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What are my chances?

PostPosted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 1:48 am
by akazee
okay so here is my story; I am 14, live in cincinnati, but have a grandpa who lives in Florida and a houseboat in KY. We have been going to the houseboat ever since i was born, and have been a natural at water activities. I can do pretty much every watersport behind a boat; wakeboarding, wakeskating, barefooting, skiing, slalom skiing, and Wake Surfing. So, my grandpa lives in FL and we go about 2 times a year to visit. I have been surfing twice on a foamie longboard, once in florida and once in Cali, and I could get up and ride waves both times. Now i am very interested in progressing to a shortboard, and bought a CI Motorboat for $300. I heard how hard it is to do the transition, so i began practicing a proper shortboard popup on the ground and on the edge of a bed (so my feet were hanging off the edge). SO.... what do you think my chances are of being able to surf in the 8 day span that i am in florida this spring break? the height is around 3-4 ft.

how i practiced popping up-
hands mid torso, push up and arch my back, then bring feet to position without using toes/knees.

Re: What are my chances?

PostPosted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 3:40 am
by jaffa1949
Akazee I think it is funny that you bought a motorboat shortboard, after all your tow behind motorboat activities!
You're fourteen that makes it easier for you, as at that age you are light( I hope so ) and you will be adaptable and quick to learn.
You are thinking reasonably well re pp up and such, but it is the difference in paddling between a foam floater and a short board where the biggest challenges lie.
Your skills behind the boat will not be translatable until you are up, riding and at some speed (Motorboat) :lol: :lol: :lol: .
There is also a difference between white water riding and unbroken wave riding, you will probably notice that too
You won't be at a high level of ability at the end of 8 days but you probably will make decent progress, if you get in the surf as often as possible.
Have fun :D

Re: What are my chances?

PostPosted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:57 am
by akazee
Okay! thank you for your input and good vibes! I just realized the motorboat similarity and that is funny. I am leaving today for FL so I will let you know how it went.