Trying to start surfing !

[Nicktop95]

Hey guys I'm new to the forum and had a few questions on getting into surfing (:
I tried to twice as a kid but since I couldn't drive it was a dead end. So now that I have the ability I really want to get into it ! Since I have to wait for summer Im gonna try to get as much information as I can in the mean time . I've been doing some reading trying to find answers online and have 3 main things I wanted some advice on 1.Board 2.Transportation 3.Beaches
I'm 20 years old 6'0 175 lbs and not that fit at the moment . So far I think I've decided on a 9'0 Epoxy Longboard , i want epoxy because I probably wouldn't notice and performance difference since I'm just trying to learn and I'm really worried about durability . Is there any big difference as far as quality between "pop outs" and would the board being a nose rider or performance longboard matter at this stage?
There's been 3 boards I've had my eye one that fit my budget of around $350-$400
The first one is by covalent surfboards
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/spo/5415885520.html
The other 2 are by March 21st and are conveniently made 15 minutes from where I live
http://m.ebay.com/itm/201315007598

http://m.ebay.com/itm/91-x-22-x-2-88-Ep ... 0408.m2460
Any opinions on these boards ? Reasons one appears to be a better buy or things to avoid ?

2nd subject transportation
I live about an hour from the beach so it's all freeway and I'm concerned about the board on top of the car at those speeds , I drive a mustang but I figured that's not an option with a board that big , luckily there's the family suburban with a hard roof rack on top . What would I need to make the board safe and secure on top ? I would assume just foam padding for the rails and some good tie down straps ? Also curious about how to carry multiple boards on top

3rd subject which beaches would be good to learn on?
I live in Southern California more specifically Inland Empire so Orange County and maybe Northern San Diego might work . I'm looking for somewhere with as little crowds as possible which is probably impossible in SoCal. So far San Onofre is looking like the best option but any other suggestions of beaches or opinions on San O would be appreciated !

Also any info on wetsuits for that area please I'm guessing a 4/3 suit would be fine ?

Sorry if any of this has been answered elsewhere I tried to do as much research on my own but I appreciate any feedback , advice , tips or replies you guys have to offer ! (:

[IB_Surfer]

The third one seems too thin for a beginner your size. The two others look ok, but the first one looks like hand shaped epoxy, which probably performs a little better but is not as durable. I'd go with #2, but they have a bunch of those companies locally so you can avoid the shipping cost.

[BaNZ]

San Onofre is the best with longboards and most of the surfers there are very friendly. I thought I was a mediocre surfer until I went there. Everyone is amazing and I only saw 3-4 beginners on white wash for the month that I was there. So you will have plenty of waves to practice on.

Oh how I wish I'm still at San O surfing with Bill from the forum here.

[BoMan]

I'm curious about how to carry multiple boards on top (:

For the last year I've carried a 9'2" longboard on a Toyota Corolla with a Thule roof rack. Driving at freeway speed and windy connections the rack has been solid and I recommend it highly. The model below at $149 holds 2 boards.

https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/products/carriers-and-racks/water-sport-carriers/surf-boards-carriers/thule-hang-two-surf-carrier-554xt-_-14450

surfboard-rack.png (63.44 KiB) Viewed 897 times

[oldgrom22]

Being located in socal, you have a lot of options on the used board market on craigslist. Just have to be diligent in your search and act fast, I've come across some amazing deals, but there are so many resellers these days you do have competition. Nothing wrong with a pop out, especially if its from a known brand. Some of those boards are solid and if you keep it in shape, you can probably recoup most your costs if you decide to sell it later on. Being your size, you might get away with a performance board, but I'd personally recommend a more standard nose rider for the added stability(at this point in the game you want to be able to catch the most waves possible).

The rack like BoMan suggested would probably be your best bet for transportaion, they have a few other companies as well(Inno/Yakima), that you can find used on CL, but tie downs and pads on a roof rack work fine(I trekked from north OC to Sano many times my first couple years surfing with zero issues).

You have a few options in regards to beginner breaks around here. Sano is definitely a good choice(started there myself). The vibe is mellow and during the weekend, you'll have to deal with crowds, but if you catch a clean one there, the wait will be worth it. Bolsa Chica is another good spot to learn on and you can usually find a peak to yourself. You can also try Doheny(my least favorite), but this spot pretty much has one takeoff zone so it can be tricky getting your wave count. HB will be an option as well, I surf there the most, but have to admit that when I was a beginner I struggled there as the wave was quicker than I was used to. However, I see newbs out in the water all the time(just not on bigger days) and they seem to get on ok. There should also be a bunch down in SD but I'm not familiar with the area(someone from there will probably chime in).

I'd recommend a 3/2 over a 4/3, especially if you're going to wait until summer(I wear a 4/3 for 2-3 months max out of the year and the rest is in my 3/2(occasionally in boardies).

