How do I learn how to surf?

Question

I want to learn how to surf but my family hardly ever goes to the beach and I don't know anyone who surfs? Any advice? Thanks.

Answer 1

Surf Camps and Training are alright for a day or so because they help with paddling and standing up on the board but they can only teach you a certain amount. You really need to rent a decent longboard and spent some hard yards out in the surf for a while and then it will become more natural and easier.

Answer 2

Everyone wants to surf b/c its a played out sport thats become a house hold item and is trendy as h**l.  I hate it and every line-up you go to is full of kooks! It makes me sick seeing some of those people.

Answer 3

surf camp thats what i did and i picked it up quickly

Answer 4

Don't go to a surf camp... its a waste of money i think...

personally, I've never been to a surf camp, but I taught myself how to surf. If you get the right sized board, and live in an area with waves, then you can pretty much teach yourself....

If you told us your height, i'd be able to give you the right sized board to start off with

Answer 5

Surf camp or find a person who can teach you. My uncle taught me on a 9 ft. Becker longboard and I have never looked back.

Enjoy surfing!

Answer 6

surfcamp

Answer 7

ask anyone that you know that knows how to surf to take you to the beach whenever they go surfing. this way you can go to the beach, have a good time, and learn how to do the best sport in the world!

Answer 8

any were, at any time. surfschool, friends, beach, sun

SURF = LIFE

Answer 9

Definitely take lessons. They will help get you started. As for getting to the beach you could take a train  or bus.  If you have any other questions  about surfing check out my website which is devoted to teaching people all about surfing.

For additional surfing information check out my website:

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 10

For some reason, it seems like somebody asks this same question at least once every ten days! You just put a little more difficult spin on it. You need to surf in the ocean, so you need to work on getting beach time. How about getting a job at the Beach!

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 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.

There are good things about both long and short boards. I ride both (one at a time , of course). In the mid sixties, like almost everybody else, I started on a longboard. I went shorter and shorter every summer, during the 'short board revolution.' I have found some days that were just too small anything but a longboard. Just riding one size board is very limiting, conditions change daily in most places.

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. You can't do that without an ocean.

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. It's only fair top tell you that you won't find anything decent for "a couple hundred $$". For that price, you are looking at a used board in poor shape (or stolen). You can't even get a good siofttop for two hundred $. And, please don't waste your time (or money) buying something on line.

Be careful of what you read here on line. There are lots of really well meaning young folks who have neat answers about surfing, but at 55, I tend to classify anyone under 25 as a kid. After I found this site, I figured that I could answer a few questions, and spread the 'good news' of surfing. 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 waht 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 of 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...

Answer 11

there are many things like surfing clinics/camps and like when i went to hawaii there were a TON of classes that you can take. and they also range from learners to more skilled surfers.

Answer 12

dont bother its already too crowded. but if you insist go to a beach that isnt a good surfing beach and just ride some white wash until you get the hang of it, then try somewhere else. start with a softop longboard.

Answer 13

try to go to surf camps and if you know someone with a pool get a surfboard and paddle around the main thing is paddiling so paddle around and practice jumping up and have someone pull the leash around the pool while your standing up then when you go to the beach you will have a little practice good luck!OH and thanks to the ppl that gave me this idea when a friend goes to the beach ask to come along!Surf camps and paddiling around the pool wont make you a good surfer you need to practice on waves and go to the beach

Answer 14

try going to surf camps

tell your parents you really like it and convince them to visit the beach more often so you can practice.

find ppl here!

also at the beach there are surfers willing to give you tips

good luck and have fun!