In most cases, surfing vacations are planned road-trips -- going from one location to another and find great beaches to surf on. Some surfers tend to go to extremes and look for surfing grounds in other countries for added experience. Surfing Is For Everyone There is no norm that only popular guys and girls are the only ones who can surf. However, if you don t have the time to enroll in a surfing class then here is a simple guide to teach you the basics from scratch while learning it on your own. Step 1: Get Into the Surfing Lifestyle The best way to learn surfing on your own is to first start by getting into the lifestyle. If you consider surfing as a normal sport then you won't get far with it. In the early days, surfing is part of the local Hawaiian customs though there have been evidence that this sport is also a custom in many islands in the South Pacific. Custom dictates that surfing is more than just a leisure activity, especially in the case of Hawaiian culture. It is considered as a form of art where surfers invoke the blessing of the gods for protection before skimming the waves. This is a preferred choice for surfers who love to surf out in the wild sea where the waters can be freezing cold especially when you're in too deep. Beach Shoes and Slippers Many surfers prefer to wear nothing but the skins on their feet when surfing to keep their foot glued to the board. However, there are beach shoes and slippers designed for added traction to the board so you won't have to worry about sliding when surfing the waves. You can opt for those with a foot strap to keep your board in place -- recommended for beginners. Also, since you will be constantly exposed to moderate to strong winds for a successful kite surfing experience, it is important that you wear a wet suit to keep your body temperature in normal range. As a safety precaution, it is normal to carry a knife with you during wind surfing. Leg power is necessary to withstand the waves and help you maneuver easily as you perform your feats. Depending on the size of the swell, you need to have the endurance to maintain an even stance while skimming through the swell, especially if it s a big one. 2. Fit for Competitions Aside from surfing as recreation, there might come a time in your life that you want to join surfing competitions to show off your skills and to get a trophy as part of your achievement in the sport.