stuck in a rut

[vintagefender]

I've been surfing about a year and a half now (only on weekends but i still think about it all the time). Back in july/august i was doing pretty well on my shortboard. Confidently paddling for waves over head high and making it most of the time, and enjoying the beating if i didnt. But lately it feels like i lost my confidence for some reason. I find myself pulling out of waves i know i can make. This has been happening for the better half of a month. I think the problem is that i keep staring down the drop and freaking myself out, and end up pulling out. Today were supposed to have 4-6 feet waves with a NW (offshore) wind, any advice?

[Luke]

Grit your teeth and go for it i suppose...not that i'm an expert,.. but like anything else, once you've had a great ride on a couple of the bigger ones you should have your confidence back.

[Sar]

get some mates to go surfing with you who will make you take the drop or berate you a little if you dont. Try going out again on smaller days till your confidence builds up some, and if there are only bigger waves but your ability means you can handle it go out, even if you cant take the drop its better than sitting at home and wishing you had given it a go.

[Real Pol]

Your problem is you're thinking too much!

The same thing happened to me. What you need to do is get the paddling/catching/popup part of surfing pretty much automatic. Don't think about the drop, think about other things like flowers or kittens.....even better, is the wave breaking left/right, is there someone in my way, I'll have to try that trick, is my girlfriend watching etc. Next thing you know, you're at the bottom of the wave pulling your first turn.

Thats what I do anyway.

[flyingvee]

Just do it!!!

[rich r]

Happens all the time.

What you need to do is take some small waves and re-build you confidence during the session and then aim for the bigger boys as you feel you've got your balance and everything in check.

[GregB]

I am getting back into surfing after a break of some years. I remember that sometimes I would have the same issue. What got me over it? When i went for it-got thrashed-and popped back up. Everyone takes a beating sometimes-they're usually not that bad

[godsgr4ce]

wipeouts are half the fun

[Real Pol]

wipeouts are half the fun

Without a leash!?!