they’re out on the water.

7. Watch

What about a waterproof watch that can measure anything from your heart rate to a wave ride? A watch like that would guarantee a stoked surfer.

8. Waterproof Key Holder

A common issue for surfers? Where they should put their car keys. Get them a waterproof key holder, so they can hit the waves without worrying.

9. Ear Plugs

Ever heard of the term Surfer’s Ear? Although it sounds made up, it’s quite common among surfers. Wave riders can easily be affected by this problem, especially if they’re older than 30.

Buy them some earplugs to help protect their ears from the water and annoying cold winds.

10. Roof Rack

Another great gift for any surfer is a roof rack to help transport surfboards on the roof of their car on their way to the beach. No need for a trailer.

11. Surfboard Leash

Keeping a surfer connected to his or her board is essential. In case of a wipeout, they’ll still be able to grab their board.

12. Slackline

Another item that’s quite popular among surfers is a slackline. They can train their balance skills and friends and family can join in on the fun without needing a surfboard of their own.

13. Anti-Shark Wrist Band

Keep the surfer in your family safe with an anti-shark wrist band. This convenient and effective item helps keep sharks at bay when you’re in the water.

The Sharkbanz from zsports.co.za can be worn on your wrist or ankle and is swim/surf proof up to 100 metres.

What NOT to Buy

1. Surfboard

Although thoughtful, buying a surfboard for any surfer is not a smart idea. Picking a surfboard for a surfer is like picking someone for them to date. It’s probably not going to work out so well…

The person who is selecting their surfboard, are the ones who will be riding it. It sounds crazy but the surfboard can feel wrong and uncomfortable if they didn’t pick one for themselves.

The only time this might be acceptable is when you know for a fact that the board you’re buying, is the board they want.

2. Zinc

People’s skin differ, so buying a surfer Zinc is another big no. Their skin might be combination, dry, oily, you just won’t 100% know. Leave the Zinc choices up to the surfer.

3. How to surf book

Chances are that they already had surfing lessons (ahem with us) or that they are self-taught. So unless it’s on the history of surfing or about all the surfing pros, buying them a book on surfing might not be the best idea.

Besides, no book can teach you YOUR unique surfing techniques in the water.

4. Bikini

For the girl suffer… buying a bikini isn’t very practical. Most of the time bikinis are uncomfortable and might even cause the surfer to have a mishap in the waves…

Wetsuits are practical and help beat the cold water.

Now that you’re informed on the dos and don’t’s of surfer gifts, you’re ready to buy your gifts for the surfer in your family. As for you? Why not also learn how to surf either on your own in a private lesson or with some friends in our group lessons? Get in touch to get your stoked experience learning how to catch a wave.

WHY CAPE TOWN SHOULD BE ON YOUR SURFING BUCKET LIST

Nov 15, 2019 | Blog

The Mother City has much more to offer than just beautiful landscapes, lekker people, and lively places to have a jol with friends. Cape Town has an abundance of popular beaches with perfect waves to get your surf stoke on.

When you are visiting Cape Town, you’ll have endless options to surf at beaches like Muizenberg, Big Bay, and Long Beach to name a few. But going on Google and typing in “Cape Town surf spots” isn’t the only thing to focus on finding the perfect spot. Remember to consider things like checking the weather, swell size predictions, and wind direction.

Why surf in Cape Town?

Whether you’re learning how to surf or you’re a seasoned surfer, Cape Town basically has a wave for everyone in and around the lively city. Not only are there stunning beaches, each one offers something unique for each and every surfer. So you are guaranteed to find your go-to spot in Cape Town.

Although Cape Town’s water is on the colder side, it warms up significantly during December and January, but the best time to be in the water is wintertime when there are lekker waves to catch.

Why Surfing in the Winter is Best

Fewer people
Blue skies and windless days
Whale sightings

Housekeeping Rules When You’re New to Cape Town Beaches

Remember that although most Cape Town locals are fine with newbies joining in on the mother city surfing, there are a few housekeeping rules to ensure you don’t ruffle anyone’s feathers unnecessarily. Keep in mind the following:

Since locals can be very protective of their surf spots, if you’re a grommet (Young surfer. Sometimes shortened to “grom”. Can also refer to children in general, not just those who surf), don’t think you can paddle out to the line-up whenever you feel like it. Rather paddle out through the channel where waves aren’t breaking yet.
The surfer which is closest to the peak has the right of way.
Have respect for the beach, so don’t litter and make a mess.
Make sure you keep your eye on shark flags (courtesy of Shark Spotters) and know what they mean when you’re in the water. Shark attacks have occurred in Cape Peninsula waters in the past. Safety is crucial.

