Surf Wise Level 3 Beginner Surfer

ASI Surf Wise Beginner Level 3 identifies the moment you shift from riding straight in white water to beginning real wave riding skills. You’re still a beginner, but now you’re starting to interact with the wave.

It's where you stop being pushed by the wave and start surfing the wave. It shows you’ve built enough foundation to begin shaping your ride, choosing your direction.

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Aim

Ride a broken or green wave on an angle (trimming) in surf up to 1 ½ ft.

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Locations and Conditions

• Gentle breaking waves of white water less than 1 ½ feet (½ metre)
• Sandy beach and ocean floor with even gradient (no rocks or reef)
• Water depth of chest deep or less
• Free from rips and currents
• No dumping shore break

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Equipment

• Beginner softboard with soft fins
• Leash

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Knowledge & Skills

Pre-requisite:
Surf Wise Level 2 Beginner Surfer

Surf Safety

• Swim 50 metres
• Able to tread water for 5 minutes

Surfing Environment

• Identify surfing hazards
• Identify suitable weather conditions for surfing
• Identify the types of waves suitable for surfing
• Choose a safe surfing location
• Identify how to look after the surfing environment

Equipment

• Choose a beginners surfboard
• Wax, care, carry and store your board
• Identify types of wetsuits and surf clothing, when to wear these

Surfing Skills

• Choose a safe place to enter the water
• Negotiate small waves using a variety of techniques
• Paddle the board in trim
• Turn the surfboard in a sitting position
• Use safe wipe-out and dismount techniques
• Identify correct surfing etiquette (drop in rule, snaking, good surfing ethics)

Surfing Manoeuvres

• Ride a broken or green wave on an angle (trimming)
• Perform small turns

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