Hi from Germany

[Eljot]

Hi,

I'm originally from New York and lived in London for several years.
I have no idea about surfing altho I have several buddies in the UK who surf in Devon but when I wanted to try it out when I was in Devon the weather was too bad.

My brother is building bungalows/hostals in South America next to the beach where there is a lot of surf so his main customers will be surfers and I will go down there as soon as they're finished.

I'm a competitive swimmer which is why I'm in the water almost everyday so I'm looking forward to learn to surf(I hope being a swimmer and former skateboarder helps somewhat) and want to see if I can pick up some tips on here

[jaffa1949]

Welcome Eljot, NY to London now Germany to South America that is an adventure, . Have a read around the learning tips and see what questions you want to ask! .
Skate boarding will help a tiny bit round balancing once you are up but all the rest will be brand new and if you are where there is a surf camp being established there can be only one answer. GO SURFING try all the suggestions as to boards and what to do to surf by begging and borrowing boards and seeing what fits what you for surfing.

[surf patrol]

Hi Eljot, welcome to Surfing Waves!

A place to stay right next to a surf beach is ideal. Get out there!

[Eljot]

Thanks, I reckoned that skateboarding will only be a small help. I guess being a swimmer helps somewhat but I'm hoping that mainly being in good shape might help(famous last words). I'd be living about 300 yards from the beach tho so I would have enough time to practice

[esonscar]

Dude . . . you are in for a BIG surprise (It will be mega fun though!).

Keep asking the questions here - we will help you.

[TOP TIP: go swim in the ocean and body surf small inside waves to get 'the feel' - that will be soooo beneficial to your progress - trust me ]