How long does it take to be a good surfer?

Question

I have been swimming for 9 years. I'm about to take some lessons. How many months will it take to become a good surfer if I practice every other day?

Answer 1

if you have 1/2 decent waves & warm water for a week or two, you should get some basics sussed, so long as you have the will power.

Coming from a skateboarding background  always helps too.

Answer 2

The term "good" is a relative term. You should be able to stand on your board by the first lesson. The most difficult part of learning to surf is being able to paddle your board. As simple as it seems, paddling your board to get out to the waves and to catch the waves is physically demanding. You will be lucky if you have the stamina to surf a whole hour. Once you get accustomed to paddling, the fun begins. It will probably take you several years to become a good surfer. Having good balance and natural athletic instincts to maneuver on the waves will help to improve your skills.

Answer 3

it took me 3 years to be a good surfer so i think it depends on the person cause I'm a slow learner

Answer 4

Depends, if u r a fast learner probably a few years.But like I said it depends!

Answer 5

Depends.  I could take it up tomorrow and not be a good surfer in 20 years.  Why?  Because I've got bad balance.  Some kids get up there and can surf after a week.  Really depends on your physical skills.

Answer 6

It ought to take you about 2 weeks of trying to stand up to get that figured out.  Practice standing up from a lying position on your floor.  The three point stance from football is good, but its more of a squat, you do not put your butt up in the air.  Never go to your knees, just pop up to your feet, and stand from there.  

Do you skateboard?  The leaning you do for balance and speed is pretty similar.  Your brain will be learning to balance, and getting used to accounting for the motion for a few months.  You will start off real rigid, like a stick figure, but will gradually smooth out and be relaxed and comfortable.

All told about 6 months to get passable.  You will get reasonably good in about a year.

Answer 7

Being a strong swimmer already is huge. I think many would-be surfers underestimate the strength and endurance that are needed to be a good surfer.

Of all my friends who I have seen get into surfing, the one who picked it up the fastest was a guy who swims laps three times a week.

The part of surfing that is the hardest to learn is learning how to understand different waves, position yourself in the lineup and pick good waves. That just takes experience in the water.

Since you probably already have the paddling muscles (from swimming), if you're really dedicated and put the time in, you can learn over the summer.

Good luck!

Answer 8

This completely depends on what you mean to be good. If you have an understanding of wave dynamics, good balance, and strong upper body you can learn to get up in a few days.

Becoming a good surfer by my definition can take years - this would be surfing in many conditions, driving down the line and generating speed, and getting barreled.

Of course at the end of the day it is all about having fun and being safe.

Take lessons and if you can find a more experienced surfer to surf with when your lessons are done. Many times a casual tip from a bro is worth many lessons.

Best of luck mahalo

Answer 9

a few  years