Surfing Waves

I've surfed on and off for about 2 years but still have fears surfing, namely being out the back - I feel trapped out there or something and find I have bad anxiety and can't seem to chill and think logically. Secondly, when surf gets to be over 3ft I get pretty tentative about going out and it becomes the most demoralizing thing. I love to surf, just can't seem to be at peace in the ocean. Anyone with any advice (especially from experience) please pass it on! Cheers.

Do you surf with someone or by yourself?

You say "on and off for about 2 years" - how often do you actually get out and surf? I haven't been surfing long, but I spend a lot of time in the water and have found that the more time I spend the more confident I get about my skills in terms of the conditions. That, and getting knocked about a bit and living to tell the tale helps in reducing apprehension about what's going on around you.

If the waves are over 3 feet, that's not insignificant for someone whose skill and experience aren't very deep. So, maybe being a little nervous in those conditions is a good thing - if you don't surf much you may not be prepared for much more than that. If you're nervous out back when it's bigger than that it may be a good indication that you don't belong there in those conditions.

as said above - experience and water time is key. I find if I take a break (recently about 6 months off) from surfing, then I am very hesitant the first couple of times in the water, but that usually resolves pretty quickly.

I also think that you should be more worried about being caught inside! Out back is a fine place to chill and regain your breath after the paddle out!

@ surfnoob - a bit of both, sometimes alone, sometimes with a couple mates
@ ronG and @ Jimi, I surf 1-2 a week (weekends) depending on the surf
i think it might be more of a psychological thing than anything, who knows..!