what can i practice in the white water

[khrubiche]

Hello
i started surfing 2 months ago , starting with a foamie for 1,5 month , then moving last week to a 7,6 minimal .i can stand up , turn sometimes and catch little green waves .
i'm surfing in a beach break spot , the waves are very steep ( for me ) , so i'm really struglling to catch them without pearling , i want to practice some basic skills like turning , speed turns , pumping for speed , and i was wondering how i can practice all those skills in the withe water ( as a beginning ) ?

thanks

[surf patrol]

Learning on the white wash works great for your most basic skills like standing up. You can practice pumping for speed on the white wash by moving up and down the white wash line. It sounds like you are at the point were you shouldn't be riding the white wash. I would recommend getting out in the line up and testing your skills by paddling into a surfable shoulder of the wave. This will help you to learn turning and pumping. Learning these skills is easier when you have some speed.

Thanks
Jay @ Equinox Surfboards
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[isaluteyou]

whitewash is for learning to pop-up and getting a feel for the water. When you have established a pop-up with some reliability its time to move on to the line-up.

[SSSurfer]

Ditto those two guys. I think playing in the whitewash may actually hinder your "surfing". Someone explained big waves to me the other night and I think its applicable to new people as well. Surfing is not just about standing on the board. In the begining or when finally looking at DOH+ sets it's more about getting in and out safely. That makes more sense if you're looking at big reefbreak with super shallow inside sections etc. You dont wanna get stuck in there believe me. So i guess what i'm saying is push your limits but be smart. Dont put yourself in life threatening situations but if it's 2-6 foot faces and a beachbreak GET OUT THERE!
Watch the locals how they get in and out, look for rips to help you etc.. And if youre surfing steep beachbreak and youre pearling try and angle a little with the wave while youre paddling, paddle harder and work on getting to your feet quicker not sooner.

[khrubiche]

thank u guys , in short i just have to be in the line up not in the white water !!
i've asked my question cuz i want to accelerate my learning curve , i'm surfing 4 to 5 times/week ( kind of a new addiction ) , in your opinion , how many months it will take me to be able to surf the face of the waves ?

[garbarrage]

Depends. Different from person to person. One day you'll start a sesh wiping-out every take off then suddenly you'll land one. That's how it happened for me anyway. Learn to be patient when picking your waves will definitely help as you'll have more real attempts. Learn what a lump of swell that's going to break properly looks like before it breaks (takes time, 3 years in still get it wrong sometimes).