How To Catch Unbroken Waves, Part 1

How to go from white to green.
All our beginner students start in the same way: in the whitewater on a board that's about 3 foot taller than them. If you're unfamiliar with the term whitewater, it means the waves which have already broken, or the "cream cheese" area of the ocean. Students walk out with their board until they're in about waist or chest depth water, and they catch waves from there. After about 3 or 4 days of whitewater practice many students are ready to paddle out deeper and catch the unbroken, green waves.
However, it is a big transition to go from white to green; so in this video we aim to demystify the process and give you strategies to help you catch waves.
Here are some video highlights to check out:
0:51 Positioning is everything, learn how to be in the right place at the right time.
2:21 How to catch waves in the 'magic zone' so that you don't hurl yourself into imminent doom
4:00 Be more like Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator. But not in the sense of world destruction, you just need to be watching the waves around you and analyzing what's going on. Also the 3 vital questions to ask about the waves you spot.
6:00 A special note for women surfers, we need to be a bit more intuitive and observant about the conditions around us
6:32 Always use landmarks to stay in a good position
We hope these tips will get you on your board and on to great adventures at Pura Vida Adventures-or anywhere else the waves take you! If you're looking to rekindle your playful passion for life while learning how to surf, come visit us at Pura Vida Adventures in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Pura Vida offers all-inclusive surf and yoga retreats where beginners can learn to surf in a welcoming and relaxed environment, and those who know how to surf can continue refining their craft.
Inspiring women since 2004, founder Tierza Eichner has created the perfect women's retreat that you will never want to leave… an adventurous blend of surfing, yoga, fresh healthy meals, and daily activities with an amazing group of women. Special coed retreats are open to men as well, who also rave about our incredible surf instruction (visit our website for more details!).
To catch all of the latest videos and news from Pura Vida, make sure to subscribe to our KZbin channel.

[@positivelybeautiful1]

Ms. Helen is an outstanding instructor! I’m 55 & just a beginner. I’m learning now to catching the green waves & this video explains very well. Good videos too. Most, I love her style & use of idioms. All the videos are very helpful! Thank you!

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you for your compliments. If you are ever looking for a fun getaway that will improve your surfing skills, our surf retreat caters to 40 to 60 year olds. Check out our website: www.puravidaadventures.com

[@apachewolfscout]

Nice to hear you took it up in your fifties, I'd had a handful of tries in my life but took it up in my fifties as well. Enjoy the waves. Long may you surf. Good wishes.

[@kirstenroche8160]

Listening to her describe catching waves in the impact zone has me laughing out loud- "it's like looking over the edge of a cliff," "it will feel like an avalanche breaking on your shoulders." Recently took a lesson, then spent two days just practicing with a rented board, nose diving over and over again. The descriptors she's using and the videos of people nosediving are just too perfect. Very real. Great tips in this video, thank you so much for posting it!!

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you so much for the compliments.

[@Courtney.C.Coskun]

Ive seen so many videos regarding this subject....this is the best one yet. Thank you!

[@SkyexEcho]

Thank you for this in depth instruction! I love the visual aids and your thorough explanation of the wave "zones". Now let's have fun out there!!

[@lunchmind]

It's better than a wedding day

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

That’s right!

[@daxdeandre700]

pro tip : you can watch movies on Flixzone. Been using them for watching a lot of movies these days.

[@charliejimmy5160]

@Dax Deandre definitely, I have been using flixzone} for years myself :D

[@LEAHBENYOSSEF-lh1ex]

Hey girl you are so sweet that was really helpful I am dreaming of surfing I remember catching a wave whilst body surfing when I was really young and that feeling was so cool.

[@HarryProudlove]

This is such a good tutorial, deserves way more views! I like the memory bank idea as well.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you!!!

[@HarryProudlove]

@@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877 Also, your tut on turtle roll is probably the best on YT. The part about the jab. Gold. Changed my surf sessions from 1 hour to 2.5 hours. Not seen it anywhere else either. So thank you!

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

@@HarryProudlove What an amazing compliment! So glad to hear it. We've got some awesome coed surf retreats coming up in 2020, if you'd like to get some instruction from us in Costa Rica! puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-retreats/coed-surf-camps/

[@AlexanderTheGrateful]

Excellent video, You explain everything, and the visuals really help too Thabk you

[@TheHumanSpirit]

I've watched other channels. Your style is different. You instruct with less assumption and better clarity. I like it. Subscribed.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Awww thanks so much! We really appreciate it. We host amazing weeklong surf retreats in Costa Rica, a perfect time to work on your technique with our amazing instructors. All levels are welcome! Check out our website for all the info: puravidaadventures.com/

[@bobxooolulugod9283]

Im mostly struggling of finding good spots and waves and actually paddling past the impact zone where i keep getting knocked over by big waves crashing in.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

To help you get past the waves, check out these two videos: How to Turtle Roll a longboard: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mp6upoyelraGl5Y and how to duck dive a short board:kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGbIaYSmnMuEgdU. I hope these help.

