How Can I Get Ready (physically And Mentally) To Surf?

Thursday, December 31st, 2009 at 10:44 am

im 14 and i live in santa ana [orange county] and i wanted to get ready for next year, in the summer, to learn how to surf. any tips that i should follow? anywhere i should go to try and learn? please, i really want to learn but i dont know anything about it. i want to try this because i love the beach and the waves. and i need to convince my parents, any ideas?
thanks a bunch!

Category: Learn to Surf

Tags: , , ,

4 Responses to “How Can I Get Ready (physically And Mentally) To Surf?”

  1. John F Says:
    December 31st, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    Being genrally fit is very important. Most importantly, you have to understand the ocean, and be completely comfortable swimming in it, with undertows,rips and sometimes BIG waves.My first tip on how to surf is to be at home in the ocean, not just ‘love’it.
    Lessons are the BEST way to start, unless you have surfing pals or siblings who can teach you . You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don’t want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave. There are already way too many dangerous people in the water who think that they can surf. They are a danger to themselves and other surfers. Don’t join their ranks.
    Be careful of what you read here on line. After I found this site, I figured that I could answer a few questions, and spread the ‘good news’ of surfing. I taught my son and my son-in-law how to surf, and I am working on teaching five grandchildren how to be “watermen” (or three of them “watergirls”) and to be at home in the ocean and surf. Surfing is a wonderful, healthy activity. Parents who have children who learn how to surf well and safely can be comfortable that their children are engaging in an activity that can last a lifetime.
    Most people learn best on long boards, although I have seen lots of surfers start on a short board and master it. In the long run, there are NO RULES on what type of board you have to learn on. A board has to be bouyant enough to float you well enough for you to paddle and take off on a wave.
    I have been surfing since I was 14 in 1966, and it has been some of the most fun of my life.Beginners shouldn’t even worry about buying a board. renting a board (either from the instructor or shop) while taking lessons is the best way to go. And don’t be fooled into a buying a surfboard on line. You don’t know enough yet, and will only end up disappointed. Once you have mastered the basics, try a couple different types/styles of boards, and then decide what you want to buy. Surfboards are a big investment.
    Take the time to go back and read some of the resolved answers in YA surfing. There’s lots of great information in some of the asnwers.
    Good luck. Once you try surfing (and learn the ‘right way’) you’ll have fun for life.http://www.surfing-waves.com/beginner_su…http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htmhttp://www.explainthatstuff.com/surfings…
    3

  2. Fierce Lobster Says:
    December 31st, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    Just don’t fret and remember to have fun. The only thing you should worry about is being able to swim and be familiar with the ocean, but it seems that if you love the beach, you probably know much of this. After you learn and ride your first wave, your life will change forever. Tell your parents that it’s really good exercise! Really, unless you’re surfing a place like Mavericks or Jaws, your parents shouldn’t have any objections. I’m not familiar with California but remember that crowds are bad and aren’t good for learning.

  3. Anonymous Says:
    January 1st, 2010 at 12:02 am

    THE MOST IMPORTANT thing anyone call tell a beginner is about ETIQUETTE in the water.
    Simply put, do not ‘drop-in’ on another surfers wave, and do your best to remain out of the way of other surfers.
    Also, why are you waiting for summer to start?
    Either way, I suggest getting 3 or so private lessons (or you can do small group lessons with a friend/friends). Don’t do a large camp, most of them suck (altho some are good).
    REMEMBER, DO NOT DROP IN ON ANOTHER SURFER, AND DO YOUR BEST TO STAY OUT OF OTHER SURFERS WAY. ALWAYS LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER BEFORE YOU TAKE THE DROP.
    ++ If it’s too big for you, go in or surf somewhere less big. You’re going to put yourself at harm / other surfers.

  4. The Surfboard Man Says:
    January 1st, 2010 at 1:27 am

    Just do lots of swimming and running. This will help with how physical surfing is.
    The Surfboard Manhttp://www.thesurfboardman.com/