Dubai: The group of wannabe surfers make a valiant effort to hold back their giggles as they slip off the board during free lessons from the pros - but laughter breaks out sure enough.
A dozen or so beginners - from kids to grandparents - are at it on the beach near the Burj Al Arab hotel. Each weekend Surf School UAE has been offering such free classes to learners.
"Surfing's fun and keeps you fit," said head coach Carl de Villiers.
"People are quite curious about surfing and we're letting them give it a try. You don't have to become a world champion; just come down and enjoy the outdoors," he said.
But before they can even test the waters, students must absorb some safety tips first.
"If you can't swim, you can't surf - as simple as that. It's not just about going out there and catching a wave; there are rules," said the South African surfer, who is certified by the ISA (International Surfing Association). The school is also ISA-approved, which is a first for the UAE, according to de Villiers.
Getting ready
Learners also have to wax the surfboards before getting their feet wet.
"Everyone, even experts, have to do it for a grip; otherwise you won't stay on," explained de Villiers.
The first practice drill actually takes place on the sand, not out at sea. The students have to get a feel of lying straight down on the board, with their legs and feet together, arms out (for paddling along eventually).
"You've got to be comfortable, knowing how to sit or turn the body around on the board," the head coach added.
So far, so good.
The moment of truth soon arrives as they wade into waist-high water, struggling to pull themselves up from the side of the boards. The world turns wobbly as they bob non-stop with the waves. The trick is to quickly jump on with both feet at the same time, knees bent, with the face turned towards the horizon.
Of course, that is easier said than done. Still, some novice surfers "get it" right straightaway.
"Surfing can be easier than you think and paddling can be harder than it looks," de Villiers said.
The beginners don't really get to ride the waves - there is hardly any swell in that stretch of coastline normally. "But that's good for learning, getting the basics down. You don't want [novices] to get a bad experience," de Villiers pointed out.
Pure fun
The coaches push out the boards - with students on - for speed. Children usually pick up skills faster than grown-ups, said another coach.
A French kite-surfing instructor said he wanted to find out how he would fare without the foot-straps and wind to keep him going. "It turned out to be a little more difficult, but it's great fun and it gets you in the mood to pick up [stand-up] surfing," said Xavier Sedaghat.
Know your surf
Booger - Another word for a body boarder.
Face - The front part of the wave. A surfer rides the face of the wave.
Goofy-foot - Rider who surfs with right foot as the lead foot and the left foot as the back foot.
Hang ten - When a surfer has all ten toes on the nose of the board.This is a difficult trick to pull off.
Hodad - A beginner or non-surfer.
In the soup - When a surfer is in the white foam of the wave after the wave has broken.
Lip - The very tip of a breaking wave curling or plunging down.
Pitched - Getting tossed off the lip of the wave and usually off the board.
Ripping - Pulling off mad and maniacal moves on the wave.
Shubee - A person who buys and wears surfing gear, but has never surfed in his/her life.
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