First time surfing...?

Question

summer is almost here! and i have decided to actually try to surf

any tips on getting in shape?

any tips for first time surfing?

thanks much...and please no tips like,"watch out for the sharks"

Answer 1

surfing requires excellent swimming skills so make sure you are a strong ocean swimmer. not until your first time out will you realize just how much of a workout surfing is; most of your time will be spent paddling back out to the lineup.

like some other people have mentioned, it is easier to start out on a board that's a little longer, thicker, and wider. it's also best to practice on smaller waves in less crowded locations so as not to collide with any other surfers in the water.

lessons are a really good idea. it is rare that you will be able to pick up surfing without an someone who is experienced teaching you the fundamentals.

Answer 2

dont try to show off, cuz thats when you fall

just keep practicing getting up on the board, and how to dive under "bad" waves. snowboarding, wakeboarding, and skateboarding all help

Answer 3

lol well id say what i always say make sure you can swim it's a must and i say try some excercises that require you to balance alot b/c you'll need the practice, also try getting on a board before hand on land to see what it feels like.

Answer 4

You're never too old, (or too young), to learn how to surf!

I would start with push-ups as these will build the muscles you'll need to push your body up when you go from laying flat on the board to standing up.

You'll also need to work on your lats, (the muscles along your sides) that you'll use when you paddle. You can do pull ups for those or use the lat machines at a gym.

The only other tips I would give would be to start on a longboard, (at least 9' long), and to read this great article I always pass on to beginners called 'Learn How to Surf in One Day':

http://www.beachtrading.com/learn-how-to...

Also, I'm sure you know about protecting yourself from getting sunburned since getting burned will increase your chances for developing skin cancer when you're older... so be sure to wear a rash guard. I get mine here:

http://www.Buy-Rash-Guards.com

Good luck and have fun! :-)

Answer 5

I am 38 and just started surfing last summer, and I am hooked.

I have taken lessons from a surf school and from friends who are great surfers.

As most people have already said being a strong ocean swimmer is key, and work on the small waves, here in Florida we have many days where the waves are only 2-3 feet so that was perfect for me to gain my balance and confidence.  As for exercises lots of shoulder rotation work and strength is a plus, but after your out there for a while that becomes your work out.

Talk to your guys at your local surf shop they can be very helpful.  the longer boards worked best for me.  Try a "Fun Shape Board".  you can even find some used boards on-line. I think I bought my first board for $300 and still use it every time I get out.  

It has been one of the best things that I have done in my life

Have fun

Answer 6

You can practice by laying on the ground and getting up to your feet in one smooth motion. Try not to go on your knees first and just jump right to your feet. Keep your knees bent to get used to the position you will be in on the water. Also work your arms out cause paddling yourself forever and ever can kill your arms. Good luck and have fun, you'll love it!

Answer 7

its really hard to balance at first, but as you practice on smaller waves it starts to get better and it takes about a month of good practicing to get the balance right! =]

Answer 8

Well, I don't know where you are going to surf, so that makes it tough. Being in decent shape really helps (I'm going to go hit the treadmill when I get up, and believe me, I'm WAY out of shape). being a really good swimmer is important. Ocean swimming isn't like pool swimming. I've seen some great pool swimmers need to be rescued.

Get a good beginners board. Bigger is usually better for the newbie. Go to a real surf shop (not a bathing suit and skateboard store that sells some surfboards) and the folks there will help you find the right board for you (to rent or buy). Lessons are available, and are worthwhile, unless you have some pals who surf, who can get you started. I have been surfing for over 41 years, there is nothing like it in the world. Go for it. Have fun!

Answer 9

relax and have fun.  also dont let the board get between you and a wave, one of my friends ended up with a concussion her first time because she didnt listen to that advice and the wave pushed the board straight into her head