[CheaterFiveSurfBum]

The second board looks like the best shape definitely except it's a little short, I think you should go at least 9'6" but I'm 226 and I like to nose ride so Im biased. When you strap your board on the roof, make sure fin is forward. Never use bungee cords. I live in florida cocoa beach area now but for about 5 years or so I lived 150 miles from the beach. I had a full time job and went to college class's several nights a week. I surfed more then than I surf now living right near beach. At least several days a week then no matter what it looked like. Now I only surf when its perfect but if it's perfect for 9 days straight, I will surf every day until I can't take it any more. Most people travel to surf. Most important thing is don't learn to surf near experienced surfers. If you see a guy walking the board, don't surf near him. He will take all the waves and you will get in his way.
My favorite break is cocoa beach pier sandbars. There are a lot of tourists and beginners there so I know the mistakes they make. The number one most important thing is NEVER EVER drop in on someone. That is like picking your nose while eating dinner. But if you stay away from experienced surfers, you wont have that problem. I can often be the best one surfing out there cause I been doing it a very long time but if I see a bunch of the hotdog local guys, I don't surf near them cause it is serious competition for the better waves so its best to stay away from good surfers while learning unless you are a really hot chick and then you will get any wave you want. Our water is 82 degrees much of year so don't know much about wet suits anymore. If you have a van, you can change inside it and sleep in it. Keep your feet together when you paddle at all times, dig deep like your on a canoe, not fast like shortboarders. When you think you caught the wave, paddle 5 more times then jump up. Never, ever go to your knees. Never, ever let your board go and rely on your leash. You could get someone killed. I have broken 4 leash's with my heavy nose rider and almost drowned in a hurricane. I stopped using a leash completely about 10 or 15 years or so ago maybe, Even in hurricanes. Now if I lose my board (very rare), I know I can make it to the beach easily. One thing that helped me is I paddled way out, tandem, a couple times with my 90 pound girlfriend in head high semi rough waves and then swam back to shore on my own during high tide. Best thing to do is stay calm and swim on your back. Because of that practice, every hurricane I surfed last few years was on a 10' 40 pound board (The board in my icon picture upper left) with no leash and I was not scared. Confidence and courage is the number one thing that will help you catch a lot of waves.
(sorry if this was long winded, I live alone)

[waikikikichan]

lThe other 2 are by March 21st and are conveniently made 15 minutes from where I live

Those M.Dolsey boards I believe are made in China. The ones i used to sell were. Be careful when makers says "Designed in California" or "Designed in the USA", that translate to made in China. ( especially if you also shopping for a bicycle )

The ones produced in Thailand like Surftech and NSP, ones in Taiwan like Torq and others like BIC are more durable than those produced in China.

[jaffa1949]

Also curious about how to carry multiple boards on top

(:

Problem solved by 1966 Australian version.

[dtc]

I'm curious about how to carry multiple boards on top (:

For the last year I've carried a 9'2" longboard on a Toyota Corolla with a Thule roof rack. Driving at freeway speed and windy connections the rack has been solid and I recommend it highly. The model below at $149 holds 2 boards.

You can buy padding for the roof rack bars as well if you want, or use a pool noodle (some bars have a bit of rubber on them already)

Also, get good board bags. Driving with your board unbagged will just encourage rocks and things to hit it. Most bags are 5mm padding (1/5 inch), if you want to be extra careful find a 'travel bag' with 10mm padding (probably not necessary but just extra comfort).

[RinkyDink]

Here are a few things that have made surfing less of a hassle for me.

A floor-mat. I kept seeing female surfers in the beach parking lot standing on floor mats as they put their wetsuits on. I thought that was frickin' brilliant. I love California girls. I swiped the welcome mat from my last apartment, threw it in the back of my car, and use it to dress out on.

A changing pancho. Sure the purists say it's frivolous because you can just use a towel. To each his own. I find it makes things a lot easier and warmer.

Compression shirt. Wearing one under my chest zip wetsuit makes getting it off a lot easier.

Plastic baggies. Stick your foot in one and it makes sliding your foot through a wet wetsuit easier.

[jaffa1949]

A couple of thoughts that I think are important.
I believe it is selfish not to wear a leash ( it has nothing to do with be able to swim in , you should be able to do that anyway,) the leash is to prevent an unguided missile being launched through the surfing crowd.
There are court cases in Australia where an unleashed board has caused someone brain damage and legal action for compensation has been taken.
take your time using surfing to get fitter and seek areas where you can progress safely and comfortably, understand too surfing is not as easy as it looks.
Bungee cords to tie board down no no, good ratchet flat straps, bungees can be bounced open at highway speeds, just the wind of a sixteen wheeler going past can do it!
At your age and weight 9 is fine as is 9'6". you are young and able to learn faster but not as fast as a thirteen year old.
Good and enjoy thoroughly!

