As the ocean glistens under the rays of the sun, the waves crash against the sandy crest, inviting surfers who dare ride them all the way through.

Besides going to the beach to swim or to sunbathe, surfing may be the sport to break the beach routine this summer.

Surfing is one of the most popular summer activities, and for many people in California, it is the most exciting outdoor sport.

“Surfing (makes) me feel comfortable during the hot summer,” Hiroki Ito, business major, said. “I used to walk along the beach only, but now I can grab my surfboard and have fun in the beach.”

Starting from the top

Like all sports, there are rules and fundamentals that a beginner must acquire before he or she surfs.

“The most important thing you need to know before you surf is (how to swim),” Ito said. “You might get into serious trouble if you can’t swim.”

Ito said that the preparation for surfing is similar to swimming; it is not good to eat too much before surfing and surfers need to remember to warm up and stretch their muscles.

Finding the right time and place

“Weather and timing are also concerns to consider before you go to a beach,” Ito said. “Avoid going to surf when it’s too dark or too rainy.”

Ito said that the local weather forecast and water conditions are available on the Internet.

Finding a good spot is always an important key for beginners and it’s really important for them to avoid surfing near rocky areas, Ito said.

Beginners should also try to surf in a beach with fewer crowds because they might get in the way of each other, Ito said.

In addition, Ito said that beginners should have someone who knows about surfing to accompany them because they can show them how to surf safely.

“Torrance Beach, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach are the local, popular spots for surfing,” Alonso Dargas, employee of Ocean Gear Surfboards in Manhattan Beach, said.

However, not every beach allows people to surf, Dargas said.

Taking beach precautions

“If you are surfing on a patrolled beach, make sure you keep within a designated surfing area, or you’ll be fined,” Dargas said.

Dargas said that different beaches have different regulations; a new surfer should be aware of the local signs.

“If you are surfing in a place for the first time, make sure that you ask someone about their rules,” Dargas said.

Compared to other sports, surfing might require a higher expense for equipment, such as surfboards and suits.

Becker Surfboards in Hermosa Beach and Ocean Gear Surfboards said that the average price for a used surfboard ranges from $150 to $300 and a new surfboard costs from $400 to $650.

“It would be better for a beginner to start with a used board because they would lose and break their board easily,” Ito said.

Once the surfer is more experienced, Dargas said they may purchase a more expensive board to start catching bigger waves.

Getting professional instruction

There are many surfing instructors in every beach area, such as the Surf Academy, located in El Segundo, Santa Monica and Huntington Beach.

Most of the surf lessons have a price range from $30 to $300 per class, depending upon how long the course is and who teaches it.

Group lessons are also available and are usually less expensive than private lessons.

Making it to the big time

If the surfers want to test their skills, they may apply for local or international competitions.

Many of these events take place in Southern California, such as the United States Surfing Federation Competition.

“There are usually monthly events related to surfing in local beaches,” Dargas said. “There should be notices and banners everywhere in your local beaches if there are any big events.”

Like most sports, many obstacles have to be surpassed before the athlete reaches hisor her goal.

“I used to choke (on the) seawater and get hit by my surfboard every time, but time (overcomes those obstacles) and practice makes perfect,” Ito said.