LONGBOARD SURF COACHING PEMBROKESHIRE

• Video Analysis and Feedback 
• Waterman ship skills
• Surfing waves with confidence and safety
• Small group coaching (3-6 people)
• Theory sessions to gain understanding of..
• rip currents
• weather
• surfing drills
• diet
• Sport psychology

Having one of our surfing coaches analyse your surfing techniques, wave selection etc. can have a dramatic effect on your surfing and producing quick results. We can refine your existing surfing skills as well as introducing some up to date surf drills. We also ensure that you get individual coaching within a group environment.

Exposure to international standards: The ISA is recognised as the global governing body for surfing, and having our presenter at the clinic brings an international perspective to the participants. They can share insights into the international long boarding scene, competition formats, and judging criteria, giving participants a broader understanding of the sport.

Moving on a surf board requires proper technique and coordination. Here are some tips on how to move efficiently on your longboard with the guidance of our ISA Surf Coaches:

1. Paddle Technique: The first step in moving on a longboard is to master the paddle technique. Lie on your board and paddle with your hands in a controlled and efficient manner. Your arms should reach forward, entering the water smoothly, and pull back with power. Focus on generating momentum and propelling yourself forward with each stroke.
2. Body Positioning: Proper body positioning is crucial for efficient movement on a surf board. Keep your body centered and balanced on the board, distributing your weight evenly. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward, as this can affect stability and control.
3. Footwork: Practice shifting your weight and moving your feet to adjust your position on the surf board. This can be helpful for maintaining balance, maneuvering, and making turns. Our Surf Coach can provide guidance on proper foot placement and how to shift your weight effectively.
4. Longboard Side-Stepping: Side-stepping is a technique used to move along the length of the longboard. With one foot planted near the middle of the board, step with your other foot towards the nose or tail, depending on the direction you want to go. Alternate your steps and maintain balance as you move along the board.
5. Cross-Stepping: Cross-stepping is an advanced technique that involves gracefully moving from one side of the board to the other while maintaining balance. It requires practice and coordination. Our Surf Coach can teach you the proper footwork and progression for cross-stepping, helping you master this stylish technique.
6. Trim and Glide: Once you have gained on your board momentum, focus on trimming and gliding on a surf board. Trim involves finding the sweet spot on the board where you maintain optimal speed and control. Your Surf Coach can guide you in finding the right position on the board for trimming. Glide refers to riding the wave with minimal effort, allowing the wave's energy to carry you. Your coach can help you understand how to maximize your glide and conserve energy.
7. Practice and Feedback: Regular practice is essential for improving your longboarding skills. Work closely with your ISA Surf Coach, who can provide feedback, analyze your technique through video coaching, and offer personalized guidance to enhance your movement on the longboard.

Remember, mastering movement on a longboard takes time, practice, and patience. With the guidance of our Surf Coach, you can develop the necessary skills and technique to move efficiently, maintain balance, and enjoy the art of long boarding.

Goal Setting Drill with in Longboarding: We will first ask you to surf for twenty minutes and try to achieve the goals decided upon. Your coach will look at the biomechanics of your surfing. In coordination with your coach, you and him/her will set achievable goals for your ability and the conditions on the day.

BOTTOM TURN DRILLS

Drill: We will send you out into the surf for 20 minutes. Ask them to perform the best quality bottom turns they can do on the waves they catch. Score the bottom turns:

The point scoring isn't a competition it is a good way of us to look at what we can do to help you develop.

3 points for an excellent bottom turn (good lean, hand touching the wave face, flexed body)

2 points for an average bottom turn (good lean, straight body)

1 point or a poor bottom turn (poor lean, straight body)

We will send you out into the surf for 20-minute drills. We will ask you to perform the best quality bottom turns, cross stepping, cutback, etc. you can do on the waves you catch. Your ability and maneuvers will be judged and discussed with your coach using transparent criteria.”

LONGBOARD CUTBACK DRILLS

Drill: We will send you out into the surf for 20 minutes. Ask them to perform the best quality cutbacks they can do on the waves they catch. Score the cutbacks:

3 points for an excellent cutback (surfboard rebounds off the foam rebound)

2 points for an average cutback (surfboard impacts with the foam but not with any height)

1 point for a poor cutback (surfboard “taps the foam” or doesn’t impact with the foam at all)

Receiving coaching from our ISA presenter can install a sense of confidence and motivation in long boarders. Learning from a renowned coach and witnessing our passion for the sport can inspire participants to push their limits, set new goals, and you can then continue progressing in your long boarding and out board journey. Also longboarding in a small group and the exchange with other surfers will boost your self-confidence.

1. Community building: Our surfing clinics provide a platform for long boarders to come together and share their love for the sport. Participants can bond over their common interest, exchange tips, and build a supportive community. This sense of belonging and camaraderie can enhance the overall experience and create lasting connections within the long boarding community.
2. Exposure to safety and etiquette practices: Surfing clinics with us also emphasise the importance of safety and proper surfing etiquette. Participants can learn about ocean awareness, reading waves, avoiding collisions, and respecting other surfers in the lineup. This knowledge ensures a safer and more enjoyable surfing experience for all surfers

Our clinic and ISA Surf Coaches brings a multitude of benefits to participants. From skill development and learning from experts to networking opportunities and increased confidence, the Outer Reef clinic can significantly enhance the long boarding experience and contribute to the growth and enjoyment of your exciting sport.

