Hey, I am an avid snowboarder, and I really want to learn to surf. I've heard they are similar. Any tips?

Question

I've been snowboarding since I was probably 6 or 7, and surfing seems fun. I wouldn't mind skateboarding either. Are these sports really hard to learn with a background in snowboarding?

Also can anyone give me some pointers about learning either one.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I think the closest that snowboarding comes to surfing is in the halfpipe. If you can drop into a vertical halfpipe, you certainly can drop in on a wave, provided that you have the strength to do a push up after paddling.

Answer 2

One simple advice, on a snowboard you turn with your back foot and lean on your front foot, with surfing it is opposite...you turn with your front and lean on your back

Answer 3

Surfing and snowboarding are kind of similar. The first piece of advice I would give you would be to get a different outfit – you’ll drown if you wear your snowboarding clothes!

The balance, turning and leg/core muscle movements are pretty similar, but the feet take some getting used to in surfing. Start slow. They have “surf pools” in which you can jump onto a small wake board and get used to the motions. After you’re comfortable with that, the next hardest part is getting up on the board. It’s one quick, fluid motion. Practice is really all you can do.

If you can, take lessons or find someone who already knows how to do it and is willing to show you how. But really – find an indoor surf pool. It will help A LOT, and build up your confidence.

Answer 4

Thing with surfing, depending on where you go.

not everyday is a good surf, its easy to learn, and you just have to be patient with the waves..

Answer 5

shaun white snowboards and skateboards professionally and i dont think he skateboarded that long so i guess the transition would be to difficult.  oh and for the record girls who skateboard/snowboard/surf are awesome so you cool in my book.

Answer 6

i love surfin, i tryed it along time ago and still surf, like a year ago i try to snowboard, them balence in sorta the same and wil sk8in so u will just have to see.

Answer 7

sufing is much harder....believe me....

everyone forgets about getting pummeled under a wave for 45 seconds....and even being able to paddle out takes insane muscle to beat the current...and yo have to learn to  successfully duck dive.....

it is a dificult sport and isn't for everyone....ppl die doin this....i do this **** every day i hate posers who surf because a guy they met at the mall is a poser surfer....

o and for lauren....by no means is wiping out fun....i ve been gushing blood before

Answer 8

well Johnny Kappahala had no problem learning snowboarding after surfing so you should be fine.

Answer 9

They have a lot of similarities, but also a lot of differences.  

Being a snowboarder will help you because you will already have a general idea of how to balance, turn, stance, etc.  Also, if you snowboard a lot, you're probably in pretty good shape, which will help a lot.  

The differences, and things that you might struggle with...

   -  There's no chair lift.  Paddling out can be an adventure of it's own.  Depending on where you go, what kind of break it is, how big the waves are, and what the currents are like, paddling out can be near impossible for beginners.  Solution: go out at a beginner break on a small to medium sized day.  

   -  Catching the wave.  In snowboading, you have gravity to help you down the mountain.  Stand up, point down the mountain, and you will go.  Maybe a jump or two to get started, but it doesn't take a lot of work to get moving.  In surfing, you'll have to paddle basically to the speed of the wave to catch it.  Solution: the bigger the board, the easier it will be to catch the wave.  

   - The wave is always moving.  I know the mountain and snow are also changing shape and "moving" but the wave moves a lot faster.  You'll have to be able to predict which direction it's going to break, how fast it's going to move, who or what is in your path, and if the wave is going to break in front of you or close out.  No two waves are alike, and it could take some getting used to.  Solution: go with someone who knows what they're doing.  Whether it's a lesson or an experienced friend, they'll be able to tell you where you want to be, and which direction you should paddle in for the best ride.  

   - In snowboarding, your feet are attached to your board.  Standing up and planting your feet in the perfect spot every time you catch a wave can be tricky.  If they're too far forward, backward, or to one side, or too close together or too far apart, it can throw off your balance and you'll fall.  Solution: practicing on a bigger board will be easier, especially in the beginning.  Some people get to their knees first, but this is not necessary when learning.  

When it comes to wipeouts, they're different.  I think snowboarding wipeouts hurt more, but you have to hold your breath with surfing wipeouts.  As long as you can hold your breath, and you don't get hit by your board or hit someone else, wiping out can be kinda fun!  :)

Good luck and have fun!  If you want to learn in San Diego, send me an e-mail and I can meet you at the beach and give you a few pointers and a mini lesson!  I love teaching people.  :)