New surfer, need some help.

[Eric.s.]

Hey, what's up? I'm sort of new to surfing and I just have a couple questions. I've been out about 5 times, and I'm self taught. I've never really gone out beyond the beginner waves. I pretty much just paddle out a little ways, then ride a fairly easy wave into shore, and do it all again. I guess I want to know what's the next step. Do I just go for it and keep going out farther? Also I wanted to know how fast all you guys progressed surfing. It took me probably 3 days surfing to get a good wave and ride it in. Last week, my brother went out with me for the first time, and his 5th try, he caught a wave and rode it. At the end of the day, he was almost as good as I am now. Kind of a downer for me, but whatever. Thanks for the help folks.

[pkbum]

it takes at least 3 month(surfing 3 times each week) to stand up and ride the green wave. it could take even more time if you practice bad habbit all the time.

[Thibb]

I'd say it took me one month to the first green wave, six weeks to doing it regularly and four months to getting control of the board (bottom turn, trimming along the face). But in all honesty, I was surfing well over 3 times a week.

Either way, just enjoy it. Once you get better, you will already have lost some of the opportunities to have fun because you will get bothered at yourself for not making the most of a good wave. Complete beginners do not have to worry about anything but the joy of being out in the surf.

[isaluteyou]

Forget about time just go have fun. Everyone learns at a different pace so dont worry about it

[Pornstar]

Thibb has said something very true.
Since i was a "good" or experienced bodyboarder i was angry at myself whenever i lost a good wave, or couldnt ride it properly all the way.
Now that i am a newbie on a surfboard i enjoy every wave i catch no matter if its just a drop down the face of a closeout wave or a long ride on a knee high wave.
sometimes its better to be bad.

[sebastiansurfer]

it takes at least 3 month(surfing 3 times each week) to stand up and ride the green wave. it could take even more time if you practice bad habbit all the time.

i kind of disagree but yes the message is correct
just get out as often as possible

[oldgrom]

You leaving earth anytime soon??? If not then what's the hurry and like
Isaluteyou said just get out and have some fun. We all learn at different paces I've seen peeps lean the first time out and outhers the 50th time out so what's the big deal? Your still doing it just give it some time and remember to just have fun it'll come in time.

[kamikaze272727]

I started about 3 months ago. Just take your time, its just you and the ocean buddy. Dont worry about anybody elses progress.

I surfed foamies and whitehorses to get used to the rental, and when you're okay doing that, everything will auto itself.

Don't force yourself into a lineup, try and find your own space and your own pace, otherwise you will take enjoyment out of your whole learning curve. Nobody loses but you if you dont go out and have a blast

[oldgrom]

Perfectly said Kamikaze...... Perfectly said!!
An enjoyable lifelong surfer I see in you Kamikaze you've got the vibe brudda peace out and enjoy dem waves.

[pkbum]

it takes at least 3 month(surfing 3 times each week) to stand up and ride the green wave. it could take even more time if you practice bad habbit all the time.

i kind of disagree but yes the message is correct
just get out as often as possible

same here, i kind of disagree on what i say

[jonathanderick]

Yo Eric.s., I'm a new surfer too. I started sometime last year, but really got into it during the past 3 months. I've been surfing once a week for those three months. Right now, I could ride white water easy as you do.

You ask what the next step is? Get out there in the lineup! The whitewater has gotten boring for me and it was just a fun-seeking feeling of mine to head out into the lineup. Especially with all the competent surfers out there ripping it up, I can't help but think "I could do that" and paddle out to get spin-cycled. I'm beginning to develop my confidence for dropping down a wave and my timing for my pop-up. Good luck and I hope you get out there!