The surf is up on the Outer Banks and watching all those cool surfers showing off, walking that ultra-cool surfer walk from the water to the beach, with the surfboard held tightly under the arm makes anyone want to be a surfer. But how does one start? Join a surfing school of course. Anyone can learn to surf no matter your age or sex. Ancient Hawaiian tradition called it "The Sport of Kings". And it was in Hawaii that surfing was first seen to be practiced with unsurpassed skill. Captain James Cook was stunned by the way the surfers managed to stay erect on their surfboards and ride the waves at such velocities. To enjoy the "Sport of Kings", all one needs is an adventurous heart, and a good teacher.

Surfing is all about balance. It’s about keeping your center of gravity intact while the waves throw you around. You need strong legs and a keen mind to be a good surfer. On the surf-board, you’ll be battling the waves, fighting to keep your balance and still managing to have a huge amount of fun. Sounds tempting?

Duke Kahanamoku, a Polynesian, brought surfing to California in 1912. From then on the popularity of the sport grew exponentially. Surfing on the OBX is so popular, that many vacationers take home one of the best souvenirs the OBX offers; a personal relationship with the wind, water, waves and an introduction to the "Sport of Kings". The Outer Banks has excellent wave action and experienced surfers to help get you started. The OBX is blessed with seasoned year round surfers and shops who arrange lessons with surfing pros.

As a beginner you can’t graduate straight to the type of surfboard professionals use. The shortboard is harder to maneuver and balance for beginners. Shortboard or trick board surfing won’t be fun for beginners. The shortboard requires an excellent command of surfing skill. Most surf schools will recommend a longer "longboard" that is easier to balance on. The longboard is supported better by the waves, and a beginner should be able to keep upright. The longboard is usually between 8 to 10 feet long.

The second thing that you need is a good wetsuit. Wetsuits are available in a variety of sizes to fit different body builds and you should be able to rent one. If you want to buy a wetsuit, make sure you buy one that’s comfortable. Don’t ever buy a wet suit that’s too tight. An ill fitting suit can be a surfing punishment instead of pleasure.

Many people prefer buying a wetsuit to renting one, because it’s a pretty personal clothing item. Most surfers will tell you that Surfing is addictive. Once you get started, you’re going to come back again and again. Our local surf shops have seasoned surfers who can help get you started with the correct surfboard for your height and weight and comfortable attire and gear.

If you’re wondering how long it takes to get started with surfing, the answer is a week. If you take daily lessons and work on your surfing skill with dedication, you’ll be surfing upright in a week’s time. Of course you must possess a certain degree of agility and good reflexes. The first few days of surfing will be hard, but your instructor will guide you. The more you surf the better you'll become.

One thing that you need to remember is that surfing exposes you to a lot of water, and if you have any kind of skin allergies or problems that are related to salt-water, you need to make sure surfing is safe for you. Your instructor will also make you aware of any areas or ocean conditions that should be avoided.

That said, here’s the last bit of advice. Take it easy in the beginning! Yes, don’t imagine that you’ll be able to surf big waves straight way and don’t be disappointed when you can’t. Surfing like any sport needs time to master.