When you get to a new break...

[gerk86]

would you even consider going out back on your own at a beach you've never been to before or would you go out back ONLY if there was a crowd?

[CHarvey]

I would go out back so long as it wasn't out of my skill set size and speed wize.

[drowningbitbybit]

If I knew it was a surfable break, then no problem - I'd paddle out back.

If it was somewhere I'd stumbled upon that wasnt a known break, I'd sit and watch it for quite a while, and also try and get a view from above if possible, to try and get an idea of the hazards.

Generally though, yes I would. In fact, I'd be more put off by the crowd out back than the lack of one.

[billie_morini]

Ja, I'll surf a new place on my own. You should, too, unless you can't swim or make it to the outside.

[scuba steve]

Generally I do if its a well-known, regularly surfed break but if it seems strange for any reason then as a beginner i wouldn't advise paddling out alone.
Always try to get some local info on it first.

[essex sucks]

yep i will as long as it is not out of my skill level

[isaluteyou]

on a beach break yes. On a reef i may be a tad more carefull as i know a few reefs locally that are pretty dodgy so taking that into consideration id watch a while and make a judgement call

[Milo]

yep i will as long as it is not out of my skill level

Second that.

[The Fafanator]

I would get a friend to come out with me, I don't like to surf alone, it feels weard.

[gerk86]

^I surf with my brother and I do enjoy the company. Having someone aware of where you are is reassuring.

He's not too confident getting out back and he'll rarely surf in water he can't stand in. He seems content in surfing the shore break whereas im looking out seeing these huge waves crashing further out and i just wanna get out there and get on them.