[BoMan]

Problem solved by 1966 Australian version.

You gotta love it...ropes tied through a hole in the fin!

In high school, I loaded a 6'11" fish into a VW beetle with the tail hanging out of the passenger window. The only thing holding it in place was a rolled up window. It's amazing I survived my youth.

[jaffa1949]

Guess we invented the leg rope too then!
I hadn't noticed that That crew all came from Manly beach and that day they were at Brown Water on the north of Long Reef.

[Nicktop95]

Wow this site is great , a lot more feedback than I was expecting! Thanks for all the information on my questions and tips for starting (:
I'm probably gonna go with the second board maybe check it out in person tomorrow or Saturday ! Too bad it's gonna be tortue having it in the house and not being able to ride until it gets warmer

[dtc]

Too bad it's gonna be torture having it in the house and not being able to ride until it gets warmer

Why cant you ride it now? I've never surfed around your area but looking up water temps online it suggests around 60F as the coldest (15.5C for those in the civilised parts of the world ) which is plenty warm enough to surf in with a wetsuit - a 3/2 might be enough, although a 3/2 with a vest underneath might be more comfy. Booties and hoodie optional. People regularly surf in 40F temps or less.

Also, when starting off you probably will be exhausted before you are cold.

Don't worry about big winter swells or anything, you may well be starting in white water or can just find a sheltered corner somewhere or surf the small waves close to shore rather than the ones out back. Obviously if the forecast is for huge waves maybe don't go, but just because the waves are 'larger' doesn't mean you cant go out and do some useful stuff. Then, when the smaller summer waves come around, you will be ready to 'rip'.

[RinkyDink]

Too bad it's gonna be tortue having it in the house and not being able to ride until it gets warmer

Start surfing now. I went to the beach directly from work today. I took my work clothes off in the parking lot, put my wetsuit on, and at 4:30 I was in the water for the best surf I've had since I restarted surfing.There was zero wind and the waves were like glass. For about 45 minutes it was just me and some other dude watching each other take off on waves . . . good waves. It was the best session I've had since I started surfing again. Lots of other surfers did show up, however, and we all left when it was practically dark. Great day.

[jaffa1949]

Too bad it's gonna be tortue having it in the house and not being able to ride until it gets warmer

Start surfing now. I went to the beach directly from work today. I took my work clothes off in the parking lot, put my wetsuit on, and at 4:30 I was in the water for the best surf I've had since I restarted surfing.There was zero wind and the waves were like glass. For about 45 minutes it was just me and some other dude watching each other take off on waves . . . good waves. It was the best session I've had since I started surfing again. Lots of other surfers did show up, however, and we all left when it was practically dark. Great day.

One of the best pieces of advice you are ever going to get!

[billie_morini]

Nick,
you have no idea how fortunate you are with your location. You are very proximally located to one of the best beginner surf breaks in the world. Here is what you do. Get over to San Onofre State Beach located on Hwy 101 near Camp Pendleton and the old Nuke plant. Drive on into the park on a day, go down the hill and surf at the most southern of the 3 breaks. This is called "Dog Patch" because it is so easy to surf here that even a dog can learn. On good days, you will share these waves with tandem surfers (e.g., big men w/ small women doing tricks on ultra long boards; it's amazing). Very frequently, there are big fat, slow moving waves that offer rides from 30 seconds to 1 and a half minutes! The water is clean and warm. Everyone here is very mellow. You'll see grandpa teaching grandchild how to surf. You'll see families that have come to this beach for 3 or more generations. IF you do not believe me, then ask BANZ. He visited from the UK in late Summer 2015 and we met there. Make this your home break. Lastly, for many years I lived in NorCAL and drove more than 1 hour one way to surf, I loved it. All that was required was a good wet suit (purchased used), a good board (purchased used), gas money for my old Isuzu Trooper (purchased used), and a bag lunch. Do you notice the pattern here?! Surfing is great and it does not cost much or require the best. Love the sea. It will treat you well.
billie

[billie_morini]

Nick, forgot to mention, San Onofre is excellent for long boards.

[CheaterFiveSurfBum]

If you cant afford a wet suit, go to any pawn shop near the beach and wet suits will be a dime a dozen there. I use to surf in the snow all the time. Your water is not that cold. You might need booties also. Remember, the bigger your board, the easier to float and catch waves. Specially with a heavy wet suit on. Whatever you do, You definitely should consider the exact same board in 9'8" which is for sale on eBay also. I don't care what anyone tell you, you will be better off with the longer board. No reason for the shorter 9'. All having a shorter board will do is make it a little easier to swing nose around to set up for advanced move's (when you get better) and you don't need to worry about that. If you get a big fin with wide base (like my wood fin in my Icon) it will make board more stable, harder to turn (don't do it). A skinny, thin fin will turn easy and paddle faster and catch more waves (you will get use to it)( like the Harbour HP-1 fin).