Do one have to be skilled at swimming to learn to surf?

Question

I can hold my own but only for a while. not very skilled but interested in learning!!

Answer 1

You don't have to be skilled...but when you think about it, it is a definite plus. If you fall off your board, you want to be able to at least tread water, and you may need to swim too. Just build up those arm muscles because that is what you will really need to paddle!

Answer 2

Nah you do need to no how to swim but nah you dont need 2 be good at swiming to surf.

Answer 3

You will be fine.  You wont be charging the heavy stuff straight away anway.  Just always make sure your legrope is attached to you really really securely.  So long as you have your board with you you will be sweet.

Answer 4

Go to your local pool and just get lots of practice. It's not vital but if you wipe out and lose your board it becomes very important! 99% of the time you'll be attached to the board via your leash and trying to sink a surfboard is very hard work. I had 5 mates and myself sat on my board to see if it'd hold us and it just sat about 4 inches below the surface so one person won't sink it.

Answer 5

It would help...