Learn how to catch some waves

Want to hang 10? Most people know the meaning of the surfing maneuver. But before 10 toes can hang off the edge of a surfboard you've got to get the hang of the paddle-paddle-pop-up moves needed to catch a wave.

"Everyone can swim, right? That's a requirement for surfing," says 18-year-old Zac Etheridge, who has been an instructor for two years, before going over the fundamentals with his campers.

Low tide crashes onto the shore as Etheridge and three fellow instructors - Nick Brown, Justin Difernando and Joe Minelic - ready themselves for a Billabong surf camp provided by Surf & Adventure Co. in Virginia Beach.

Beginner surfboards in pastel hues ranging from 7 to 9 feet form two rows on the public beach and surfing area near the pier at Little Island Park in Sandbridge. The 13 boys and girls in this day's class anxiously wait to carry them into the Atlantic.

"When walking into the water always carry your board at your side and never in front of you," says Etheridge, explaining that if a wave hits the board, "it will hurt." He recommends that beginners wear rash guards or T-shirts to prevent skin irritation when lying on the board.

"When riding a wave always look at the shore," he says before handing the class over to Brown.

"I'm going to show you how to paddle and pop up," Brown says as he demonstrates the move. Lie on the board and use the freestyle swim stroke to paddle, with toes positioned at the end of the board, he says. Then "do a half push-up, bringing knees to the chest. Then pop up."

Divided into small groups for safety, campers take to the water in hopes of catching a wave.

One of the first to ride to the shore is 8-year-old Julia Hughes, standing out against the wave in her hot-pink polka-dot shirt. "Give me a high five," Etheridge says to the first-timer as Julia's mother, Jill, snaps pictures. The family moved here a few years ago from Kansas City, Mo. "I told Julia she could only pick one summer camp to do this year, and she picked surfing."

"It's fun," Julia says. She most liked "surfing with the teacher." (She did a tandem ride with Minelic.)

Richard Bolen and his younger brother Brice of Virginia Beach also had beginner's luck. "It was kind of easy," Brice says.

"When you get to the wave," Richard says, "you just have to keep your balance."

Sisters Sierra, 12, and Julian Johnson, 10, are here from California to visit their mother. The girls had tried several water sports but never surfing.

"I just saw a video of surfing and wanted to try it," Sierra said.

"I wanted to try it just to see if I could do it," Julian said.

Surf & Adventure Co. offers kids surfing lessons in two-or three-day camps or private lessons for ages 8 and older.

"It's just a fun sport," Etheridge said. "We're just trying to get a lot more people to come out, be in the water and learn to surf in a relaxed environment."

Patty Jenkins, (757) 446-2298, patty.jenkins@pilotonline.com