I'm 21 years old. am i too old to start surfing?

Question

I'm 21 years old. am i too old to start surfing?

Answer 1

NO! Absolutely not. My son-in-law didn't start surfing until his mid twenties, and now he is an avid surfer. I started at about 14, but I had been in the water my whole life. I was swimming in the ocean and back bays as a little guy.

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. Why not wait until you find out if you are really into it before you buy a board. There is no rush.

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 almost 56, 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 have 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. What you are going to need is a board that will float you well enough that you can paddle and take off (catch a wave).

I have been surfing since 1966, and it is the greatest stoke of all. Go ahead and get started and if you take the time to learn the rightw ay, you will have fun for life!!!

http://www.surfingforlife.com/history.ht...

http://www.explainthatstuff.com/surfings...

http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm

Answer 2

no way, iv heard theres no age limit

Answer 3

Nope! I was at the beach yesterday and there was a guy that looked like a hundred years old, and he was learning how to surf.

   Don't ever think you're too old.

Answer 4

There's no such thing as "too old"!!!

First I would recommend getting into shape because surfing uses very specific muscles you may not be using now.

You need to do push-ups and bench presses to build your chest muscles, (pecs), so you can push yourself up to stand.

Next you need to do pull-ups or lat pull-downs to work the muscles along your sides, (lats), that you will use to paddle.

A little running will build your cardio and legs muscles.

Then I would take a couple of lessons to get the basics down.

After that it's just going to take time in the water.

I always recommend that beginners get a longboard, (at least 9' long), as these are the easiest to catch waves with and balance on to stand up.

And finally this site has a great article called 'Learn How to Surf in One Day' that I think is terrific:

http://www.BeachTrading.com

Good luck and have fun!!  :-)

Answer 5

no

Answer 6

h**l no! Get out there; there's no age limit!

Answer 7

Don't ever think you are "too old" to do anything. Surfers for the most part are a very laid back group. As long as you stick to the rules of surf etiquette: http://www.surfline.com/surfology/surfol...

nobody should hassle you. Of course some places are more territorial than others, so check with someone who surfs about the beaches near you. Definitely take at least one lesson to learn the basics of surfing, and have a blast!

Answer 8

No

Check out my website for additional surfing information at http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 9

youre never to old to surf, but u shuld start in a less crowded spot, so u dont get embarressed or get disaproved of by the rest of the surfing community

ever heard of the surf company Old Guys Rule???

that proves ur never to old

u probably want to take a lesson first, and ask about the basic rules, like stuff about catching a wave somone else already has and stuff

this website might help:

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/surf...

ignor the ads, and thers a second page

have fun, u might want to rent a bord at first