regressing because of stuff..

[orionkain]

Hi everyone! My name is Karen

As you can see, I'm a newbie to this forum!
Well..let's see.. I surfed occasionally last year, but started to pick it up this year.
I was getting better until something very unfortunate happened.
My childhood friend passed away due to drowning. I was in a really deep depression but I went on with my everyday life (which includes surfing on the weekend)...
Anywho...I think on the second week, I almost drowned at Zuma....then after that I couldn't even stand on my board or pop up... totally regressing.

Do you think I should take a break? I miss the water a lot.
Maybe surf with a friend who's more experienced? Take a class?

[jaffa1949]

Wow those two incidents would scare the mojo out of any learner.

Be kind to yourself during the next phases of your recovery,
take a couple of lessons, you will be with someone and be guided.
Tell them of your circumstances as to why you lost confidence.
They need to be respectful of you in getting you back on board, ( get on it will be alright is not an answer , just yet!
See if you can go with buddies for a while, more experienced the better , again they need to be respectful of where you are coming from.
Your previous level was also likely to have needed a buddy around too.
I think it is really good to go with a couple of people when you are learning for all the reasons that have temporarily set you back.

[oldmansurfer]

What were the circumstances that led to you almost drowing? I am not sure what your physical conditioning is but perhaps surf lessons or maybe even swimming classes or Life saving classes if you are already a top level swimmer should give you some self confidence.

[dtc]

Agree with old man (again!). If you are confident enough in the water to deal with the conditions even without your board (eg you can swim in), then you will feel much more secure. So swimming and life saving lessons, general fitness etc.

That said, dont push it - it would scare me as well given your history. Maybe stick around small waves close to shore, dont put yourself anywhere uncomfortable.

When I started surfing I used to try and find places where there was no one else, to keep out of the way and due to my incompetence. But nowday I actully find it stressful to surf when no one else is around, even if I dont know them. So surfing with other people, esp a buddy who can specifically keep an eye on you, is a great idea by jaffa.

[orionkain]

What were the circumstances that led to you almost drowing? I am not sure what your physical conditioning is but perhaps surf lessons or maybe even swimming classes or Life saving classes if you are already a top level swimmer should give you some self confidence.

It was kind of my fault. My friend was swimming with me when I was paddling out and I didn't want him to follow me because it was kind of strong. I wasn't paying attention and got knocked out by a wave.

[oldmansurfer]

waves don't knock you out so I guess you are saying you got hit by your board? Not paying attention, now that is something to consider. If whatever happened is because you weren't paying attention did you learn your lesson? Basically that is like safety rule one when around the ocean, Pay Attention!!! I grew up being instructed to always respect the ocean and to give it some leeway and never turn your back on it. Anyway if you are likely to not pay attention some time in the future then find another pastime otherwise just make sure you always pay attention.

[jaffa1949]

So true everytime I've ever been hurt in the ocean I have not been respecting it, not paying attention, defying commonsense etc. Knocked out definitely a danger thing.
Always know as far as possible the escape clause.
besides surfing with a buddy can create boasting rights

[Finn22]

It sounds like you've had a pretty tough time and you need to let yourself process what's happened.
What are your instincts telling you? Do you want to get back in again yet? If so, then do it, take it slowly, don't put too much pressure on yourself and have someone with you who understands what you're going through. Take one step at a time and remember that you will get it back. I think it's a good idea to take a couple of classes, build your confidence up a bit, it might help too if you're having to be with people less experienced than you too.
Just be gentle with yourself and think that in 3 months things will feel easier, look at the long term.
I'm sorry about your friend.
All the best.