how should i begin surfing? Tried it twice last summer.

[gotit]

Hey guys,

I'm an 18 yr old 5'7", 216 pound male from California (SF). Last summer I tried surfing for the first time by taking a private lesson and trying to surf once on my own after that. Unfortunately I couldn't continue after that because renting was expensive and I was low on money. This summer I'd like to give surfing another shot but I don't know how to start. Should I sign up for one of those 2-day group lessons or can I just learn on my own since I had a surfing lesson before? None of my friends surf so I'd be going out alone. Also, how big a concern are rip currents, sharks, and general hazzards? Last week was shark week and it's kind of scary! Oh and since I'm overweight, is it better to get fit first and then surf or get fit as you're surfing? By the way, last summer I was 236 pounds.

Thanks a lot guys. I'm really excited and I'm going to be really good someday!

[drowningbitbybit]

Get yourself booked on a lesson, they'll teach you all about rips etc.

And get out there, you'll soon be fit!!

[sinistapenguin]

Grab yourself a board and get out there.

My friend learned to surf before he could even swim!!

It does help to be generally fit, but it's also a good way to get fit so I'd just do it.

If you feel a school would help, then go for it, but once you've been shown the basics, the only way to learn is to practise. It might be good from a point of view of meeting other people to go surfing with.

I never had a lesson and I've been surfing for 17 years now. I like to think I'm OK.

Also, a little tip is:

"Don't go into it thinking your 'going to be really good' - think 'I'm going to have loads of fun!' that's what it's all about. You could be the best surfer in the world, but if you're not having fun, then why would you do it? A lot of Pro Surfers have given up or taken time off from competing because 'it's not fun anymore'. If you're having great fun, you won't give up because you're no good!

As for rips/ sharks etc. I can't really say about sharks cos we don't get them in the UK, but rips can be scary. They can also be your friend.

If you get caught in one, don't try to paddle against it - you will lose! Go with it, but paddle in a diagonal direction until you get out of it. You'll have to paddle further, but at least your out of it!!.

Get out there, have fun!

Sinista

[deathfrog]

sinasta I thought you were in florida?

[sinistapenguin]

Nope, I'm in the most landlocked part of the UK!!

My avatar is me in Florida (on holiday!)

One of the only times I've ever been able to surf in boardshorts only!!

[gar]

yea im from ireland, in hawaii now its so sweet surfin in shorts!!

[kinipela]

i alway's surf in board shorts and a rash vest!! or in a bikini top!! i get told off, but who gives a damn!!

[deathfrog]

i alway's surf in board shorts and a rash vest!! or in a bikini top!! i get told off, but who gives a damn!!

what??? why?

[sinistapenguin]

I'd get a wetsuit, then you can surf longer!!

[gotit]

hey, thought i'd update you guys. i had a surfing lesson over the weekend and it was MAD FUN. i was able to stand up on a few waves for a few seconds and it was the greatest feeling ever, i love feeling the whitewash under/behind me, it's great. it's hard for me to do the pop-up though because i'm not in great shape, so i have to do the pull-up which is slower, but hopefully surfing more will get me in better shape. i really want to continue surfing and i hope i'm gonna be able to buy my own longboard soon cuz the rent is crazy here (US$20 per hour for a board only) but used longboards are still hella expensive (can't find less than $500 for a 9 ft). I hope it works out, thanks for your encouragement!

[ghost_who_surfs]

Good on ya Gotit.

$20.00 an hour bugger that mate. Save some pennies and pick up a secondhand/used board. Surely that would be a cheaper option.

And mate if you want to get into shape how hard is it to do some push ups in front of the TV (start with ten)or half crunches start with 20)and go for a brisk walk. All helps and improved fitness means improved surfing.

Keep at it.

cheers
Ghost

[gotit]

actually i've been exercising about 3 times a week for about 10 months and slowly changing my eating habits and lost about 25 pounds and put on some muscle. i have pretty good stamina and i've been leading a healthy lifestyle, i just still have a long way to go to be "fit." i like your suggestion though, i'm gonna try to do more sit ups and pushups in front of the TV. thanks.

[WaveJunkie]

TROLL ! ! !