surfer wannabe

[bb8lbi]

hey everyone! i have this extreme desire to learn how to surf. ive never been on a board before and i want to get out there. ive finally convinced my parents to let me try...they are paranoid about ripcurrents and sharks. im hoping i will love surfing as much as i think i will. is there any way i can practice balancing before i get on a board in a few weeks?? or does anyone have any tips for me? thanks!

[new zealand girl]

practice the 'pop up' - its the move where you go from lying flat on your board to standing in one (theoretically) fluid movement. not as easy as it sounds.... this is pretty much the most important thing you have to get right. also do push ups, cos paddling and standing up requires reasonable arm strength. yoga and anything to help your flexibility and general strength will also help. also, if you can, get someone to teach you some basic stuff, or get a lesson. it will save you HEAPS of time...and be prepared for surfing to be much harder then you anticipate. its like the hardest thing i've ever learnt, so don't give up if you can't carve it up on your first go. its a definate process. :-) and of course, this site has some excellent tips on the main page, so don't forget to check that out!

[Guest]

hey everyone! i have this extreme desire to learn how to surf. ive never been on a board before and i want to get out there. ive finally convinced my parents to let me try...they are paranoid about ripcurrents and sharks. im hoping i will love surfing as much as i think i will. is there any way i can practice balancing before i get on a board in a few weeks?? or does anyone have any tips for me? thanks!

GOOD TO HEAR MORE PEOPLE ARE SURFING!!! I JUST WANNA SAY IGNORE THE "PROS" THEY WILL SAY SOME VERY MEAN THINGS ABOUT BEGINNERS AND ITS ALL RUBBISH...THEY JUST THINK THEY OWN THE WAVES AND DONT UNDERSTAND THAT OTHER PEOPLE WANNA SURF TOO!!! MOST OF THE PEOPLE ARE REALLY COOL IN HERE AND WILL BE REALLT HELPFUL BUT THEN YOU GET THE ODD ONE (THAT FRENCH PERSON) WHO WILL JUST SAY ANYTHING TO SCARE OR PUT YOU OFF...BUT DONT LET PEOPLE LIKE THAT RUIN YOUR AMBITION...GO FOR IT!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!