Surfing Waves

How important is where you begin surfing? I will be traveling to take my first lessons in March, not sure where. I assume that the size of the waves will initially be unimportant. What factors are the most important when picking a destination for beginning lessons?

Thanks
Jeff

1. don't surf where experienced surfers are surfing
2. beach break is good (soft bottom and gradual bottom slope)
3. many white water (crashing) waves one after the other without delay (that way you can keep learning to pop up, etc, w/o delay)
4. don't try to ride unbroken waves greater than 3 or 4 feet in height

If you're signing up to beginner lessons, I'd hope that the surf school / instructor would ensure the destination and conditions were suitable.

if you put up your location then members might be able to suggest some good beginner spots

I am in Louisville, Kentucky

I had initially thought of going to Costa Rica for a trip but that does not appear to be an option at the moment. I have somewhat narrowed it down to M and M Surf School at Seal Beach, California or Island Water Sports at Deerfield Beach, Florida. I would be doing a five day trip and looking to do a three day surf lesson package. This is my first time, getting my feet wet kind of experience. Trip would be March 26 - March 30. I can't imagine myself doing anythin unsupervised so hopefully whoever is running the lessons would keep me from doing anything too stupid

Jeffrey Brown wrote:I have somewhat narrowed it down to M and M Surf School at Seal Beach, California or Island Water Sports at Deerfield Beach, Florida.

If you're planning in advance, I'd go with the CA school as waves there will be more consistent. Florida can get really flat - though maybe someone can chime in on usual March conditions there. You don't need big waves but you want them to at least be 2-3 feet.

Agree with Billie about conditions. Most beginner surf schools will be located in places with pretty safe conditions, though there are a few areas where pretty much every break is coral and thus even the beginner schools are on coral beaches - e.g., south side of Kauai. Provides a good incentive to learn to fall flat from the get go!

Hi, sorry to chime in but can you explain what you mean by falling flat to avoid coral? Thanks!

They mean if you fall flat like on your back instead of head or feet first you don't penetrate down as much so if there is reef you will be more likely to avoid it

Jeffrey Brown wrote:I assume that the size of the waves will initially be unimportant.

I assume you're joking?