How to Become Better Than an Average Joe?

[Beachbum]

This year, I want to improve at surfing and remove myself from this hole that I've been in for a while. Here's my situation: my bottom turns are getting better (working on it), can't do a roundhouse cutback, decent at floaters, hitting the lip is a can do, but landing them is 50-50, and airs is out of the question. Anyone have any solid tips on how to get better? I don't want to be an old guy in the line up who's an average Joe (no offense to anyone learning at an older age) while I'll have so many years spent on this passion that I love.

[garbarrage]

pretty much an average joe myself, more likely, less than average... every off the lip i do is the best anyone's ever done (in my head at least). there's a DVD called 110% surfing techniques that I found really helpful. Vol. 2. Contains all the same stuff as Vol. 1 but a bit more detailed on the more advanced stuff so wouldn't bother with the first one. primarily the video helps show the difference between an average manouever and a really good one. also puts everything into key points so that you can pick one or two to concentrate on in one session. definitely worth a look anyway.

[captain mainwaring]

well, do you love doing it or being seen to be doing it my advice is, stop thinking about what you look like and concentrate on zoning in onto what you are enjoying.
i have older friends who dont surf to the same aggressive level that they surfed to 10 years ago, the reason = they are not as aggressive as they were 10 years ago, so dont feel a need to. no offence meant to any aggressive younger guys

[Aloha]

there's a DVD called 110% surfing techniques that I found really helpful.

I checked that DVD (Vol. 1) out after you recommended it just for a look and I was very impressed by it. I've never seen such a comprehensive guide to surfing before! It had absolutely every tip I could think of.

It could be used by someone who's never seen the ocean before, and then it even goes into advanced moves. I'm surprised as I've watched Aussie and US training vids and they are very vague in their explanations and was amazed that this vid is actually from England.

I'd recommend this vid to any beginner to intermediate. Just skip all the beginner stuff if you can already surf as it is very very basic stuff but priceless info for those that need it. This would have come in very handy when I was learning!

[Beachbum]

I want to check that DVD out, but it's pricey. I can't find it on Netflix too. Can I borrow it from someone?

[garbarrage]

there's a DVD called 110% surfing techniques that I found really helpful.

I checked that DVD (Vol. 1) out after you recommended it just for a look and I was very impressed by it. I've never seen such a comprehensive guide to surfing before! It had absolutely every tip I could think of.

It could be used by someone who's never seen the ocean before, and then it even goes into advanced moves. I'm surprised as I've watched Aussie and US training vids and they are very vague in their explanations and was amazed that this vid is actually from England.

I'd recommend this vid to any beginner to intermediate. Just skip all the beginner stuff if you can already surf as it is very very basic stuff but priceless info for those that need it. This would have come in very handy when I was learning!

picked me up a bit wrong there... vol. 2 is the one you want! but yeah really detailed. the second one goes into power carves, powerful cut backs, late/steep take offs, etc. just a guide to tidying up your surfing. pricey ($25 on amazon) but seriously worth every penny. the detail they go into is 2nd to none. inset vid of footwork. step by step etc. really helped me out. still working on it but it definitely gives you things to concentrate on each time you go out.

[Beachbum]

So you guys/gals would recommend 110% surfing techniques volume 2? I'm still on the fence about dropping $25, but if it's worth it-- I will. I heard they're coming out with volume 3, so I'm not sure if I should wait, or order volume 2.

[NorthMyrtleB]

Get a copy of "Surfing The Manual: Advanced" by Jim Kempton. (Book) It covers it all from Life cycle of a wave, fitness, equipment, the basics up to advanced moves (turns, tube tips, tricks and aerials and big waves) .

Im more magazine smart than book smart, but ive read this book over a few times.

[Mizz Surfmore]

I could only find Volume I but I am downloading it using BitTorrent as I speak! Unfortunately, it seems I am a little bit late on these postings.

[IB_Surfer]

I don't want to be an old guy in the line up who's an average Joe (no offense to anyone learning at an older age) while I'll have so many years spent on this passion that I love.

Not taking offense, I'm the old guy average Joe, 44yrs old, 200lbs. To me, average means I can do cutbacks, without missing them, can drop in double overhead every chance I can and I still paddlewar with 21year olds and win 50% of the time. Now, if you mean the old guy who no longer does airs or floaters because it usually means a longer ride since I can get around whitewash and bad sections to the shoulder with no problems that is me too.

So, as to advice, here is the only general advise I have for you: the right equipment at the right time is key. I would not have enjoyed a 6'2 shortboard when I first started, now it's my favorite shoulder to head high board, but go with slightly bigger 6'5 on bigger days for easier paddle (and because of my big arse). Many get hung up on one size too long, remember that a you get better your equipment has to keep up with you. Also, get a quiver going, you need a board for small days seperate than a board for big days to start, as you get better you will have boards for different purposes.

[Beachbum]

^ I think my 5'10" (probably a 5'9" since a large chunk of the nose broke off) is holding me back. I don't want to blame my equipment though, and end up trying to find the perfect board instead of focusing on the maneuvers. I'm looking for a 6'2" pintail for larger waves and easier paddling. It's frustrating trying to get better because I can't just go outside and practice in the yard .