[@mjackson9067]

Thanks! I feel embarrased trying to catch a wave for an hour and all I had are wipe outs. Lol

[@kfcchampion1401]

Melanie Go Jackson still practice tho💯 Atleast your out in the water livin life

[@aspena7883]

OMG this helped so much! I have been trying to catch my waves in the impact zone which is why I have been eating it! My dad is really good at surfing but really bad at explaining the fundamentals lmao!!!

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you! Just ask a professional. 😜

[@mickb69]

That turn around at 4:55 though. How are you even doing that?! I'm about to start work on isolating paddling technique, turtle rolling, and turning around like that

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

It takes lots of practice to get your board to turn fast. I use an egg beater motion while pushing my board along with my hand.

[@anastasiiafedorova6976]

Cool video with a good theoretical information! I didn't thought about it earlier that you constantly have to move to find the perfect spot for taking off. Thanks!

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

This is great to hear! Thank you! For an entire week of amazing instruction with us, consider signing up for one of our 2020 surf retreats in Costa Rica. They're amazing! puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-vacation-rates-2-2/

[@susanh1104]

You speaking about the degree angles really helped me understand thank you 🙏🏻! Plus how it's more of a chill experience :) ... I've caught green waves but this helped lessen some of the confusion on how to choose waves (much to learn). --Thank you 🙏🏻!

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

We try to make our videos approachable for everyone. Glad you liked it.

[@saullandiof5768]

your videos are the best!

[@ih2537]

Really excellent, clear video. Understand this now thank you.

[@theaogrie]

I just want to thank you! After watching this video I had my best surf session ever!!😍

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Love it!

[@karastoddart8667]

This was so instructive!! Thank you!

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Wooot! Thank you Kara!

[@apachewolfscout]

Like the names of different wave stages, makes it clearer. Very good explanations....so far I've watched and think I've understood most of What's said in Many videos, but when I get out there it tends to go to pot and it's a lot of wipe outs, misses and messiness. Mainly stuck in white water or just breaking. Lack of regularity in surfing is part of it definitely so my aim is to try and get a holiday beside a good beginner break with warmish water and get out everyday probably two or three times and for once get some lessons or get it filmed because it's difficult to be objective with yourself. Anyway, it may just click like bike riding or circular breathing on didjeridoo but it is complex the art ( I mean infinitely more complex and challenging than skate boarding, fun as that is.) but it's got to be worth a crack eh!! Thanks for the vid.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

@@apachewolfscout glad you like our video. We offer surf retreats in Costa Rica. We have warm surf and excellent instruction. Check our retreats out at: puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-vacations-rates-2/

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

@@apachewolfscout We would love to have you join us.

[@keishah198]

Amazing video. Thank you

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you!

[@marygardiner3342]

great info and tips! cheers :)

[@simonfujiyama]

Great video! I have been lost in the impact zone too but another reason for that is that I am scared a current could drag me into the open ocean, hence I dont paddle out far enough …is that actually even possible? :-D

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

You have to paddle past the impact zone. The only thing you need to worry about is rip currents for pulling you out otherwise you don't need to worry about it. You can either ask a local or a lifeguard if their are rip currents where you want to surf.

[@zyrko6089]

Great teacher ty so much

[@JasmineWay]

7:25 outsmart everyone! NIICE~ HIGH FIVE

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you.

[@goaway1236]

Great video!!!! I think my biggest problem is the crowds in the magic zone .... I feel i might bumb into the better surfer

[@ajg8600]

Forget it, as long as you dont ditch your board you shouldnt have problems hitting better surfers. They'll stay out of the way as long as you give them the same courtesy. I reccomend you get your duckdives down too, as paddling around the outside isnt an option if youre too far inside the impact zone. If theyre any good they wont be anywhere near you when youre going down the line., as they'll duckdive under the waves. If you hit anyone while going down the line its their fault. Unless ofc youre trying to do so.

[@whollymary7406]

It Never helps me to go over what not to do but in this case it is helpful because if I find myself in one of the undesirable positions I can dedicate myself to more practice doing it the right way on my bedroom floor

[@ornelanasuti7796]

I love your videos! but your comparisons are the best! :D

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you!

[@olivergilpin]

such a good video!

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Gracias!

[@mariahhommelhoff2093]

Love your videos! So helpful for a 30yo woman learning to surf 🏄‍♀️ on my own! Damn those 20 something agile fellas 😂

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Good for you for teaching your self to surf. If you ever want hands on instruction, come see us in Costa Rica.

