Surfing Waves

hey guyz nd gals dis Shannie from Newzealand. Ive just recently really got stick into my surfing and im gonna get pro one day.how many times a week do you guys surf and doyou think 17 is too old to get into it and become a pro???

I don't really know, but here's my 2 cents...
Some people have already been surfing for 10+yrs. by 17.
It depends on natural talent and speed of progression.
You'll need lessons, preferably find someone (or two) who is really good and will help mentor you (Kelly Slater didn't learn it all on his own).
Surf whenever there is rideable waves (preferably everyday), and for as long as possible (and then do it some more ).
Do non-surf training (i.e. running, weights etc...)
Enter all the comps. you can...

And be unusually naturally talented, and there's nothing in the world you can do about that if you're not


I think perhaps a back up Plan B may be in order, you know, just in case it turns out you cant surf like Mr. Slater, improbable as that may be...

I would hope a plan B was understood!
Make no mistake, it's NO JOKE.
The competition is fierce with elite athletes who train ALL the time.

make sure your out there paddlin all the time too....your gona have to build up to all day surf sessions....oh yea and lemme know how your shoulders feel

Thanks guys. i dont really like the sound of the plan b thing because i am gonna get good and to the top because im that dtermined. i train all the time but i just dont get out to the waves as much as i would like. i only been surfing about 10 time since i was bout 14 because i dont know any1 that surfs except my uncle but now hes got a stuffed back and my mum wont let me out by myself. and my friend says she into surfing she got a board but she is one of those chiks that says she surfs but she never wants to go out lyk today!!!!! if i am honestly so determined which i am do u think i can do it??? i just need peer encouragement

Don't think it would be that hard to become a pro if you go through all the right motions from now on.
I do think it would be very hard to become a top pro - there's loads of iffy pro surfers who aren't 'even' on the WQS let alone the WCT.

You will have to surf all the time and enter every comp going and get to know all the right people who can put you forward for bigger sponsorship deals.
You will have to learn how to look and act the part too if you really want it.
You will have to be living the hard part of the life of a pro long before you benefit from the good parts like money, success etc.
Every other aspect of your life will have to come second to surfing... contests!
Good luck mate .

i say go out there and do it! you're young and u have got to learn a lot..17 is a tender age..u have a long way to go..dont let people discourage you..confidence has to come from within..if you are determined, then do whatever you can to achieve your goal..some people older than you still dont know what to do with their own lives..you're lucky coz u know what u want..stick to it..dont be scared to make mistakes, you will learn to correct them..so goodluck..remember, anything's possible if you put your heart into it..i hope you make it to the tour someday!

You fellaz Are awesome just ta tell even though i got a guys name im a chik.lol. and im from new zealand. yer i think i will do it. i am doing a tourism and travel course atm for easy travel so i can travel to beta surf while earning money.and i work by the beach atm at an ice cream parlour. do you think its alright to surf by urself if others are in the water?? just not people you know? cuz il be out there evry mornin b4 work n after course if thats da case. lol i do believe any1 can do anything they want if they realy put their mind to it but like you said its all about the confidence and i think this is the right place to be for that extra push. just incase are there any pros that have been replying to me or if uz know any pros tell them about me!!!!hehe..

Now, at the risk of being called a negative, cynical old git... Let's inject a little bit of realism here...

This forum has got hundreds of people on it ranging from the complete novice to experts, and loads in between. Some people on here have been surfing since they were kneehigh to a mackerel and surf every day, and are far better than I will ever be... And are they pro surfers? No.
And then someone with next to no experience says "Im gonna be a pro!", and yeah, right, like the ten year old with a football is going to play for Manchester Utd. Yeah, it might happen and Im all for encouraging people with a real chance. But someone who hasnt/doesnt surf all that often - No chance... at all....


Surfing is the dream, not the contest points, or the money, just get out there and enjoy the surf, the sea, the life

If it turns out you're one of the 0.1% who are supernaturally talented, then think about becoming a pro, once you can surf like a god. Til then, just have fun in the water.

If I turn out to be wrong, and in ten years time you are the next Kelly Slater, I'll happily admit Im wrong

thanks for that buddy. but i did say im getting right into it. im gonna be surfing 4- 5 times a week and train hard go big and do wateva it takes me to get there. I do agree with what your saying the whole reality thing!!! i dont want to surf 4 money noway!!!! im not a greedy gutz. and there will be people in here telling me you will never do it and some who will say go 4 it. i think its good to have a mix because the encouragement gets you going and the negative things (this isnt ment in a rude way) make you mad and just want to prove them wrong and go 4 it even more. lyk i was in my pool swimming and my bf said its only been like 10minutes and your puffed ul never make it. so i said fine watch me and a swam 150 laps. its probly nothing but its a start and you gotta start somewhere right??? and thankyou for being honest i really do appreciate it.

Surfa_Shannie wrote: do you think its alright to surf by urself if others are in the water?? just not people you know?

It is definately alright! In fact strike up conversations. Then you'll start to know them, and they might have usefull tips and connections.

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It is definately alright! In fact strike up conversations. Then you'll start to know them, and they might have usefull tips and connections.[/quote]

oh kewl cheers for that!!!whats you opinion about my litlle stuation???how some people think i could make it some say i wont etc

It's hard to say. Most people's chances are slim. It depends a lot on you. How bad do you want it and how hard are you going to work to get it!
You can do it.

Thanks for that aye. i really apreciate all the encouragement and ive got all my times i can go surfing locked in. atm 4 times per week gradually building that up. and have started taking up yoga. i dont know if yous wana really hear what i got planned but i just need a guide and yous seem to know very well what your on about. im soo thankful i found this website!!!im goin on a surf trip tomorrw!!! lol not really just visitn my sis and my neise but im going surfing so it kinda is. what other places in the world have good waves to get better on ??

Most pro surfers , grew up next to the beach and have surfed from a very early age of 4 to 5 is not uncommon , a lot tend to of retired by 30, So if your 17 now the odds do not look good at all as most potential future champs have been picked up by the time they are 17. But to to end up surfing well and being able to enjoy it for the rest of your life looks very good.

Surfa_Shannie wrote:what other places in the world have good waves to get better on ??

The waves in Hawaii is the bomb. Be careful of Pipeline & Sunset Beach on Oahu island. They are not for beginners. Start with waves 2 to 4 foot big (hawaiian scale).

Being in New Zealand you are around lots of great places.
Australia and all of the south Pacific islands (Indo, Tahiti, Figi...)
Lots of good places...
As you meet more surfers, ask around...

Passion!

Yes!!! Passion is what i have for surfing!! i Dont want to do it for money i just believe that people should be doing what they love!! and i love surfing!!! not once has my mum ever come home saying gosh i had such a good day at work its always "i hate my job" and i do not want to live my life like that!!! and ive been surfing quite often lately and have realised im improving just each time i go out! and passion is the key!!! what kid of diet and weekly training do you do? do you think getting a plan of diets and fitness for surfing is a good idea??