regaining motivation and confidence

[surf-legend]

I have surfed for about 5 years now and i dont surf often,i surf for 2 weeks every year as i dont live by the coast. I surf on a short board which i have had for three years. The year i had the shortboard i surfed fine and i was confident. i always looked forward to going surfing. Since then i have not really been doing well with my surfing ive lost all confidence in my surfing ability. I know i can surf well on my shortboard because the odd days surfing ill be back to my usual self and ill do fine.

I was just wondering if this as ever happend to anyone and how i can get over this sticky patch and get back to surfing with confidence

[Sar]

Have a word with yourself mate!!

Im not joking, you need to get into a positive frame of mind before you paddle out, you know you can do it - so just do it. Dont back out and make sure you commit. Believe me I know its much easier said than done so im not being intentionally harsh, its just something that works for me following advice given to me on this very forum and because of my nature.

As your indicated it is about your confidence and your frame of mind. Keep your internal chitter chatter positive and remember that a wipeout doesnt hurt that much - relax and enjoy. In the interest of cheesyness....embrace your fear If you dont commit on the first, second or even third wave dont beat yourself up and REALLY go for the next one.

Other than that I would suggest keeping yourself fit between surf by running and swimming which will give you much more confidence in the water and your own ability, and its good for you anyway.

If you dont get to surf as much as you did previosly you may need a bigger board to help with catching waves and is more stable once you're on your feet.

Get a surf buddy out there with you to egg you on a bit.

[surfmom68]

I've only been surfing a couple of years but this has happened to me a few times and i'm sure its the nature of this sport! I find it usually happens just after moving on from my comfort zone. You get that amazing high from a fantastic surf and then the next day; you can't do xxxxx! When your deep in that zone though, its pretty awful but I now know whats going on....I know that it won't last. I try to take something positive from each sesion even if its congratulating myself on getting out coz it just is'nt working for me that day!