next topic is 'observation'

[55funsurf]

our ability to make good observation is impacted by our attitude.

A tempered attitude and self control over impatience, impetuousness and zealousness paves the way for observation.

It is said countless times amongst surfers and within literature, obesrve the conditions...before you enetre the water....Sometimes we are in such a hurry to go surfing that we actually forget what going surfing is actually all about....

It would take a thesis to explain and describe the possible combintaions of observations and options that could be considered, but basic things like, wind direction, tide movement, forecast, swell direction, location of the peak (s), channels, wherabouts of surfers in the water who is surfing well, potential trouble spots, alternate peaks, secondary peaks...etc etc...

So at this point we have not even entered the water, or made a decision to enter the water, all we have done is established a good attitude, and though this we manage some observations...

Ross (AKA WAL)

[IB_Surfer]

Hey funsurf. Good advice, seems like you're on a roll.

[oldmansurfer]

I agree that observation is important. It's all a learning process and it is good to look at the ocean and the waves and the surfers and see what is going on. Where are the good waves breaking? Where is the current going? How should I enter the break and how should I exit the break? Knowing your own set of skills and setting a goal to not push your abilities to the max. You always want to have a little reserve just in case. If you have pushed yourself to the max and get into trouble you are dead because you have no reserve. So keep in mind that you should never exit when you are completely tired and can barely paddle. It should be well before that.