Surfing Waves

So I went surfing for my first time this past Friday, I rented an 8 foot softboard(they just gave us softboards cause we were beginners). Anyways, I attempted for almost 2 hours, but didn't get up on any waves. Now I look back and realize everything I was doing wrong. The question is, the next time I go, should I stick with the 8 foot board, or should I rent a 9 foot board.

The things I was doing wrong was:

1. Not getting my center of gravity on the board, so I wasn't positioned very well.

2. I was trying to pop-up to early, which means the board would just go down into the water.

I think I may have been just too eager to get up on a wave instead of taking the time to get a feel for the board.

I did almost get up once, I had my feet on the board, but I had popped up too early, and the board went under.

Thanks, Andy.

What do you mean the "board went under"? If you mean the nose went under the water (and you got catapulted forward) then your weight is too far forward. If you pop up correctly, BUT early, then the wave will tend to pass you by because you didn't have sufficient speed to be on the wave.

Yea, the nose would go under. Or I'd be too far back, and the board would kind of shoot out.

Two hours is nothing.
Just get back out there and try again. Get the biggest board you can for now.

Learn how to catch a wave first - dont worry about standing up. Make sure you can get the board to move with you lying down on it, and then once you've got that consistent, think about standing up.

agreed: go with the 9 footer. the more stability the better.

good advice above, I'd add this: are you lining up for whitewater or breaking faces? try the whitewater first. it's much more forgiving. point strait at the beach, ride a few on your belly, then ride a few on your knees, then try to stand up. that will help you learn the balance point for the board.

Alright, getting some good advice, I'll try this stuff. I'm also going to go to a more beginner friendly beach, so rentals will be totally different, but I'll take a longboard anyways.

Edit:

Just found a 9 foot foam board for sale locally in good condition. $70. Or there is an 8 foot fiberglass board that is a bit farther away for $75. Which do you guys think would be a better board?

This is the 9 foot foam board:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/spo/2488772667.html


This is the 8 foot fiberglass board:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/spo/2488772667.html

I'm leaning towards the 8 foot board myself, what do you guys think?


Thanks, Andy.

Dont think about buying boards yet.
You need to start on a foam board, but you'll soon outgrow it, so hire a foamie for a month, then think about buying a proper board.

dude andy, for this kind of money just head over to costco in San Mateo and buy one of their foam boards. I was there the other day and they had a few left. If i remember right they're $100 new. They surf decent too, for a foamy anyway. a little smaller than we've been talking, but at least you'll have consistency. I've had success getting 180lb guys to stand up on mine.

your links are identical so i can't see the fiberglass one but the soft board doesn't look too good to me. looks like one of the oldschool tank foam boards which sucked.

that said: $75 for a poly board is a great deal if it's in good condition.

Ydna wrote:Alright, getting some good advice, I'll try this stuff. I'm also going to go to a more beginner friendly beach, so rentals will be totally different, but I'll take a longboard anyways.

Edit:

Just found a 9 foot foam board for sale locally in good condition. $70. Or there is an 8 foot fiberglass board that is a bit farther away for $75. Which do you guys think would be a better board?

This is the 9 foot foam board:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/spo/2488772667.html


This is the 8 foot fiberglass board:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/spo/2488772667.html

I'm leaning towards the 8 foot board myself, what do you guys think?


Thanks, Andy.

drowningbitbybit wrote:Dont think about buying boards yet.
You need to start on a foam board, but you'll soon outgrow it, so hire a foamie for a month, then think about buying a proper board.

Alright, I'll cool it for now. Atleast I'm not convinced I can start on a shortboard I suppose. I need to just start going like 2 or 3 times a week. After I graduate I'm going to try and go to a community college near the beach.