Can't get back into surfing, can anyone help?

[MyMaiTai]

Ok so it's been quite a while since I've surfed, like more than 2 years due to college and work, and living 300km from the nearest surf. I have a 7'4" board that's dinged to bits but it'll do til I can afford a better one. I'm around 5'7'' and weigh about 9 stone.

I have decided to take it up again for the summer and I have a lot of problems, so if anyone has any advice it'd be greatly appreciated!

First thing I noticed was that I have completely lost my nerve! I used to be out in the line up every day, no matter how big the waves were. Now I find myself struggling to even get myself into the water. Even white wash scares me

I also found that I when I do manage to get out into the lineup my arms are so sore I cant paddle hard enough to catch anything. Are there any exercises I can do to ease this? I feel so weak I often just give up entirely and always regret it.

Also, I find that no matter how hard I paddle, I can't catch a wave even when its just about to break over me. I dont know if I'm hesitiating, or if my position is bad, or what. Anyone have any advice? Once I actually catch the wave I have no problem standing and turning etc.

If anyone can help me I'll love you forever!! Its just so frustrating

[behindThePeak]

you just lost your arm strength. happens to anyone that spends too much time inland. keep paddling and you'll get it back in a few weeks. the extra muscle will also help you catch more waves. drink protein shakes, i'm not certain they do anything, but maybe... and they're delicious.

as for the nerve: you've spent 2 years growing older and wiser, a bad habit if you expect to keep mindlessly charging waves. but no real way to avoid it is there?

just suck it up and go bail a few late drops to regain your perspective of how a good pounding feels. these days i find that i need to get thumped a few times before i feel comfortable if i haven't been out in solid surf in a while.

[tony g]

Just stay with it and your confidence level will increase. The more your in the surf the more comfortable you will be. I would stick to the size of waves you feel comfortable with at first. Then as you regain your fitness level and confidence start pushing yourself a little bit at a time. Just try to have fun, surfing is a blast!