Taking on a new surf spot...

[PeaceNWaves]

I am a novice surfer, still can't even stand up very well, but I absolutely love the sport and really want to get better. I just moved to Ocean Beach in San Diego and live just steps away from the water. So I really want to start surfing on a regular basis and start working on getting better. However, the surfers here are more experienced and have a reputation on being kind of aggressive. So when the line ups get crowded, which they do everyday out here, I don't know how to approach getting out in the water without feeling uncomfortable (doesn't help I am a female either) or feeling like I might piss someone off. If you have any advice for me on how to approach this situation and possibly even reach out to some of these surfers for pointers and such, please please let me know!

[surferdude_scarborough]

Hello, Welcome and such.

It might be worth getting a couple of surf lessons. They will be able to teach you all the rules about wave priority and etiquette so you wont get in the way too much. They'll also point you in the right direction as far as standing up is concerned. As for reaching out just smile and be friendly. You'll get pointers from more experienced surfers if you ask.

[jaffa1949]

Ocean beach has a reputation of being an aggro surf spot and can be heavy in its wave too. But along the beach on days that suit your level of surfing there will be a number of peaks or waves that you can go to without encountering aggro, any body hssling on the beach is another matter .
Be regular in your surf efforts, go out any day you can become a fixture in your progress, you will be noticed.Your response in surfing where you are at your level will encourage them to encourage you. Most guys will help patronisingly or not most girls they see having a good go at it.
At any new spot take your time, choose the lesser breaks until you find your feet.
At some breaks probably not Ocean Beach, other surfers may call you to step up to the next level if they see under performing on a poorer wave.
Hope you get to that stage soon.

[perusurf]

that's some great advice from jaffa.
the fact that you are a girl will help you anywhere i think, just don't drop in on the people, they'll let you have a wave eventually, just go for the waves and don't be afraid, confidence that you'll make the drop is very important, you can't hessitate.

[Sar]

Like the guys said......I actually found that when going out on my own being a girl helps a bit as a lot of guys cant help but be more polite as long as you observe the basic rules and dont make a complete nusence of yourself and are respectful.

Make sure you are determined when you paddle out and commit when going for a wave though so you dont get labelled a 'sissy' girl.