new to the sport, little help would be appreciated

[AEfootball07]

hey all-

im looking to at least try to take up the sport this coming summer. im from long island so the surfing isnt too great but it still looks hella fun. im about 6', 178lbs., mostly muscle mass, good upper and lower body strength. does size and body composition matter a whole lot in making a good surfer?

also, how should i start? ive talked to some people i know, and they are all telling me different things. some say just watching good surfers will help alot.. some say you have to work with someone who knows what theyre doing... some say just look up what to do and go out and practice it alot. any recommendations?

~rob

[surf patrol]

Hi AEfootball07, welcome to Surfing Waves

[quote]and they are all telling me different things. some say just watching good surfers will help alot.. some say you have to work with someone who knows what theyre doing... some say just look up what to do and go out and practice it alot[/quote]
This is all good advice. Take a look at the beginners lessons on the main site (use the surfing lessons link above) and read through them to give yourself an idea of what you should be aiming at. If you have got someone who surfs who you can go out with then arrange a session together - some hands on teaching can be really good. Watching surfers is probably the least useful as an absolute beginner but still worthwhile - especially when judging where to paddle out and where the lineup is.
Most important of all is practice - get in the water as much as possible.
Any specific questions and you will probably get a good answer here.