The beginners guide to the rules of surfing and how to catch those first waves...

Maybe you just got your first surfboard or maybe you have have a friend that is a beginner and need a little help to get catch and ride more waves. I discovered these very helpful videos that I think will help. Check these out, share your knowledge and keep your friends safe in the water!

                Surf Etiquette | Top 9 Surf Rules you need to know

 

Barefoot Surf

Published on Jul 12, 2018

Learn the important unwritten rules of surfing. Stay safe and be respectful of other surfers.
Online Surf Courses: https://barefootsurftravel.com/surf-t...
Surf Coaching Retreats: https://barefootsurftravel.com

Learn to surf with us:
Check out our surf coaching retreats designed especially for beginners & intermediate surfers, in some of the best locations on earth to learn how to surf:
https://barefootsurftravel.com

Want to surf better, faster?
Click here to get access to 23+ surfing tutorials:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/barefootsu...

For a full article with custom illustrations, video & images on Surf Etiquette:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...

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        How to Surf | 7 Tips beginners need to know to Start Surfing

 

Barefoot Surf

Published on Dec 3, 2019

Planning on learning how to surf? Here are 7 things that you need to learn about.
Online Surf Courses: https://barefootsurftravel.com/surf-t...
Surf Coaching Retreats: https://barefootsurftravel.com

Here below are our top 7 Steps to learn surfing safely and efficiently:
#1: 0:32 Learn on the right surfboard
#2: 1:56 Choose the proper surf spot
#3: 3:38 Security aspects
#4: 7:05 Surf etiquette
#5: 8:41 Do a spot check
#6: 8:55 Staying in control of your surfboard
#7: 9:44 Pop up & paddling technique

More information about surf etiquette:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...

More information about the turtle roll:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...

More information about the push-through technique:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...

More information about the pop-up technique:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...

More information about paddling techniques:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...

How to Catch an Unbroken Wave | How to Surf - Paddling into Green Waves

 

Barefoot Surf

Published on Mar 18, 2018

Get better at positioning yourself for unbroken waves & match their speed in order to catch them.
Online Surf Courses: https://barefootsurftravel.com/surf-t...
Surf Coaching Retreats: https://barefootsurftravel.com

Want to surf better, faster?
Click here to get access to 23+ surfing tutorials:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/barefootsu...

Learn to surf with us:
Check out our surf coaching retreats designed especially for beginners & intermediate surfers, in some of the best locations on earth to learn how to surf:
https://barefootsurftravel.com

For a full article with custom illustrations, video & images on how to Find & Catch Green Waves:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...

Follow us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barefootsurf...
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/barefoot_surf/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvOh...

How to Pop Up on a Surfboard | Beginner Take Off Technique

 

Barefoot Surf

Published on Feb 2, 2018

Learn an efficient technique to take off successfully and stand up on your longboard.
Online Surf Courses: https://barefootsurftravel.com/surf-t...
Surf Coaching Retreats: https://barefootsurftravel.com

Want to surf better, faster?
Click here to get access to 23+ surfing tutorials:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/surf-t...

Learn to surf with us:
Check out our surf coaching retreats designed especially for beginners & intermediate surfers, in some of the best locations on earth to learn how to surf:
https://barefootsurftravel.com

It becomes much easier to pop up properly on your Surfboard with a proper takeoff technique. You can practice this technique at home! Struggling with your Take Offs? For a Full Article with Custom Illustrations to help your practice:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...

For the “chicken wing” Take Off Technique that works better on smaller surfboards:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...


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How to Surf | Top 15 Tips for Intermediate Surfers | Improve your Technique

 

Barefoot Surf

Published on Dec 5, 2019

Do you want to improve your surfing? Here is our top 15 advice to reach the next level.
Online Surf Courses: https://barefootsurftravel.com/surf-t...
Surf Coaching Retreats: https://barefootsurftravel.com

Below are the top 15 tips for intermediate surfers to progress to the next level:
#1 0:30 Surf the proper board for conditions & your level
#2 1:00 Positioning on the wave
#3 1:28 Improve your bottom turn
#4 1:56 Your head is your steering wheel
#5 2:19 Turning, step by step
#6 2:48 Compress the lower body
#7 3:17 Catch the wave at the peak
#8 3:47 Generate your own speed
#9 4:14 Paddle with power
#10 4:33 Move your feet
#11 4:50 Learn from other surfers
#12 5:05 Practice rail-to-rail surfing
#13 5:32 Focus
#14 5:45 Visualize
#15 6:27 Have fun!