[@stephanielivingstone9169]

Thanks so much, this helped me a lot!

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Your welcome.

[@siennanorgett8515]

Does anyone have any tips on getting over a bit a of a fear

[@MariaClara-vq4zc]

Xxprincess KenziexX I tend to have that little bit of fear myself when I haven’t surfed for a while. I condition myself to believe that there just has to be one bad wipeout. After that, it will feel normal and fun again

[@dragovolans]

If its a little too scary, move back to the whitewater for a little bit and once u feel like ur up for it, go back out and try for a green wave again. I tried today and both times i got onto a greenwave i nose dived so i kinda just moved back to the white water for a bit and i plan on trying for a green wave again tomorrow:)

[@Sam-81810]

Just go for it. You might wipeout but nobody ever learns without failure

[@jaimemc7886]

Simple and useful.....tks.

[@happyparksandy]

I was watching your channel on youtube and thought that it would be really great to introduce your video to Korean surfers We have lots of people here in Korea that are interested in surfers around the world. The market is growing rapidly, but we lack in information since surfing is quite new here. could I translate your video into Korean and introduce it on my KZbin?

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Hi Sandy, absolutely! That's awesome! If you share our video, please include a link to our webpage: www.puravidaadventures.com. We are hoping to reopen our Costa Rica retreat in November, where we'll be hosting some amazing surf camps for all levels.

[@happyparksandy]

Pura Vida Adventures Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat ok thank’s so much ! ♥️

[@hideandseen8732]

Can I have the old boards you used,It has been my dream since childhood to play surfing. Now Not enough money to buying So let me ask you

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Do you live in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica?

[@woodyrazz]

this video is awesome! who do you recommend for men's instruction retreats?

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

We offer coed camps as well. Check them out: puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-retreats/coed-surf-camps/

[@cruzwest2409]

Thank you

[@jond1325]

Thanks 🙏 Your instructions are very helpful. I’m an ongoing beginning surfer - just bought a 10’ McCoy longboard. I’m 6”1’ about 245lbs with arthritis in my left knee making it stiff and difficult to pop up quickly. Any advice? Also, I’m goofy foot 🦶😎 🌊

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

We have created a video "how to pop up with injuries." I would check it out and see if it helps you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6XNoINraq5skLs

[@jond1325]

@@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877 Thanks! 👍 I just checked it out and it's just the advice I need! Excellent! I'm stoked! :)

[@eastcoastsurfer]

Thank you very much for uploading this video it’s so much more helpful than you may realise 🙏🤙

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you!

[@eastcoastsurfer]

@@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877 your very welcome I love the uploads and the twist part of the pop up has made such a difference for me as the dangling the legs and shoving the board into the wave during the turtle roll……shame you don’t teach in England I’d certainly book with you 🤙

[@breeclark7636]

I caught my first green wave today and I said to my mum it felt like the wave lifted my board to 45 degrees

[@yotuttle]

Best explanation. I need to get out of the impact zone ☺️

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thanks!

[@sergioquevedo633]

Great teacher!!!

[@charleshawk6668]

Great video

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you!

[@JPaz-cr8os]

i love your videos!

[@andrearusso3192]

Tankyou ❤❤

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

You are welcome!🤙

[@ze2004]

Surfinator

[@alexandernguyen2064]

Arnold Fartzenegger ❤

[@kylabruce5497]

blue water waves

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Costa Rica is so gorgeous!

[@fghkufzc9833]

I was like the man in 1:44 watch a wave coming, paddle and keeps nosediving whenever I tried to catch one in my whole day of surfing

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

I would also make sure that you have some rocker on your board and it isn't flat. Also, if you are taking off in steeper waves you need to angle your board for the take off.

[@danafranchitto8751]

Thank you very instructive and inspiring but Arnold? Puke

[@traskmartin284]

Thank you! I am curious though... why does it bother you that someone else has more energy then you and catches all the waves when you are resting? As long as everyone is being respectful it shouldn’t matter. Male or female. Thanks again!! Love watching you videos

[@wise_nut]

Spectacular wipe out lol = me trying to catch green waves

[@kevinyang4810]

Look at that paddling face :)

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

It is serious.

[@johnmjones1604]

Id rather learn to learn how to ride any wave (momma nature)

[@dannyjames7911]

Damn I’ve been doing everything wrong

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Now you can do everything right. LOL!

[@brendanbirdfield1284]

I hope it's less painful than having a baby

[@BoyAlbanjari-km3gk]

successfully🎊🤲ups🎂🏄☑️🆗🆙🌅🌄🌅🏳️💓🌎🌏🌍😄

[@sylvaincedricjosephine8408]

Humans are not computers

[@lunchmind]

Ugh! did you really have to mention Schwarznegger and that stupid move in an otherwise helpful video?