Surfing Waves

Alright, I'm a newbie. Never touched a board. May not have even seen one in person. I would like to try to surf (I've always wanted to try).

My FIRST question is where should I go? Is there a beach (or beaches) that you would recommend for the month of June (anywhere in the world) that you would say has great lessons and great beginning surf?

I have about 3 weeks to see if I can do this.

At this point, I've mostly been looking at Costa RIca (Pacific side) and Kauai. Since the world is much larger than that, I'd like to hear what folks that have experience have to say.

I figure 3 weeks should be enough time for me to determine if I like surfing as much as I 'think' and whether I should come back to a beginners beach again.

Thank you.

Assuming you live near the ocean I would look for a wave in your area. Search "beginner surf spots near me." It can be frustrating to learn on a perfect wave then return home to the reality of conditions you will face day in and day out. Grow your skills locally before treating yourself to Shangri-La.

There are great resources on this site and here...https://surfsimply.com/surf-simply-tutorials/

Waikiki has one of the easiest to learn on waves and lots of board rentals and instruction. In three weeks on the best waves with the best instructors you will likely still be a beginner just learning to surf. Learning takes paddle fitness which you won't have till you paddle. Learning to surf requires that you learn about waves and currents and the ocean and perhaps this is the most difficult obstacle to overcome. Going out with someone who knows about the ocean is a good thing to do as a beginner (like an instructor).

testers wrote:I figure 3 weeks should be enough time for me to determine if I like surfing as much as I 'think' and whether I should come back to a beginners beach again.

Could you clarify what you mean in this statement ? Do you mean to say, that 3 weeks might not be enough and you will need to again go back to that same beach next time you get a long stretch of vacation ?

testers wrote:I have about 3 weeks to see if I can do this.

You are forgetting about the recovery time. I had some students not be able to lift their arms the next morning to turn off their alarm clocks.

Some get stiff necks from laying on the board.

Some get burning eyes and throats from not being used to salt water.

Some get a bad sunburn ( some schools don't allow you to put sunscreen all over your body as it makes you slip )

Some get bumps and bruises from colliding with others or getting hit or falling onto their own board.

100% Waikiki is the best place to learn to surf in the World. But ...... don't just walk up to the beach and take a lesson from anybody. Let me know and I can point you to a good surf instructor.

waikikikichan wrote:

testers wrote:I figure 3 weeks should be enough time for me to determine if I like surfing as much as I 'think' and whether I should come back to a beginners beach again.

Could you clarify what you mean in this statement ? Do you mean to say, that 3 weeks might not be enough and you will need to again go back to that same beach next time you get a long stretch of vacation ?

Sorry that I haven't replied sooner. I wasn't getting notified of the latest replies.

I was figuring that 3 weeks would give me a taste of surfing to see if I can do it well enough to come back and try some more surfing on future vacations. I am thinking that if in 3 weeks, I can't even do the basics for a novice...I better find something else to learn.

testers wrote:I was figuring that 3 weeks would give me a taste of surfing to see if I can do it well enough to come back and try some more surfing on future vacations. I am thinking that if in 3 weeks, I can't even do the basics for a novice...I better find something else to learn.

3 weeks ? All you need is one wave and you'll be hooked. It'll turn into a bad addiction. Once a year surf vacations won't suffice.

Now if you think you will be doing the moves you see in the videos, then you'll be disappointed / frustrated. If you can catch waves on your own , without assistance from your surf instructor after a day or two, that'll be a big accomplishment.