Top 6 Surfing Spots to Surf in Cape Town

1. Muizenberg

Experience level: Beginner

If you’re new at surfing or you’re new in town, Muizenberg is the beach to visit and it’s only a 30-minute drive from Cape Town city centre. Home to the well-known Surfer’s Corner with ‘smooth ride’ waves, this surf spot is one of the hotspots for all levels of surfers.

This laid-back surf spot may not have the biggest waves but once the swell is pumping, all surfers can join in on the fun any day of the year, hot or cold. Muizenberg is any longboarder’s surfing wonderland.

If you don’t have your own gear, there are local shops close to the beach or in the area where you can rent surfboards, wetsuits, and even book some surfing lessons.

After catching a few waves on your own or your surf lesson, there are several coffee shops, restaurants, and bars available for you to relax and wind down post-surf.

2. Llandudno

Experience level: Intermediate + Advanced

Llandudno is not only known for its gorgeous sunsets but it’s one of the best surfing hot spots in Cape Town. Sitting around the corner from Camps Bay towards Hout Bay, Llandudno either has incredible waves or average ones, there’s no in-between.

This spot is picture-perfect with its azure water and white sandy beach with large boulders arising from all angles.

The best times to visit this spot is during spring and summer months when the storms haven’t ruined the sand. This surf spot is best for advanced surfers as it has unpredictable hollow barrels not ideal for beginners.

3. Bloubergstrand

Experience level: Intermediate

If you’re interested in having one of the best views of Table Mountain while surfing, Bloubergstrand is the spot to be.

With a beach that stretches on and on, the beach is not just known for surfing. Kitesurfers travel from all corners of the world to catch the strong southern winds of Cape Town.

As there is no shelter on the beach from the northeast winds, it’s better to make the best of the situation and surf to your heart’s content. With both wave breaks from the left and right, surfers will have the best of both worlds. As some waves break close to the shore, experienced surfers will fare better hear.

4. Big Bay

Experience level: All Levels

Big bay, situated between Melkbos and Bloubergstrand, is the perfect spot for surfers of all levels. About a 30-minute drive from Cape Town City Centre, Big Bay is best surfed when the wind is blowing from the east to south-east.

This spot is well-known for its friendly locals and coffee shop across the beach for a post-surf chill session.

5. Dunes

Experience level: Advanced

About a 40-minute drive from Cape Town City Centre, Dunes is another popular surf hotspot close to Noordhoek.

Before you get excited for your stoked surf moment, you’ll have to journey on a super long beach for around 30-minutes before reaching the water. But who said finding your perfect wave is easy? Luckily this also means the beach won’t be crowded.

Expect some major waves when there is a south-easterly wind present, so be sure to check the weather and wind forecast before your trip!

This spot is definitely for more experienced surfers who can handle powerful waves with banks that favour rights and super hollow waves.

Fun Fact: Dunes is a popular surf spot for the band, Goldfish.

6. Long Beach, Kommetjie

Experience level: Intermediate + Experienced

With consistent swells, friendly locals, and a few covers on numerous travel magazines, Long Beach, Kommetjie is a great spot for advanced surfers to catch a wave or 12.

If you’re lucky (and you check the conditions beforehand), you can find near-perfect left and right wave breaks. The perfect place for natural (right-leg dominate) and goofy footers (left-leg dominate).

Long Beach is one of the few spots in Cape Town that can hold up well with the strong South-West winds. The spot is ideal for surfers, kneeboarders, stand up paddleboarders, longboarders, and even bodyboarders.

Before you journey to Long Beach, be sure you are prepared with gear and other accessories as there aren’t many nearby rental facilities. You’ll also have to pack food or drive elsewhere if you want to relax at a restaurant post-surf.

Want to Surf in Cape Town?

With various experienced surf coaches, Stoked School of Surf can provide any new surfer with the opportunity to learn to surf at Cape Town’s many surf hot spots. From private to group lessons, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding, we have it all. You can also choose to meet us at the beach or join a ride with other surfers. Get in touch to ‘Experience the Stoke’.

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