What waves to learn on?

[ZorAxe]

Howzit everyone. I'm new here any I just wanna know what are the best waves to learn on?

Thanks

[Sillysausage]

depends on what board you've got but anything from 1-3ft really, any bigger you may find it hard to get out, but if you fancy it go for it. theres nothing saying you're not allowed to surf bigger waves

[CHarvey]

Just make sure you don't get in over your head. Know your limitations.

[SDgrom]

the worst you can find

[pkbum]

Try to find a time when it is low tide and size is a pretty big(1~3ft). You won't have much trouble when the tides are low and you can move by feet and jump over the sets.

[ZorAxe]

I've got a 6.1ft board. I know its not the best board to learn on, but I got it at a really good price, and I'm really keen to learn. Does wind direction play a big part in the quality of the waves?

[Sillysausage]

ok, yes wind does play a big part in waves, offshore being the best, also seems as you have a shortboard you may be looking at slightly bigger wave size to learn on

[isaluteyou]

Does wind direction play a big part in the quality of the waves?

wind has a massive effect on waves. You want nice offshore winds but not howling offshore. But at this stage i wouldnt worry about that.

Try to find a time when it is low tide and size is a pretty big(1~3ft).

not always a good idea a few breaks i surf can turn seriously mutant at low tide and just turn into a closeout. Oh and never let your eyes be the judge of conditions until you have some experience behind you.

6'1 that sounds like a recipe for frustration good luck with that. ( im not sure riding foamies on a 6'1 is actually practical but with dedication anything is achievable)

[Sillysausage]

yes agree on the low tide, can be good and bad, but many spots i know get more hollow at low tide and are a lot faster but true in some cases

[essex sucks]

some of the spots i know turn into a shore dump at low tide but fun

[pkbum]

not always a good idea a few breaks i surf can turn seriously mutant at low tide and just turn into a closeout. Oh and never let your eyes be the judge of conditions until you have some experience behind you.

Yeah, I guess I was saying this out of my beach break only. But it works best in newport for beginners!

[billie_morini]

I like to start people new to surfing in mushy waves that offer long rides. I'll put them in it for two days straight all day long so they can develop the ability to pop up and ride standing without thinking about what they are doing. Then we'll spend a lot of time on 1 to 3 or 4 foot waves. Every once in awhile we'll get into some 6 foot waves to help the new person begin to realize what skills and fun are ahead. But, seriously, riding a lot of mushy waves is the best way I know for someone to begin

[ZorAxe]

Thanks guys for all your answers, I really appreciate them. I know its not gonna be easy to learn on a shortboard, but im gonna try get my hands on a longboard just to make it easier to learn.

Another question, what do you mean when you say "offshore winds" does that mean the wind must be blowing from the sand out towards the ocean?

Here is a picture of my board, it is a second hand board. I only paid R350 for the board (which is about $50 US and £30 UK), sorry for the bad quality

[justloafing]

Yep that is off shore. It helps hold the faces up longer and less chop.

[billie_morini]

ZorAxe,
there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a used surfboard. All 3 of mine are used. So are my two wetsuits.

Buy the way, that's a cool white stratocaster next to your board. I like it: guitars and surfboards.

[ZorAxe]

ZorAxe,
there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a used surfboard. All 3 of mine are used. So are my two wetsuits.

Buy the way, that's a cool white stratocaster next to your board. I like it: guitars and surfboards.

Hahahaha thanks billie I digg guitars too, also got a drum set

My board is a 6.1ft and i am about 5.7ft tall. Is it gonna be difficult to learn on this board??

[crepuscular]

My board is a 6.1ft and i am about 5.7ft tall. Is it gonna be difficult to learn on this board??

you are around my height, 6.1ft boards should be alright, but yes, it is harder to learn compare to longboards because you don't get as much float, which helps paddling...
generally, when start learning to surf, it's best to catch the white water or 1ft waves, there's no point trying to go out to the open water when you won't be able to catch any waves that are too difficult for your level; you'll just be wasting your strength and struggle. Train up your stamina and paddling strength is very important, so for the first few time probably don't try to catch any waves, just keep paddling around. Since you won't be able to catch any waves if you can't paddle well.

[ZorAxe]

My board is a 6.1ft and i am about 5.7ft tall. Is it gonna be difficult to learn on this board??

you are around my height, 6.1ft boards should be alright, but yes, it is harder to learn compare to longboards because you don't get as much float, which helps paddling...
generally, when start learning to surf, it's best to catch the white water or 1ft waves, there's no point trying to go out to the open water when you won't be able to catch any waves that are too difficult for your level; you'll just be wasting your strength and struggle. Train up your stamina and paddling strength is very important, so for the first few time probably don't try to catch any waves, just keep paddling around. Since you won't be able to catch any waves if you can't paddle well.

Cool.. Thanks man, i'll keep that in mind next time i go surfing

[crepuscular]

Myself actually progressed pretty fast, from don't know how to surf on longboard to hybrid to able to stand up and turn on shortboard within 3 months, but the most important thing about surfing is know your limitations, how long your stamina can last for, what wave sizes yourself is capable of catching. I've seen new surfers go into shops and buy a brand new shortboard, then ended up struggling in open water.

[ZorAxe]

One of my friends can surf so I'll go with him next time and hopefully he can some me a few things..