Learning To Surf… Advice Please?
Sunday, August 9th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Okay, so I’ve always wanted to learn how to surf and I think I’m ready to try it out. I used to be a competitive swimmer, so I have strong swimming skills, I just am not is shape right now. I plan on doing some swim training from Jan-May just to get in shape.
Should I take professional surfing lessons? I don’t know if I’ll be very good at it, so I think I may need the extra help…
Anyways I guess I’m just asking for advice from surfers on what it’s like in the beginning…
Category: Learn to Surf
August 9th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
As I’ve mentioned here several times in the past, please – don’t just rent a board and go out. You could really hurt yourself or someone else. The safest way to learn the proper techniques and surf etiquette is to take a lesson. Take a lesson from an experienced instructor at a surf school and at least you will learn how to handle your board safely.
There are plenty of schools and instructors all over the world. The best instructors are those who have been trained through one of the certifying organizations. There are also camps where you can go and learn, plus there are many sources on the Internet that provide information on how to surf. I wouldn’t try surfing without taking a lesson though as it’s difficult to learn from just reading about it.
Most people can learn to catch waves and stand on their own in one-two 1 1/2 hour sessions with a good instructor. Becoming a competent surfer takes awhile depending on how often you go. I regularly teach many people who aren’t even that comfortable in the water how to surf at my school each year. Most will get over their nervousness within the first 20 minutes.
If you are taking a lesson at a surf school, you don’t need to bring anything but yourself, your swimsuit, and a towel. Any quality school will have everything ready. They will probably also show you how to wax your board. If you are going with someone experienced, it’s a good idea to bring surf wax (cold water or warm water) depending on where you live.
August 9th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
First, you should take some lessons to see if you like it. Then, you can buy a board. When a wave is coming paddle as hard as you can no matter what is happening because most people give up if they think the wave will pass them. When you are paddling lean forward to get momentum. Never stand between a surfer and the shore so he doesn’t run you over. Lastly, practice as much as you can so you can get better, at first it won’t be super easy just keep working on it.
August 9th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Taking lessons is a must. And be sure to ask the instructor about etiquette and who has the right of way.
August 9th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
be prepared to get decked in the face if you cut someone off/steal someones wave
August 9th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
My first tip on how to surf is to be at home in the ocean. OCEAN not COMPUTER. Surfing is an acitivity that should only be practiced by someone who is comfortable in the ocean, with its rips, currents, and sometimes BIG waves.There are already way too many dangerous people in the water. A danger to themselves and other surfers. Don’t join their ranks.
Lessons are the best way to start, unless you are a young adult or adolescent with surfing pals 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. Be very careful of what you read here on line. Some of the folks who answered our very nice young folks, but not really very experienced surfers. In fact some of the folks who are giving you advice now, were asking about learning how to surf themslves, just a week or so ago. After I found this site, I figured that I could answer a few questions, and spread the ‘good news’ of surfing.
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. A surfer’s board preference depends on three things: Their size (what will float them how much you weigh is what is important, not how tall you are), Their skill level (beginner to advanced) and the type of waves usually encountered at their local breaks.
I have been surfing for 42 years, and I get my surfboard buying advice from good local surf shops in the places where I surf. 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.
Training to get in shape is a great idea, but don’t forget, pool swimming skills aren’t enough to make you safe in the ocean. And be sure to go to a surf shop, and talk to real surfers, not folks who may pretend to be on YA answers. Just FYI, the HB Snake is the real deal, he’s been surfing even longer than me.
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://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-t…
Please read the link, and don’t buy a popout like NSP – http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm
Surfboards made in Chinese sweatshops.http://bp3.blogger.com/_hPACOtZKKko/RkST…http://www.surfing-waves.com/beginner_su…