How long would it take a snowboarder like myself to become a descent surfer?

Question

How long would it take a snowboarder like myself to become a descent surfer?

Answer 1

Obviously if you snowboard, you should have descent balance skills, but these are very different.  You are not attached to the board via bindings, and you must learn how to judge the lineup and how to paddle into the wave.  Once the momentum of the wave any yourself are moving at about the same speed, you have to learn to pop yourself up into the standing position.  Once up, your ability to balance will certainly help you maneuver the board on the face of the wave.  So the more difficult transition you will face is catching the wave and getting up.  If you are a strong swimmer, the paddling part should be too bad unless you can't balance on the board while paddling.  I'm not a snowboarder, but was a competitive swimmer when I learned to surf.  By the end of my first day I could catch the wave and pop myself up into the standing position.  Then I was addicted.  You can practice your pop up the beach with or with out the board.  You can also place your board on a bed and practice popping up balancing on the board before you ever get on the water.  I wouldn't sweat it too much if I were you, unless you are not a strong swimmer.  Just be forewarned, you will get hooked... LOL.  

"Surfing's the source, it will change your life..."  - Point Break

Someday I will have to try the snowboarding thing.