Beginner that can't get anywhere

[Mohawk918]

So I'm a newbie ofcourse. I have a 9'10 longboard and live about 15 mins from St augustine pier. I got no one close to me to teach me so here I am. I've gone out about 4 times and have stood up a couple of times. But the last 2 times the waves seem to be to close together for me to get out to where it's deep enough that my fin won't dig in. I just can't get out there. So my question is.... is this bad conditions for me to surf and do I need to wait for better conditions?

[Big H]

Are there other surfers there? How do they get out? If you are alone it could be because it isn't really a surf-able break and you should look elsewhere and go where others go to surf.

[oldmansurfer]

If the water is shallow, you can usually just walk out and carry your board. I think for safety you should go where there is a lifeguard or other surfers and what big H says is true too, it might not be surfable

[Mohawk918]

Yea I was the only one out there. I wade out as far as I can stand the hop on my board but can't seem to get past the white water to get deep enough. Just wave after wave. I guess it is bad since there are no other surfers. I'll wait for better conditions.

[Big H]

Go on youtube....massive resource in terms of surf instruction....start with this....

[oldmansurfer]

There are many ancillary skills in surfing. Reading the waves and ocean conditions is an important one. As well as getting out through the surf. Fitness is the key to it all. If you aren't fit then there is much less that you can do. Spending time watching other surfers going out through the surf would help you as well if you can recognize what they are doing that works. Taking lessons would be a great starting point if that is possible

[Lusi]

Just go walking until water reach your shoulders when waves come just press your feet in the sand. I surfed in stormy conditions with wave after wave and some nasty side currents, i just did that and then i started paddling a bit further. if you cant reach further after you not able to touch the ground just surf there or wait for better conditions.

[RinkyDink]

I don't know Florida as far as surfing goes, but this might help.

http://magicseaweed.com/St-Augustine-Surf-Guide/346/

[jaffa1949]

There are a few SWers in your area they might contact you! Strength in numbers and possible new friends!

A basic rule of thumb; if you can't get out the back then you are not ready for what is on offer there.
Don't get too disheartened, slow and steady progress will happen and days of sudden inspiration where it all gels.

[drowningbitbybit]

I've gone out about 4 times

That about sums up your problem.
If you're still not getting anywhere when you've been 44 times, then we can talk about what you might be doing wrong, until then just keep on learning.

And remember to have fun while you do it - you shouldn't be feeling frustration after only 4 sessions

[Big H]

I've gone out about 4 times

Yeah....have to agree....I've been out 6 times since Monday....been on it like this for awhile now and I'm still no good!!!!

[Mohawk918]

Just to let yall know I haven't stopped. Ive gone out about 15 times now and I can get out there and catch waves and stand up. Going a lot better now. im loving this sport and am ready to progress. I dream about being out there just sitting on my board. Thanks yall so much.

[oldmansurfer]

There is a bit of a learning curve initially. Glad to hear you stuck with it and are progressing. Hopefully you will come back again and give us more reports.