More "starting/learning surfing" questions

[Adam B(GMF)]

OK I know this has been probably asked before (I've had a quick search and couldn't find these answers)

I want to get into surfing this year. I was planning on taking a short weekend course then looking into doing a week long course somewhere warmer - is this a good idea?

I'm a decent skater and a reasonably good snowboarder (love that back-country), I've good balance skills and good core strength but am 29. Supposing that I pick it up at an above average pace - what sort of time-scale am I looking at before I have enough skill to have some fun and not fall off all the time?

Anyone recommend a specific surf school that does weekend courses that i could get to from London - or should I just pick one from the BSA website?

Any other advice?

Thanks

[drowningbitbybit]

Hi adam,

I want to get into surfing this year. I was planning on taking a short weekend course then looking into doing a week long course somewhere warmer - is this a good idea?

That should see you right. You'll still be at beginner level for the longer/warmer course though. Dont go booking yourself on an intermediate course in advance until you've tried the weekend course!
Then spend a few weekends of surfing practise before spending money on a course so you've got the basics nailed.

I'm a decent skater and a reasonably good snowboarder (love that back-country), I've good balance skills and good core strength but am 29. Supposing that I pick it up at an above average pace - what sort of time-scale am I looking at before I have enough skill to have some fun and not fall off all the time?

The hardest parts about surfing have little to do with balance (at least at the beginning) - paddling, getting to their feet, timing, getting to the waves, generating speed are what people struggle with.
However, you should be up and standing on white water within a day or two, and from then on its a steady progression. But it takes a long time to get even half-decent. I've been doing this years, and Im still only half decent
As for being 29? Plenty of people a lot older than that here!

Any other advice?

Move. Living in london and trying to surf sucks! Yes, me too, stuck far too often, far away from the surf
But while in London, abandon ever planning anything in advance for a weekend, and spend all your time watching pressure charts waiting for the right day to travel


See you out back.