Starting alone

[FabioPT]

It looks like i´m going to start surfing alone since the people i know don´t want to and the guy that was most enthusiastic to start srufing is near pulling over.

Many people advice to not surf alone because of the danger if it happens something and i think it´s not very enjoyable in the start to go alone.

Had any of you had an experience like this?
Or your enthusiasm was too much to even think of that?

[isaluteyou]

I started to surf alone never had any lessons either. But a week later after my mates saw how much fun i was having they all joined in now there are five of us all learners at different stages that congregate in the line up.

I still sometimes surf alone but its not much of a hazard as the surf isnt big and well theres a ton of other surfers out there.

I dont think its advizable to surf alone on a secluded beach too many people have drowned this way. So far i have heard of two people drowning just this year because they surfed alone in a secluded part.

If i want to go to a secluded beach i only ever go with someone else and make good use of the buddy system.

It is better to have a surfing partner because the enthusiasm rubs off and keeps a good alround stoke.

[dougirwin13]

I think "learn alone" and "surf alone" aren't mutually exclusive.

Make sure there's other people in the water for safety - sure. Because sooner or later you are gonna take a beating, swallow a gallon of water, etc. And it'll be nice if someone can stop you drowning

That said try not to get in their way too much... A little respect will go a long way.

Just my $0.02!

-doug

[Patrick__69]

I always surf alone because my Dad will not go with me anymore. I like it because it gives me more concentration and feel of the wave. It takes a lot to drown a person. There are usually some people around me though so just make sure there are some people around. I would not recommend finding secret surf spots and surfing them by yourslef though. Im sure you will find someone just let it happen and dont pressure anyone and you will meet a cool guy/girl to surf with


P.S. While Surfing alone is when I have learned most!

[kitesurfer]

If you can find a break that allows you to surf alone, please, please let me know where it is!
But seriously the sea demands respect allways. Surf alone if you think your skill, abilities and knowledge of the spot warrent but allways tell someone that you've gone and when they should expect you back. Surfing i prefer to do with me friends, kitesurfing i prefer by myself and go alone whenever possible.

KS

[David S]

I don't have a regular surf "partner" and so usually surf on my own BUT I nearly always go out when there's at least one other surfer already in the water.
Do a weekend beginners course first and then you may meet a few other guys who would like to meet up later.

[Ellie]

Me and my boyfriend are learning to surf together, and its reassuring to have someone else in the water to check you are okay after a huge wipeout...although the downside is, they tend to find kook moments hysterical!

Having said that, we still try to stick to the main, popular beaches. Safety first with a few others around, and the pro's out there have earned their chance to use the secret spots!

Also, its great to meet up with fellow surfers (maybe even SW regulars!) for a surf and a chat!

[Phil]

i pretty much learnt to surf on my own and often surf alone becuse i have the free time to surf during the week, but ive grown up around the sea, i know my limits of what i shouldnt paddle out into

i often enjoy surfing alone alot of the time as well, when your pissed at the world and just want to escape

[dougirwin13]

Funny thing I have noticed over the years. Girls seem to prefer learning fairly close to someone. And guys seem to want to blunder off on their own.

No offense intended to anyone - and there are numerous exceptions to both.

Just interesting

-doug

[rich r]

I'll second the "learn alone" doesn't mean "surf alone."

Before you go out alone, though, do a few things;

- learn the rules of etiquette (dropping in, paddling out, ditching your board, etc) and practice them in the water
- Practice popping up on land and know what foot you are (goofy/regular)
- Don't go out in anything over chest-high your first few times
- Watch the ocean and the surfers in the line up
- Start out on the shoulders, away from the main group, but not inside of them (or, alternatively, watch the surfers and line up with the group which looks like they are around a beginner level)
- Don't go out alone until you feel comfortable on the board

[GowerCharger]

i remember some advice i read in a "learn to surf" book when i was about 10 - "if the surf looks good and theres no one out, then theres probably a good reason".
Stick to known safe beginner beaches and you should be ok, itll probably help you develop a good attitude as youll end up talking to other people surfing there rather than just chatting with people you know, and you may even get to know people to surf with, or at least make aquaintaces with regulars where you surf, its always good to see a friendly face or two even when you paddle out alone.

[slinky]

Im learning 2 surf on my own 2 and looking forward to it cum next summer i shall b teaching all my mates coooooollll can NOT wait

[surfishlife]

After my first two lessons, I went out by myself. I wouldn't feel right surfing with someone else unless I knew they were at my level (i.e. i'm sure more skilled surfers would prefer going out with people at their level)

Secondly, I surf at a public beach, where they have lifeguards watching all the time, and surfers and swimmers in the water. And pelicans flying around...

[GowerCharger]

well, the best way to improve is to surf with people better than you - pushes you to surf better.

[surfishlife]

That's true, but I understand how crowding the lineup can be very irritating to a lot of the better surfers local to that break.

[cj]

There is something to be said for Solo Soul Surfing. I personally love it, but I like going out with people too. I wouldn't worry too much, chances are if you start to drown your buddy won't be able to save you anyway, so what's the difference.

[surferdude_scarborough]

as long as you're at a safe beach and you know about any hazards then you should be fine learning on ur own. also as long as you dont try more than you can handle.

its even a good idea to make sure you know a place inside out when youve got a bit of experience under belt. not like me today not realising i was surfing a boulder reef til i came out. whoops

james

[tomboy]

I like surfing alone. When I am with someone, we are rarely at the same level, I end up talking to my friend, hanging out on the inside, and missing out on the best waves. Or being dumped on outside, cause I can't handle it. Alone I can pick my spot, and hope to catch a wave.

[Johno]

I surf alone, one thing i picked up from my lesson, carry a whistle up your wety sleeve, you never know when you might need it and it would draw more attention to you

[Johnny B]

I have surfed alone a lot recently, none of my uni mates do it. However, I have found that I'm rarely lonely. Apart from their always being other surfers around when there is good swell, they're also quite easy to talk to, I usually end uptalkin' to someone while waiting for waves.

I advise chatting to yer neighbours when you're out there, spread the love!