Video coaching has become an increasingly valuable tool in the world of surfing at Outer Reef, offering numerous benefits for surfers of all skill levels. Here are some of the advantages of our video coaching:

1. Performance analysis: Video coaching allows surfers to review and analyse their own performances objectively. By watching themselves on video, surfers can identify areas for improvement in their technique, positioning, wave selection, and overall performance. This visual feedback helps surfers better understand their strengths and weaknesses and make necessary adjustments.
2. Technique refinement: Video coaching provides an opportunity for surfers to closely examine their technique frame by frame. They can analyse body positioning, foot placement, paddle technique, and manoeuvres in detail. By identifying areas that need refinement, surfers can work on specific aspects of their surfing to enhance their overall performance.
3. Wave selection and positioning: Surfing videos allow surfers to study wave patterns and their own positioning in relation to the wave. This helps them understand how to read the waves better, anticipate their movements, and position themselves in the optimal spot for maximum performance. Video analysis enables surfers to learn from their mistakes and make better decisions in future sessions.
4. Feedback from our coaches: Video coaching sessions often involve input and feedback from our experienced coaches can provide valuable insights, pointing out areas that need improvement and offering specific tips and techniques to enhance performance. Their expertise and guidance help surfers progress more quickly and efficiently.
5. Mental preparation: Video coaching not only focuses on technical aspects but also contributes to mental preparation. Surfing videos can be used to visualise and mentally rehearse manoeuvres, improving mental focus and confidence. Watching successful rides and manoeuvres on video can inspire surfers and build their mental resilience.
6. Progress tracking: Recording surfing sessions over time allows surfers to track their progress and see the results of their hard work. By comparing videos from different sessions, surfers can gauge their improvement, identify patterns, and set new goals for further advancement.
7. Remote coaching and sharing: Video coaching enables surfers to receive guidance from coaches remotely. Surfers can record their sessions and share the videos with their coaches, who can then provide feedback and suggestions even if they are not physically present. This flexibility makes coaching accessible to surfers who may not have regular in-person access to experienced instructors.

Video coaching has become a valuable tool in the world of surfing, providing surfers with a visual feedback loop to analyse their technique, improve wave selection and positioning, receive expert guidance, and track their progress. By leveraging the benefits of video analysis, surfers can enhance their performance, refine their skills, and accelerate their progression in the sport.

EQUIPMENT TALKS: We will introduce you to the main principals of longboards equipment. This includes talks about different shapes of longboards (e.g. Single Fin or Performance Longboards), different rail shapes, the use of different fins, etc. The intention is to set you up with a profound amount of knowledge which helps you to decide with which equipment you will gain the most improvement.

https://www.outerreefsurfschool.com/surf-lessons/waves-types/

Hey surfers! Today, we're going to talk about waves and how they are made, which is crucial for understanding the sport and the spots we surf. Waves are the life force of surfing, so let's dive in and learn how they come to be! We are so lucky to have different types of waves right on our doorstep. The open ocean swells reach our shores and becomes steeper and finally break. 

it's important to understand the effects of the moon and sun on tides since they play a significant role in shaping the surf conditions. Let's dive into understanding tides and how the moon and sun influence them.

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun acting upon the Earth's oceans. While both the moon and sun affect tides, the moon's influence is much stronger due to its proximity to Earth.

1. Gravitational Pull: The moon's gravitational pull causes the ocean water closest to it to be attracted towards it, creating a bulge or high tide. At the same time, on the opposite side of the Earth, there's another high tide caused by the moon's gravitational pull "pulling" the Earth away from the water. These are known as the "high tide bulges."

2. Effect of the Sun: The sun also exerts a gravitational force on the Earth's oceans, but it is relatively weaker compared to the moon. When the sun, moon, and Earth align, during new moon and full moon phases, their combined gravitational forces create more significant tidal ranges, known as spring tides. Spring tides result in higher high tides and lower low tides, meaning more extreme tidal variations.

3. Moon Phases: The moon's position relative to the Earth determines the type of tides we experience. During the first and third quarter moon phases, when the moon and sun are at right angles to each other, the gravitational forces partially cancel each other out. These are called neap tides and result in lower tidal ranges, with less difference between high and low tides.

4. Tidal Patterns: Tides follow a cyclical pattern throughout the day. In most locations, you'll experience two high tides and two low tides every 24 hours and 50 minutes (approximately). The time and height of these tides can vary depending on your specific location and the interaction of local geography with the gravitational forces.

So, how does all of this information affect surfers? Understanding tides helps you anticipate the best times to catch good waves. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

1. Incoming vs. Outgoing Tide: The change from low tide to high tide is referred to as the incoming tide, while the change from high tide to low tide is known as the outgoing tide. The incoming tide tends to bring more water towards the shore, improving wave quality and size, making it a popular time for surfing.

2. Tidal Range: Larger tidal ranges, such as during spring tides, often result in stronger currents and more powerful waves. On the other hand, during neap tides, when tidal ranges are smaller, waves might be weaker and less consistent.

3. Reefs and Sandbars: Tides can expose or cover reefs and sandbars, altering the wave shape and quality. Understanding how the tides interact with the bottom contours of the ocean at your surf spot can help you choose the best tide for optimal wave conditions.

It's essential to keep in mind that local factors, such as coastal geography and underwater structures, can significantly influence the wave conditions. Observing and noting the relationship between tide and wave quality at your specific surf spot will provide valuable insights to enhance your surfing experience.

By understanding tides and the effects of the moon and sun, you can make more informed decisions about when and where to paddle out, increasing your chances of catching the best waves. Enjoy the surf and ride safely!

https://www.outerreefsurfschool.com/surf-lessons/tide-lessons/