Surfing Waves

Ok so it's been quite a while since I've surfed, like more than 2 years due to college and work, and living 300km from the nearest surf. I have a 7'4" board that's dinged to bits but it'll do til I can afford a better one. I'm around 5'7'' and weigh about 9 stone.

I have decided to take it up again for the summer and I have a lot of problems, so if anyone has any advice it'd be greatly appreciated!

First thing I noticed was that I have completely lost my nerve! I used to be out in the line up every day, no matter how big the waves were. Now I find myself struggling to even get myself into the water. Even white wash scares me

I also found that I when I do manage to get out into the lineup my arms are so sore I cant paddle hard enough to catch anything. Are there any exercises I can do to ease this? I feel so weak I often just give up entirely and always regret it.

Also, I find that no matter how hard I paddle, I can't catch a wave even when its just about to break over me. I dont know if I'm hesitiating, or if my position is bad, or what. Anyone have any advice? Once I actually catch the wave I have no problem standing and turning etc.

If anyone can help me I'll love you forever!! Its just so frustrating

you just lost your arm strength. happens to anyone that spends too much time inland. keep paddling and you'll get it back in a few weeks. the extra muscle will also help you catch more waves. drink protein shakes, i'm not certain they do anything, but maybe... and they're delicious.

as for the nerve: you've spent 2 years growing older and wiser, a bad habit if you expect to keep mindlessly charging waves. but no real way to avoid it is there?

just suck it up and go bail a few late drops to regain your perspective of how a good pounding feels. these days i find that i need to get thumped a few times before i feel comfortable if i haven't been out in solid surf in a while.

Just stay with it and your confidence level will increase. The more your in the surf the more comfortable you will be. I would stick to the size of waves you feel comfortable with at first. Then as you regain your fitness level and confidence start pushing yourself a little bit at a time. Just try to have fun, surfing is a blast!