Surfing Waves

honestly, from when everyone first started surfing short, how long did it take you before you starting doing cutbacks, snaps, and pumping for speed effectively? how long did it take everyone to start making the drop on 5 ft + waves more so than falling?

well, i started on a shorty so it took little over a year, but i was only young, might be different if you have a lot of surfing experiance

its always a work in progress to...progress as a surfer. Can't think of ONE time period when I was suddenly able to do anything I wanted with the board; its not something that just happens.

I'll let you know when it happens.

Haha well, how long is a piece of string?

Seriously, I'll be honest, I think it really depends on your learning aptitude. I'm not real good at any of the above, but I think that the factor to consider is the type of wave you surf. I'm still at the stage of avoiding crowds, looking for easy take offs, and an easy paddle out... So, I end up surfing small-ish beach breaks (because I don't want to get snapped on a reef), which give me short, and not very powerful rides. As a result, my surfing style is all about keeping the board in the pocket of the wave and not falling off the back of the wave.

I reckon because of this, I can trim for speed, and pump to get a bit of speed ok, but suck at any of the more athletic moves like snaps or cutbacks.

Dont concern yourself with time just go out and have fun the rest will automatically come. Keep the stoke

Having fun is the most important thing when surfing. I was just curious to see everyone's learning aptitude.