Older newbie here

[gazaddy1]

Hello there , well I've just turned 46 and thought its time to do what i have wanted to do for along time , about 20 years to be precise , got the dvd's ,books and read the mags but work , kids and other stuff always got in the way,plus living nr manchester not the ideal quick nip to the beach...
Now a bit more time and kids older, wahey, playtime....I had booked a lesson at Hells Mouth but it got cancelled so hopefully back in 2 weeks to try again. got some swimming lessons sorted to improve my fitness as can swim just not like a fish..I will hopefully be getting out for a weekend every month ( have already put a 9ft foamie on my xmas want list much to the wifes amusement)

I will let you know how I get on ( )
oh , and great website ,

[surf patrol]

Hi gazaddy1, welcome to Surfing Waves!

You're never too old to start, and it looks like you are going the right way about it. Do let us know how you get on, I'm sure you'll love it.

[gazaddy1]

well went to the pool yesterday ,joined the adult swimming lessons as advised by the girl behind the counter after I had told her what I wanted to do (better technique etc) . Turned up to find me being the only guy and 5 'older' ladies ( who could not swim) in the pool.It was slightly embarrasing especially as one of them shouted " he can swim !!!!!!". It turned out to be a good laugh, the young female instructor gave me some good pointers to what I needed to be doing,, anyway going to the swimfit class next which the instructor runs for ex-club swimmers as she said I would get more out of it.
Hopefully first surf lesson is on the 28th depending on conditions ....can't wait..

[dtc]

Swimming is worthwhile - knowing you can make it to shore even if your leg rope snaps is a definite 'must' before you start surfing. And if you can impress the women at the same time...

Once you start surfing, check out the 'surf simply' videos/podcasts (just google). They are the best learner ones I have seen.

(another 'late starter' here, mid (ok late) 30s when I started)

[gazaddy1]

Well not been on for ages , had a few lessons all going well until march 2015.......on holiday in India with the family had surfing lesson then.......bang.......freak wave , knocked off board , felt like i was in washing machine. Ended up dislocating shoulder backward full thickness R cuff tear and bicep detatchment.....ooooops....
Anyway 2 years on and the wife letting me get back on a board .... I turn 50 in august so bought an 8ft minimal for plodding around on ...cant wait to get back in the water....not put me off one bit...

[jaffa1949]

Great to hear, getting in there with care and awareness, and stoke, at 68 I think it's great!

[surf patrol]

Don't let it put you off, just a little setback is all.

[RobSF]

Welcome to the dark side, gazaddy. Soon, with practice and determination, you'll be as disreputable as the rest of us.