Surfing Waves

Hello!

I'm a fat 18 stone guy who wants to learn to surf.

I've messed about on a foamie a few times and that's made me decide I want to learn how to surf

I'm in the process of loosing weight, I was 20 stone and I'm now 18 stone so I'm on the right path with weight loss but I'm a long way from where I should be.

I know you have to be fit to surf well but my question is can I learn to surf now or do I need to loose more weight before I can start to learn?

Thanks in advance!

If you want to learn now you need a big board. I've taught a few guys who were probably around 18 stone, using a 10ft foamie that feels like an aircraft carrier when I ride it. Even with that it's very hard to push them into waves and even more so to get them catching waves themselves.

If you're willing to stick with it, go for it. As you lose weight and your fitness improves, things will get easier. Just make sure you get a large longboard.

You will be able to find a board that suits (there is a Bic 'super magnum' for example that will float you no problems).

However, you will need to physically be able to your feet pretty fast from a prone (flat on the floor) position within a pretty short time (pop up). Even if this is by front foot forward and push up then back foot (google 'aussie sprinter' pop up)

Also, for the sake of safety, before you venture out too far into the waves, you need to be able to swim at least 300m and preferably 500m at a bare minimum (and aiming at 800-1000m), just in case you lose your board. However, probably the first few months you will spend in the shallows/in the white water, as do all beginners, so you dont need to have that skill before you start - but you need that skill before you go out further.

Otherwise, there is nothing inherently different to surfing that means you can't do it at 18 stone. Its not an easy sport to learn but suitable equipment is available; after that its up to your physical ability as it is for everyone else.

The guys on the sides of me are highly respected, awesome surfers in Waikiki. I think they're near 18 stones ( 250 pounds ). The guy on my right rips on a Costco wavestorm 8' softboard.

I was close to that weight a few years ago and lost a lot of it. The main challenge you will face is not weight, but typically with that weight comes a lack of fitness and flexibility. Start in the whitewater with a big boards and if you have fun, the motivation to lose weight and getting fitter will increase fast

Thanks for all the info!

I will continue with my weight loss and start learning at the same time then

I've been given a secondhand 9" Vision foam board, do you think this will be suitable for me of am I too heavy for it at them moment?

Thanks again!

I'm not familiar with the Vision brand, but the Wavestorms are 8ft and they have plenty of float(I'm about 230), would think even if the dims are a bit different a 9footer should be more than suitable for you. You got nothing to lose, try and get out as often as you can and you'll start getting the hang of things. Would also be a good idea to read up on past threads here from other beginners and check out some vids on youtube(Surfsimply has a number of good ones), if you haven't already done so. Nothing replaces time in the water, but you can find a lot of useful info.

Just try it. At 22" it is not very wide for you,

The Vision should be fine to start off with - they seem pretty well made, with stringers etc. I think you will find, once you are up and running, that the soft fins will not give you the 'grip' you need to do hard turns at any speed, but that is a fair way off (many months). So an excellent way to start (and for free!).

Don't worry too much about the weight. I've been surfing for a little over a year and gained 3-4lbs while dropping 1.5 size on wetsuits, meaning I'm getting fitter although I'm heavier now (right???) If you are having fun w/ the board it's great! If it's too frustrating that's probably a sign that you need a different (probably bigger) board.

Don't worry too much about the weight. I've been surfing for a little over a year and I've gained 3-4 lbs while dropping 1.5 sizes on wetsuits, meaning I'm fitter even though I'm heavier(right???) If you are having fun with your board it's great! If it's too frustrating you'd probably need a different (most likely bigger) board.

Hey Chrisab,

I am really happy that you started surfing with overweight. Not too many people would started to learn a new sport like you did. I have a friend who have the same problem. A few moth ago he decided he will carry through a surf trip with me in Portugal. I was wondering wheter he could manage to paddle out without any preparation, skill and preworkout. He was a huge surprise for me. Immediately fell in love with surfing. After we came back from the trip, he started a really consistent HIIT workout routine. It is all about loosing weight, get some muscle and stamina. He is really persistent. I am happy for him.

Now we are planning the next destination:)

In my opinion you should learn the basics of surfing whenever you have some time. At the beginnings you can use a bigger board and slowly you can improve for a shorter one. Don't be on a hurry. It is all about having the most fun out there.

Have fun and let me know about you progression!