Any surfing tips for my first lesson today?

Question

today i'm going to the beach with my uncle and he's going to start teaching me how to surf. we got a wet suit and he has two boards a 7'6" and a 7'2". which should i use?

also, does it get cold when you're surfing? the wet suit doesn't come down covering my ankles or below and i'm going to do it barefoot. does anyone have any advice to stay warm out there?

now is when i just need help for technique or lingo or which waves are good and which are bad and that kind of thing. so thanks in advance for your help!

Answer 1

use the 7'6 it will be easier. and you dont get cold if your just haveing fun and not thinking about.

Answer 2

use the 7 '6 board. It will be easier to paddle and stand up on.

Answer 3

Just relax and have fun. Your uncle is there to teach (in person!) you don't need to ask strangers on line, just ask him. have fun, don't be uptight.

Surfing is an ocean sport, to do it right, you have to be at home in the ocean, with its currents, rips, undertows and sometimes big waves. I don't just mean being good at swimming in a pool, the ocean can be very unforgiving. I have seen lots of really good pool swimmers have to get rescued. You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don't want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave

And, since you have two boards to use, try them both, it won't take long to find out which is better suited to your size and the break.

Don't worry about being cold, your uncle won't dunk in the arctic ocean. You'll be fine. Just enjoy it!

Good luck. Once you try surfing (and learn the 'right way') you'll have fun for life.

Take the time to check out the links, especially surfingforlife.

http://www.surfingforlife.com/history.ht...

http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm

http://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-t...

Answer 4

use the bigger board, keep moving to stay warm, let your uncle select the waves for you

stand up by putting your back foot over the fins and sliding your front foot up along the middle of the board while doing a pushup.  Try to stand up quickly. Standing up slowly or using your knees will cause you to lose speed and balance. When you are standing, keep your knees bent, not your hips.

Answer 5

surfing with a long board is easier than i first expected. I would go with the 7'6" because it will be way more stable on the wave.

it does get cold when you first get in, but it's kinda like getting into a pool. you get used to it. i am assuming you will be in california because that is where the water is the coldest, but if you're in a warm place like Florida, the water will be a whole lot warmer but then i don't know why you would need a wet suit. whatever. But you can get swim shoes to keep your feet warm.

my only other advice is to not choose a wave that breaks too early.

Have fun and i hope you have an AWESOME lesson!!!

hope i helped ; )

Answer 6

use the 7'6 it'll be better for your paddling, going into a set, and all together easier

mhmm

ur probably talking about a spring suit?

well yeahh knowing its summer and all, In san diego thhe waters around 70 degrees soo most ppl are in spring suits or boardshorts

but yahh, idk where ur gunna be surfing at soo you should be fine

mhmm I think that's all if ur having a lesson he should teach it all too you

Answer 7

The 7'6 will be more stable.  I never surfed with a wetsuit so I'm not sure about the water being cold around your feet...

Here are some important tips:

-paddle with deep, long, strokes

-to pop-up (getting to the standing position), plant your hands near the rails on the deck underneath your shoulders and do a "push-up" but arch your back (keeps you from nose-diving), and then you hop to your feet in one motion

-when trying to catch a wave, paddle as hard as you can and don't stop 'till you know you got it.

-while learning, stay away from crowded areas

Really, your uncle should be able to explain to you these things.

Right now, as long as you have mushy waves, it'll be easy to learn.  Once you get more experienced, you'll move on to steeper waves....