surfing reefs and rock bottoms

[newportlongboard]

how do you know when you should start leaving the beach breaks and trying new things like reefs and points, my local beack breaks can be good but are very incosistant so i would like to try something a little more reliable to practice on and hopefully improve my surfing as i find i improve quicker in better waves. whats everones view on it? when did you decide to step up?

thanks dan

[jaffa1949]

Believe it or not some reefs or points are easy! Qualities reefs and points have that help are consistency of breaking and line up so when you learn to read them they are slightly easier to catch waves on. Distinct disadvantages are the take off area is often small and full of competitive frothers who also know how it works. There is no hiding at another bank a little further down the beach! Look at the general crowd there are you at the standard if yes have a go! take your time take your chance when it comes!

[Surfer513]

it all depends on a few factors. as mentioned above, the "spot to be at" tends to be relatively small, and if it's a reef or point break going off, then it'll most likely be crowded, unless you are located on an unknown spot in South Africa or something. also, another thing to consider, at least for reef breaks, is the layout of the reef...in particular the depth of water at certain tides. a really shallow reef can make for a terrible day. if it's not very deep, make sure you're wiping out correctly. you want to keep your body shallow. don't ball up.

there's a lot of things to consider. just do it, you'll figure them out. in my opinion, there's nothing like a great point break...especially being a longboarder. and the consistency of a reef break is a great feel.

[newportlongboard]

hey thanks guys im definatly going to try find one to try this winter see how i do. If anyone from the Uk south wales area and could point me in the likly direction of a good point or reek to start would be most appreciated

thnaks guys