More information about the bottom turn:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...

More information about speed generation:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...

More information about paddling techniques:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...

Want to surf better, faster?
Click here to get access to 23+ surfing tutorials:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/barefootsu...

Learn to surf with us:
Check out our surf coaching retreats designed especially for beginners & intermediate surfers, in some of the best locations on earth to learn how to surf:
https://barefootsurftravel.com

How to Duck Dive | Surfing Tutorial to Pass the Break Efficiently

 

Barefoot Surf

Published on Dec 14, 2019

Waste less energy passing the break with a proper duck dive technique.
Online Surf Coaching Package: https://barefootsurftravel.com/surf-t...
Surf Coaching Retreats: https://barefootsurftravel.com

Want to surf better, faster?
Click here to get access to 23+ surfing tutorials:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/barefootsu...

Learn to surf with us:
Check out our surf coaching retreats designed especially for beginners & intermediate surfers, in some of the best locations on earth to learn how to surf:
https://barefootsurftravel.com

For a complete article on the duck dive with step by step techniques & illustrations:
https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemo...


Follow us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barefootsurf...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barefoot_surf/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvOh...

The year I gave away $2 trillion dollars (no really)...

From September 2018 to September 2019 I gave away $2 trillion dollars (no really). I wanted to inspire creativity, confidence, strength, self-worth, the idea that what we say and do matters, that each of us can make a difference in our world, our personal universe. I believe that every individual is the center of the universe and that the universe revolves around each one of us. I hoped that I could get someone else to make the world a better place because I didn’t know how. I hoped to inspire a change in someone that would eventually make my world, my small universe a better place.

I did this by making people instant multi-billionaires by handing out $20 billion dollar bills from Zimbabwe. That first person that I gave a $20 Billion dollar bill to was Ryan Blackstock and it was right after the talent show at Camp Xanadu. He and his wife coordinate and run Camp Xanadu. He was stuck making a very hard decision about whether or not to continue having the Camp Xanadu Catalina experience. I asked him to imagine what his life would be like if he was a multi-billionaire and what he would do. Without hesitation he said he would do this (continue having these events). I gave him a $20 billion dollar bill and asked him to find a way to make that happen, I needed the safe supportive environment that the camp created and I’m sure there are others that need it too.

After Camp Xanadu I set a quiet goal to talk to 100 people and to hand out $2 trillion dollars (that’s a $20 billion dollar bill x 100 = $2 Trillion Dollars). My wife was the only other person that knew about my goal and she continues encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, to be authentic, to live more in the present, and the not worry so much about the outcome. This was not easy for me because when I started this journey I found myself to be a shy, quiet, introvert that didn’t have the courage to start a conversation with a stranger. So I took 100 challenging steps forward.

That's me talking to Melissa and Linda at Camp Xanadu- Welcome to the billionaire club! Photo by Jason Power

I had some really great conversations with complete strangers, or people that were out of my league (cooler, smarter, great looking, talented… you get the idea). People that I would have been too shy to talk to, but I had a goal and I was determined to try. Sometimes I’d pick a person that was going thru a rough patch in life. I’m very observant and can catch on to that stuff pretty quick, even when people think they are hiding it. Sometimes it was a person that needed a motivational push forward and a chance to look at the world and themselves in a whole new way. Sometimes it was me proving a point on how easy it is to be a millionaire or billionaire and that being detailed in your wishes and goals really does matter (that could be the difference between  Zimbabwe dollars and dollars from United States of America).

My 100^th instant billionaire was the only person that I really got to see a breakthrough and my impact on that person. That was really special for me and I felt like I too can and did make a difference in this world. The rest were mostly just a conversation with someone that I might not ever see the deep impact that I had on them. I haven’t really thought about it since then, but it was working the whole time. There was a camp Xanadu in 2019, Rayna made it happen after all.  And I find it kind of funny now that I didn’t see my impact, I didn’t notice it, I didn’t feel it, even though it already happened. I was unaware of all of it until now. And that gives me hope that maybe, just maybe there are 99 other people out there doing something great. That there are 99 others that are making my world a better place and I just haven’t noticed it yet, and it’s already happening. After all, that’s exactly what I set out to do.

