I'd like to learn how to surf. How should I start?

Question

I am vacationing at a town near the beach for a while, and I want to learn how to surf. How can I tell what kind of surfboard is the best for me? Also, should I worry about getting attacked by a shark? The town that I'm vacationing at has had shark attacks in the past few years, and I want to be safe. Can you help me? Also, any more helpful information on surfing is also appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

NSP is the best surf brand for beginners. I don't know your height, so I can't tell you the size of board you need.

Sharks are all over. It's best not to surf alone.

Do not surf from dusk to dawn (sharks do feed at this time)

there was no record of a shark attack where I surf, but I have been nipped twice two different times by sharks.

(nothing major)

take off your jewelery when you go out there.

have fun  : )

Answer 2

same same questions

idk if ur talking about san diego?

cuz we've had some shark attacks laetly

duude

seriouslyyy you can get attacked by a shark in alaska

don't worrry,

mhmm maybe a lesson?

or just rent a board try big and wide

at least a 9'0

but I gotta kinda know ur height and weight and stufff

but good luck!

hope I helped

-sierrraaa

Answer 3

The best board to learn on is a large and wide longboard. You will be able to catch the smallest waves and stand up very easily. As for the sharks you just have to accept that they are there and hopefully they won't attack you.

The Surfboard Man

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 4

ya atleast im not going to right as much as John F. but if you have a board just go out in the water and get used to waves and everything. then practice the pop ups and all that

Answer 5

check out the local surf shops just walk in and walk around a few of them. then choose the one that gave you the best vibe and ask them about renting a board and taking a lesson. be careful walking to the beach as i've heard you can get attacked by dogs that way.

Answer 6

As usual, John F said it best. Get lessons from an instructor, or friends. And hold off buying a board until you've had a few sessions in the water. Sharks; well they live in the ocean. http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Sharks/ISA...

I live in Florida and I always say a prayer before I go surfing.

Answer 7

For some reason, it seems like somebody asks this same question at least once every ten days!

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.  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).

It would help us answer if we knew where you are going. Sure, shark attacks happen, people also get strcuk by lightning. And they get struck by lightning at hundreds of times more than they get bitten by sharks. So don't let 'em worry. After 42 years (an only two 'close encounters' with sharks) I worry more about jelly fish.

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...

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