I want to learn how to surf..but I don't know how to start?

Question

i just need to know some basics that can help me when i'm in the water and what type of equiptment to buy.

Answer 1

Do not take lessons or surf camp!

its a complete waste of money!!!!!

I taught myself, and although it may take longer, it saves so much money. But a funboard or a "mini-longboard", and ask the people at the surf shop what size you need, because I don't know your height.

Make sure you get a leash for your board. (about $30-45)

you can get a traction pad as well. ($15-25)

Answer 2

go to a surf camp

Answer 3

Make sure you take some lessons. You will want to start on a longboard. Costco sells a 8 foot softtop for $100 which is a great deal.

I also run a website devoted to teaching people to surf, check it out:

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 4

For some reason, it seems like somebody asks this same question every couple 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.

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. (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).

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...

Answer 5

lessons are good

but some tips fer ya.....

get a training board first

these boards are long and have foam on the top so its soft and grippy

learn to paddle and stay balance

and watever you do, do NOT get on your knees b4 standing up on the board

you will lose your balance and fall