Momentum Generation... A must see

During my last surf trip I must’ve watched “Momentum Generation” on my iPad about 10 times in just three days. This movie hits everything and dives deep into what happened in those early years all the way up to present times. These guys were and still are my heroes. Used to watch Momentum 2 every day in the mid-90’s. The crew reminded me of my high school friends and how we pushed each other to higher levels of surfing. I had some really talented friends. Some were lost to drug overdoses, others were just separated by physical distance or time, family, life distractions.

The Momentum Generation crew reminds me so much of my friends that I get both happy and sad all at once when I watch that movie. Kelly Slater reminders me of Bandon. Bandon was by far the most talented one in the group. He could do anything, bust airs when that was new, bomb huge hills on roller blades or a skateboard, skydive, DJ, whatever it was he was instantly good at it. But he had a dark side that made it really hard for me to be around him unless he was in the water surfing.

Shane Dorian reminders me of Stephan, Steph is by far the best big wave rider I’ve ever known. Even back in highschool he could hold his breath underwater for over 3 minutes. He would paddle out and charge double or triple overhead surf and just make it look fun and easy. I remember him swimming out to the end of Hermosa pier on a huge day that was too big to paddle out and I threw is board off the pier to him and he caught a massive left.

Benji Weatherly reminds me of Dustin. Dust had that personality that everyone gravitated towards. Everyone loved him. He always dated the hottest girls and was pretty much fearless in and out of the water. He always stuck up for me and I don’t think I would’ve survived highschool without his friendship and support. Much like Kelly Slater and Rob Machado our friendship was strained and I wish we both were better friends to each other. Maybe it’s not too late to change.

Ross Williams reminds me of Shaun Bishop- oh for sure!

As for me, I think I most connect with Rob Machado. Not only because we both were skinny and had the fro in high school (although that pretty much sums it up). But also because I see Rob as more of a soul surfer and he just rides to feel good and that’s what I really enjoy about being in the water. I pretty much have fun in almost any surf condition, any board, except when the surf gets too big for my comfort level (and that is something that I’m trying to work on expanding).

I remember the guys making a few “Quick Release” surf/skate/BXM/ Skydiving videos that ran on our local public access. I think it would be cool for the crew to have a reunion. To set aside whatever friendship conflicts that have come up and just make time get together like old times.

In Search of Confidence Building Waves in Central America

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

It was with mixed feeling that I was traveling back to Central America on another surf trip. A year ago I hit my head on a reef in Nicaragua and got 8 stitches to the back on my head and since then my confidence in the water had dropped more than I should have allowed. My courage had digressed and I was actively searching for some confidence-boosting waves that I hoped would help get me back in the groove again.

I really can’t thank my wife enough for coordinating all the travel stuff and making this trip possible for me. She is my hero and my biggest supporter and is one of the few people that can keep me calm when I start to overthink things. She would say everything will work out fine and she is right, it always does for us.

Plus we would be staying north of our usual hangouts so we would have the opportunity to see new places and explore more of the country. And we were traveling with friends that had already stayed in those areas (stress reducer for me). My wife loves Central America and all those exotic plants and butterflies. So happy wife – happy life...

The weekend before this trip I picked up the new 6’4 Takayama (tuflite) Scorpion 2 direct from the factory in Huntington Beach. It just felt right under my arm, I had the feeling that this board would help take me to the next level. I pieced together the fin set up from two other boards and packed it up in my 7’6 travel bag with pool noodles on the nose and tail (plus some extra padding for travel safety). I also need to point out that I LOVE that Alaska airlines only charge $30 for a surfboard bag (each way)!

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

We were totally surprised when my wife ran into her friend at the airport and found out that she was on the same plane as us and was even going to the same town (small world)! We made plans to meet up again once we got in town and settled in. It felt like this was already turning into a great start to a great trip. We met our friends at the airport bar and starting the pre-party to our friends 50^th birthday (the reason for the whole trip was based on Michelle’s 50^th Birthday).

