learning to surf- conditions??

[gipsy]

Hey, I'm lucky enough to live in Raglan NZ and am taking up surfing....surprise surprise. Now I'm just wondering basically what the best conditions are for learners- obviously am gonna be splashing around in the white water for a while and have no desire to jump in at the deep end (literally) But is there a time in the tides thats easier/better to learn on? Last time I went out it was such a struggle against the current that was exhausted in no time, but the time before was sweet. How does one know??

[drowningbitbybit]

It's not time and tides - that depends on where you surf.

Probably the most important thing when you're learning is which break you pick. You want a nice slow beach break (find a local surf guide on the web, or ask in a local surf shop) suitable for beginners.

And dont go out when there's huge waves - even if you're on the white water, the movement out back will mean big currents near the shore.

Ditto big tides - a big spring tide may increase the current.

So find a nice beginner friendly beach (preferably with life-gaurds) and have fun!

[baldie]

learn in small waves, like 1 to 3 foot (Hawaiian scales)

Pick a decent break point.

Find the channel to go out to the break point. Don't try to paddle against the white water. It's almost impossible for beginners.

Learn to duck dive. It will save you a lot of energy.

GOOD POINT!!! Find a beginner friendly beach.

Go with your surfer friends...

Have fun....

[Driftingalong]

I find that the better the quality of the wave the easier it is as well.
Don't try anything too steep and walled up. Look for some slope and a nice peeling shoulder. Start around waist high and work from there.

[dreamer]

Find the channel to go out to the break point.

I hope you're not telling this dude/ette to take a rip out back - and surfing a point break? that's almost suicide for a freshy - i surfed my first point back last week & broke 3 toes, 1 finger & have a nice gash up my back where i landed on a not-so-surfer-friendly rock & the surf wasn't even huge, just took me too long to popup & got thrown over..

[trails surfing]

well i would say that low tide is a good time to learn since the waves will usually break out further giving you more white water to surf in. hope tis helps

[Dec]

I think he is saying, paddle out (not in a rip) where the wave breaks last, so you have more time. all the way up to the area in which the waves break....nothing about point breaks!

[Surfa_Shannie]

well i dont thin that these people are from nz. i am. We realy dont get that big waves here if you just keep in the white wash you will be fine. if you worried bout the current being too strong ring a local surf shop 1st and ask what it is like. you are so lucky to live in raglan!!! cant wait to come up there for a surf!! and it better if you go with some1 that knows how too surf or get lessons to become more confident in the water. lessons are the best thing you can do if you wanna get good at surfing, beats trial and error!!

[gipsy]

Thanks so much everyone- its mindblowing to read responses from Hawaii and such places!! Hopefully will be feeling heaps more confident (and fit!) soon and won't be so worried about currents tides etc..... Am only heading to the beach rather than the points so that should limit the damage (not so concerned for me- rather my high chances of decapitating some small children!) But thanks again, any more issues and I will be back! - being able to get advice from experienced surfers is excellent....

[drowningbitbybit]

low tide is a good time to learn since the waves will usually break out further giving you more white water to surf in

That's utterly break dependent.
Some places its true, some places cant be surfed at low tide, some places can be surfed but are cr@p.

You need to get to know which is good for each break.

And then plan your surf trips accordingly - no point going to a break that works at high tide if you're on a low spring tide...

[drowningbitbybit]

well i dont thin that these people are from nz. i am. We realy dont get that big waves here

You're right, Im not from New Zealand... But...

This looks a fair size to me...



(Thats Papatowai)

[DayWalker*]

let us know how it goes gipsy.

Gonna be in Hamilton in December. Hopefully have time to check out some spots.

Cheers!

[Sweet!]

Shot Freshie!

I bin startin out in the whitewash down south here in Aoteroa too. Just starting to head out the back now... I never thought I'd ever be able to paddle so far and like, actually not die. Ha. But it's amazing how quick you pick up a lil fitness a.

It was awesome for me to join our local boys for a couple of lessons... just to familiarise with the mood of the local break.. you know. After that you can head out pretty confidently whenever.

Oh. Don't worry about running over kids. There are plenty more where they came from. Those speed bumps make good target practise actually.



You know what tho.. they really helped me start learning to turn, had to cos I wanted to keep riding that wave but had to not hit them...shame i know..