Surfing Waves

so im going to learn how to surf probably next week. im going to be starting out on a longboard. how hard will it be if im already sort of physically built? btw im a female 5'1' and 93lbs. Ive been working out for about close to 4 weeks (intensely) 3 times a week. ive already seen much difference in my upper body strength and balance. ive been doing upper body workouts and working on core strength. I mean of course i wont know what will happen but what do you think? will it be a lot easier if you've already been working out to catch waves and paddle out?

The fitter the better, but nothing can really prepare you for it - you'll move in a lot of new ways and discover muscles you didnt know were there. It'll be hard.

But its supposed to be. Its part of the fun.

awesome thanks very much

first where are you from. If you are from orange county california or are going to orange county then you can take a lesson in huntington beach with the crew at yougosurf they are really good. just type

Lessons are good to start with, 1 or 2 max. After that it's all time in the water. Paddle fitness is like fitness for running, or lifting weights, or core work etc but it's not the same. The only thing that gets you paddle fit is paddling in my very humble opinion.

Popping up and turning etc will come with time but one thing I notice with beginners is that they always walk their boards out then paddle for a white water wave, catch it, ride it in to the shore, hop off and walk back out. I reckon if you paddle back out as much as you can you will progress a lot quicker. Your first few sessions will be shorter as you will tire a lot quicker but in the long run you will become paddle fit faster. Remember surfing is 90% paddling 10% riding waves if you are lucky. Don't forget to have fun.

I second the above, great advice! Paddling strength is everything, if you are paddle fit you'll also be more confident in your ability to deal with hold downs and wipeouts as you won't be out of breath.