Any tips learning to surf

Question

I'm trying to learn to surf, any tips?

Answer 1

Take a few lessons and just remember to have fun and realize that at the beginning you are going to fall alot.

The Surfboard Man

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 2

read on of John F's answers to the same question. he gives good advice.

Answer 3

A few lessons. Your best way to learn the basics. From then on, you can practice on your own.

Anyone who suggests that you not take lessons is the ultimate douche. And when you find "perfect " 4' to 6' waves let us know.

Answer 4

1.) find perfect 4-6 foot waves.

2.) It's just water, don't be scared.

3.) Don't take lessons, anyone that tells you that is a douche.

Answer 5

look straight ahead otherwise you wont go straight

start with a longer board

bend your knees

stand before you nosedive

have your arms straight out for balance

Answer 6

its unanimous, take lessons.

trust me, i used to give lessons and lessons teach more than "how" to surf. i used to take the "students" next to the busiest break and show them surf etiquette also.

the guy that says no to lessons---is the same KOOK that shows up at my local break, board all "stickered" up, with that stupid squirrely surfing style. he's the guy i love to look right in his face, and smile,  before i cut him off.  

Answer 7

Thanks jason M.

I'll cut and paste it for him.

(and wassupman, you are way out numbered. Looking at who answered and recommended lessons, I think you have close to 75/100 years of surfing experience saying "take lessons". We have to put up with all of the nitwits in the water who don't, or haven't taken them. I didn't, but that was 42 years ago!)

Surfing is an ocean sport. before you decide to surf, decide to know and understand the ocean. Learn to be at home with its currents, rips, undertows and sometimes BIG waves. The original surfers were watermen (and women, both men and women surfed, but certain waves were reserved for royalty). 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. There are already way too many dangerous people in the water. A danger to themselves and other surfers. Don't join their ranks.

I spent almost all of my teen years, swimming, sailing, surfing, scuba diving and fishing. I even surfed in different places the Navy sent me, when it was possible. I have been surfing ever since 1966, and it is GREAT!

Lessons are usually the best way to start, unless you are an adolescent or young adult with lots of pals who surf who can teach you.  Go to a real surf shop. The folks there can hook you up with lessons, and even rent you a board to learn on. (and, it's going to be either a longboard or a funboard [mini-mal]) Just work on your basics, and after you feel good, think about buying a board, but don't rush into anything. And, please don't waste your time (or money) buying something on line. Don't be in a rush to buy a board! TRY before you BUY. Rent a variety of types of surfboards, or borrow them from your friends who surf. A surfboard is a big investment.

Be careful of what you read on line. After you learn to swim and master the ocean, get your REAL advice from a surf shop, where industry professionals earn their rent money selling surfboards. However, if they think you are just a 'kook' tourist out to rent a board, you won't necessarily get the best attention.

Most people learn best on long boards, although I have seen lots of surfers start on a short board and master it. In the long run, there are NO RULES on what type of board you haven to learn on. Long boards are ideal for learners. There are also good internediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals and some hybrids. That is why instructors use long boards or fun boards (or even softtops).

THE REAL BOTTOM LINE IS: Go to a Surf Shop, not a computer. The pros there can give you the right answers!!

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...