any advise would be appreciated.~*

[rainbowsheep]

hi,iv recently joined surfing waves, i think this website is realy good and has helped me overcome some common problems. A few years back i started surfing, i did it for about 6 months, joined a team and everything so i got to learn the basics. i absolutely fell in love with it, the feeling i got when i managed to stand up for the first time, it was amazing!!

I had alot goin on at the time and had to quit the team because i was not goin to the practise enough and was paying out money for no reason. A few weeks back i had a sudden erge to start u again, so i went out with a friend in the white water and a BIC to get the feel of it again and got on really well.I have managed to turn the board a little bit(only in white water), iv been about 4 times since,i was planning on buying my own board, a shortboard so i could progress on this so i will become better in the summer. I am 5"7 and weigh about 9 stone. Do you think it is a good idea to get a shortboard at this stage or should i progress on a minimal or BIC first off?im only 15 and im determined to get out there again.At the moment im doing GCSE's and is the only thing thats keeping me going.any advise? i know that there are alot of posts about this on the website but iv read alot of them and i just want to know what will be best for me.

thankyou xx

~*laura*~

[boco rio]

Here is my 2 cents. You should get at least a 7' or longer board to learn the basics. I would also suggest that you take up skateboarding if you are serious about learning. Skateboarding will improve your balance and turning which is essential for long or shortboards.

You probably need to start exercising your upper body for paddling. Swimming laps is excellent training for that. There is no easy or simple way to get decent at surfing unless you work at it. Have fun too.

[rainbowsheep]

iv been swimming for about 4 years too,not afraid to get my hair wet;).iv bin doing sit ups and press ups. do i need to work on my legs aswell?thankyou for your help.i was never good on a skateboard.i guess i could try again.if that will help.

[boco rio]

Skateboarding is a great workout for the legs. You have to work the board to make it go faster and turn hard. It's about shifting your weight, setting up for turns and dealing with transitions. Start on a smooth surface and look for a place that has a 1/2 pipe or some small ramps.



Oh yeah, it's probably a good idea to wear some knee and elbow pads.

[surfhobbit]

Hey Laura, I'm still new to surfing, but I waited until I could get my bottom turns sorted out before moving down from my minimal. I'm sure some of the more experienced guys on here can point you in the right direction though
G