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Published: December 15 2011

Photo courtesy of EZride Surf SchoolWhen it comes to surfing, Fort Lauderdale is not Hawaii. And that’s a good thing for beginners.

In fact, Fort Lauderdale’s warm water and smaller waves make it an ideal place to learn to surf. On average, waves run about two to three feet. That’s big enough to catch a ride on, but not so big it’s dangerous.

Surf schools operate year-round at Fort Lauderdale Beach and most aim to get a first-time surfer up and standing on a board by the end of the first lesson.

The cost: around $70 an hour for individuals; couples and groups get a discount. Some schools also offer surf camps during the summer and spring break.

The schools provide everything a beginner needs to start, except for a bathing suit. Basically, that means a suitably sized board and a wet suit top or rash guard, depending on the time of year.

Surf lessons begin with some water safety tips – including information about rip currents and beach warning flags – and move on to teach about wave selection, paddling, techniques for getting into a standing position on the board and, of course, how to actually ride a wave.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Long surfboards are better for beginners. They’re more stable and easier to ride on smaller waves.
2. Soft surfboards don’t hurt as much when they hit you.
3. Use sun screen. This is Florida. The sun burns.
4. A lesson is a good investment. It’s a quick way to learn safely, so you can start having fun fast, instead of spending your time falling down and chasing your surfboard.

Some local schools:

EZride Surf School – Offers lessons at multiple locations, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. 954-803-7988 or 954-803-5169. http://www.ezridesurfschool.com/

Florida Surf Lessons: Multiple lesson locations, including Fort Lauderdale Beach as well. 888-672-4887. http://floridasurflessons.com/

Hang Loose Surf School: Private and group lessons; surf camps. 954-336-1441. http://www.hangloosesurfschool.com/