Moving to Southern California

[TroutBum]

I am moving to Southern California (Irvine area)in a few months from Dallas. Thinking about surfing. Not in bad shape but I am 44. I am 5'-10" and 180#. I was a competitive swimmer in high school, but that was long ago. I have started swimming again. Looking to ease in to it, is there any areas where older begainers can surf? It's not a mid-life crises thing more of a "When in Rome". Any advice on locations, surfing schools, or exercises for surfing would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Stephen

[Sykes]

Check out Old Man's down in San Onofre. My brother likes it because, at 45, he says he's the youngest guy in the lineup.

Don't let being 44 phase you. I'm 42 and just started surfing this last summer. Loving it, and getting better all the time.

[oldgrom]

Sykes can vouch for me,,As I can vouch for him on this one and even though he's in Florida he's talkin about one of the best spots in CAl period ! ! ! Only stop in north America for ASP.
I'm here in So Cal, South Bay and you'll be just south of me on 405 frwy if your in Irvine and about oh 30 min from San O. You won't find any hostile moments there it's got a great vibe. Trying to get Sykes Brother on here and get with him there with a few outher buds to pack a line up with (our own) so to say. Troutbum when you get here let me know I'll take ya out with a couple of my buds and let ya get worked in the surf for your first time. ha ha don't worry it happens to all and at 40 myself and couple outher dudes older will tell you the same. You'll have no problem and will get better with themore you do it. Just gotta be able to laugh at outhers as well as self and don't mind when their laughing at you... Now if you hunt,fish,camp well then we have somting to talk about..... Pig and Turkey coming soon !!

[TroutBum]

Thanks Sykes! That makes me feel better that I won't be the oldest in the lineup.

[TroutBum]

Oldgrom, Thanks for the info and the invite! I will take you up on that. They say laughter helps you live longer so I am sure I will ad a few years to your lives. I love to fish,and camp. My wife is the hunter, but I will give anything a try. Thanks again

[oldgrom]

Your on.. but my wife don't hunt just started surfing but no hunting.

[Sykes]

btw, as has been said on this forum before, the best excercise for surfing is surfing. Then surf some more

Expect to be sore for the first couple of weeks, until you build up some paddling muscles. Stick it out through those couple of weeks, though, and things will start to come together. If nothing else, you'll be at the beach, and there are few places on this earth better than the beach.

P.S. Oldgrom is straight up, and has a great attitude. I'd go surfing with him anytime.