The following Syllabus has been provided by Dan Hodul who uses it to teach surfing during the summer for the San Anselmo Parks and Recreation Department.

Dan Hodul's Parks & Recreation Class Surfing Syllabus

Safety in Waves

1. Know the currents and tides
2. Know the bottom
3. Avoid breech position
4. Safest way to wipe out
5. Hands covering face and head when being tossed with board
6. Pace yourself, stay relaxed
7. Don't dive in shallow water
8. Fall softly, feet or butt first, to spread out impact with your whole body.

Courtesy to Other Surfers

1. Your present position in the heirarchy
2. Avoiding others at all costs
3. Priority
4. The impact zone
5. Stay alert-look 360* for other surfers
6. Try to stay out of the way during paddleout.
7. Don't mess up anyone's ride.

Wave Knowlege

1. Power
2. Size
3. Sets (how frequent-how big)
4. Peak (does it go left or right)

Picking up the Wave

1. Paddling and balance
2. Positioning
3. Turning
4. Wave judgement

Standing

1. Feeling the wave catch
2. Popping up/practice
3. Finding the "sweet spot"
4. Choosing direction
5. Causing a bottom turn
6. Walking and trim

Other words of wisdom:

• Be thankful and generous with your instructor.
• Always respect the ocean.
• Be very patient with yourself, and trust your instincts to help you stay safe.
• Use sunblock, and help the environment by minimizing air conditioning.
• Suppport environmental groups that are working to keep earth and the ocean alive.
• Enjoy and keep surfing.
• Practice makes perfect.

Return to da hulk's surf coach page.

Maintained by da hulk.

Last modified on 2/13/97.