How should I go about learning to surf, and how hard is it?

Question

I'm heading out to the Outer Banks in North Carolina for two weeks on Saturday. I was wondering if anyone knew a good place to sign up for surfing lessons down there? Or maybe, if not specific to the area, if anyone could give me tips on how to go about learning how to surf? Is it very hard? Is there a big risk involving my health? I've heard it's easy to break necks/bones, etc.

Answer 1

the outer banks eh! sounds awesome. you better just hope that the banks dont go off, because you can get some pretty d**n big waves.

outer banks--http://weblogs.marylandweather.com/N.%20... (you wouldn't get a swell like that this time of year, but if a storm comes in it could reach close to that!

know back to your question, just look up on the Internet outer banks surf lessons or cape Hatteras surf school... don't waste your time on yahoo asking how to surf. you have to learn in the water not on the computer.

good luck

Answer 2

its really not that hard i got up on my first try. btw im 13. If it is windy stay low.

Answer 3

Any surf shop can hook you up with lessons. That's the safest way to learn. The instructor will teach you the proper way to fall , and protect yourself to avoid injuries. He/she can also explain about rip currents. If you're young, healthy, and a competent swimmer, other than sea creatures (jelly fish and sharks), it's a relatively safe sport. Accidents can happen anywhere. Have fun in NC...and go surfing.

  http://www.corollasurfshop.com

  http://www.duckvillageoutfitters.net

  http://www.whalebonesurfshop.com

Answer 4

For some reason, it seems like somebody asks this same question at least once every ten days! Chris K already said it. If you just had taken the time to read the earlier questions and answers, we might have already put all the information you need out there for you.

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.

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.

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. . It's only fair to tell you that in two weeks, you won't become a "surfer". However, you can have some great lessons, learn a little bit about the sport, and have FUN! And, maybe you will come back next year (or even sooner). The Outer Banks has some breaks that are legendary, and most of the towns have at least one surf shop. Check out surfline for more information.http://www.surfline.com/home/index.cfm

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 what 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).

I have been banged up surfing, with breaks, sprains, contusions, and lacerations galore. But, I have also been at it for 42 years, in all kinds of conditions. If you stick with an instructor, they will make sure you don't get hurt (even 'surfer dudes' worry about liability these days). Of course, preventing a sunburn is your responsibility.

THE REAL BOTTOM LINE IS: Go to a Surf Shop, not a computer. There are plenty of good ones on the Oter banks. 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 5

Not true.  I was at the beach with a friend who had a 6'0 shortboard (160 lbs) and got up right away on 3-4 ft waves with noone else out with me.  Then again, I've been bodyboarding, wakeboarding, skate, snowboarding, etc for about 10 years, in the ocean for about 15.  It depends entirely on your experience in the ocean and other boardriding sports, and your athletic ability.  If you understand the ocean and excel at other boardriding sports, and are in good physical condition, you can learn very quickly.

like everyone else said, go to your surf shop for a lesson and a rental board, they will hook you up depending on your age/size/experiences and go out with you and get you on any waves you're comfortable with.  If the instructor is there you will be safe.

Answer 6

Google where you are going and search for surfing lessons or "local activities".  The only risk I see are sharks (: unless you fall in a reef..but your trainer will start you off small. Its not like you will be charging the big waves yet haha.

Answer 7

lots of good answers....but, be careful with what abbie said... anybody who stands up their first try, stood up on a really long board, and a really small wave, like Waikiki, and it was really calm, and sunny out, and an instructor right there...

surfing is easily the most difficult sport to learn to do.  Anybody can swing a bat, throw a ball, kick a soccer ball, shoot a basketball, swing a tennis racket, etc, and go out and play with a friend that sport... nobody can just say, "oh, i think i will go surfing", if they have never done it before...

Answer 8

ya necks id stay out of the water its already in your head

Answer 9

It's easy to break bones and your neck riding a bike. It's actually pretty difficult to do surfing. It is far more likely that you could drown. For this reason you should never surf alone.

I would recommend searching out the surf schools posted by some of the earlier responders. These schools generally give you everything you need for the day, included in the price of the lesson. And the instructors will give you specific advice, even push you into the wave.

If you plan on being at the beach everyday, you might want to see if they offer surf camps. These are really cool cause you're surfing everyday, and making friends with the people in your class. Not easy to do in just a couple of hours.

I've been surfing for over a year and I still consider taking lessons all of the time. the most important thing to remember is have fun. If you're not having fun you aren't doing it right.

Answer 10

Find a surf camp in your area.

          It's not hard at all. If you know how to surf correctly there's no risk.

       Surf camps in your area:

             http://www.wbsurfcamp.com/camps/camp_tee...

Answer 11

you will NOT break your neck. and yes surfing can be hard when you first learn it. but the are differant types of hard. like first starting out the hard part is standing up  and staying ballanced.

then when you get better the hard part is standing up, turning and riding the face

then when you get even better it is trying to do tricks like cut back, floters, snaps and sprays

Answer 12

Why don't you check the resolved questions, you'll find some helpful info there.

Abbie, what a great answer. Simply spectacular.

Sucks you're going during the summer.