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

The flight was good, a little bumpy at times but not that bad. It was already dark when we landed, and we made it thru customs no problem. We got our rental car, loaded up and only got lost once on our way to Nosara. It was around 11 pm by the time we made it to our house and we partied till 1 am poolside. Dan and I got up early the next morning for a quick surf check and were stoked to find some fun 2-3’ (waist to should high with plus size sets). Once our wives got up and had finished their coffee we all headed to the beach to surf.

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

So let’s talk about the surf in Nosara for a few. The water was great! The locals were friendly and vibe in the water was super inviting and friendly. The surf is best at higher tides, but you can pretty much go out at any time and get waves. The first 2 days of the trip the surf was easy and fun. The next few days the swell came in and it was big and dumpy (out of my comfort zone).

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

The last day it was still pretty big but the shape was way better. The spot was definitely better for a shorter board on the bigger days. It was great practice for me duck-diving and paddling around. I would try and stay near the impact zone and catch the in-between waves that were smaller and had the best shape. Overall, it was worth it. I did get a few great waves even a few sets. It was a great experience for me to test out my 6’4” scorpion 2. The board worked like a dream come true, fast, responsive, and easy to duck-dive, great little noserider.  It was so fun to play around on! This is by far my favorite shorter board!

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

Now let's talk about shoes and what we did with them when we were at the beach. We would bury our sandals off to the left of the beach access path. Sometimes my wife and I would just hang ours on the trees like Christmas ornaments. My wife would say- no one’s going to take them. And she was right (as always), well sort of. On the second to last day, someone stole 3 out of the 5 pairs of sandals from our group while we were out surfing. My wife’s sandals and mine were not taken, but our friends were.

I’ll admit I wish mine were taken instead of my friends because mine was meant for a one-way trip and they were not going last much longer. So if you are going to Costa Rica (or anywhere really) keep your stuff on hand, or hand it off to a friend, or bury that stuff, or don’t complain if your stuff gets stolen because that stuff really can happen.

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

Of course, we partied hardy for Michelle’s 50^th Birthday. We played music all night, some guitar. Lots of drinking and even had a custom strawberry cake! It was just a blast! I totally took notes and need to do something like that for my 50^th birthday, 60^th, 70^th  (etc) and few in between. I’m open to suggestions on surf destinations, so please let me know where a cool mellow surf destination worth going to is at and what time of year is best for that spot.

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

After a week of surfing Nosara we headed north to the smaller town of Avellana. Now, this was how I always pictured Costa Rica to be before it started getting all built it and overly touristic. A super small town with just a few smaller hotels that just finally got A/C installed. Lola’s gets a bit crowded with tourists but the rest of the place was pretty open and you could easily find yourself alone on the beach if you walked a little ways away from the main back access points.

The Surf in Avellana was the best of the whole trip. The paddle out was pretty easy, for the most part, it had a sandy bottom but every now and then there was a shelf of rock so be mindful of that. I nailed my toes a few times on the bottom rocks. We would park at Cabinas Los Olas bar and restaurant then walk over the rickety, termite-infested wooden bridge that went thru the mangroves and that was sketchy at times. I felt like I had to really choose each step carefully as any single wooden plank might snap if I chose poorly.

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

Once you made it to the beach it was instant paradise. Just the way I want to remember Costa Rica, beautiful jungle, uncrowded beaches, picture-perfect. It was the stuff dreams are made of.

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

On Friday, July 5^th I went out for a second session in the afternoon and it was the best surf of the year! It was quite possibly the best surf I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding in the last 25+ years. Solid 4 foot, perfect crispy A-frames, light offshore and only a handful of people out! I caught about 17 waves in that magic hour and I have some photos to prove it!

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

Yet again, all hail to my wonderful wife for taking pictures of me nearly every day of the trip. I can’t thank her enough for taking so many pictures! Well, I guess I need to find a way to get her a super big camera lens that she’s been asking for, that will be a good start.

Here are some more pictures from the trip, all photo's by @Wood_Brain. Check it out:

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

@jeffovillatoro Photo By @Wood_Brain

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

 Photo By @Wood_Brain

 Photo By @Wood_Brain