Is anyone a surfer here?

Question

i really want to begin i think its amazing but how difficult is it to get the hang of? and how much is a board tobegin with

Answer 1

Boards can run several hundred in the states. If you're across the pond then several people seem to be happy with a Bic which isn't bad for the price.

For surfing lessons, watch the Learn To Surf videos:

http://www.podcast.tv

That's about what you'd get in a surf lesson and the rest is just practice. If you'll be in small waves and are a beginner, talk to your local surf shop about Mals and Mini Mals. They are larger boards great for learning.

Answer 2

Definitely go to a surf school - me and a friend did that a couple of years ago in Cornwall.  We stayed at the lodge and went out every day, it was magic!  My problem (which is kind of the whole point!) was standing up however lol!  I did manage a couple of nano-seconds but I surfed most of the waves 'expertly' on my knees.  A good thing to do is some upper body exercises before you go because it really is tough on your arms/shoulders/back if your not fit!  Most of the people on our course managed to do a few wobbly stands however, one girl from Belarus looked like she'd done it before (but assured us she hadn't!), and most of the army lads that went were up on the boards after 1 day.  Enjoy yourself!!

Answer 3

Surfing is not an easy sport to pick up, so take lessons if possible.  It's also important to learn in a beginner spot. The more advanced spot will be too dangerous.  As for the board, the bigger, thicker and wider the board the better.  The catch 22 is that if you get too big a board, it'll be tough to lug around.  You should also get a board that's not a "high performance board" (In other words, a board without too many V's, concaves, or channels - a flat bottom would be ideal).  9 Fish Surfboards makes a really nice beginner board at 8'4" called the Koi.  You can check it out on their website at http://www.9fishsurf.com/koi.html

Answer 4

Try out a surf school, I used to surf 30 years ago and thought I would give it a try again signed up for a weeks course in Polzeath, great tuition, fun time and their techniques get you up and running again really quickly - best of all they supply the gear.

Answer 5

Yeh I've been surfing most of my life and will continue to do so until I can no longer move. It is the best thing ever.

It is a quite hard skill to get a hang of to start with and yes you may become frustrated to begin with but keep at it as when you catch and stand on a wave for the first time I guarantee you will be hooked for life.

So go for it and try do get down the beach as much as possible no matter what the weather ( the best time for waves is winter).

I would recommend buying a board and wetsuit. for the wetsuit buy the best you can afford, just remember that the most expensive is not always the best. Just ask the guys in the surf shop for help. For the board DON'T  buy a brand new one as while your learning expect to get a few knocks and dings in the board. So a Second hand one would be best, go for a mini mal or fun board to start off with as this will help you catch waves, and will be easier to paddle. I say that you should buy a board because if you hire then every time you go surfing you will have to get used to a new board every time and this will slow down your progress.

Get out there as you will not regret it. It is the best way of getting fit and stying fit. Just remeber that it is a pursuit that can and has killed people on a regular basis so be careful out there and don't push it too far while your learning.

Answer 6

if you buy a liquid shredder board (my 1st board) it's $200. but they last a long time.

Answer 7

Before you go to the expense of buying a board, see if there is anywhere near where you live that does lessons!   (or see if you can go on a residential course in, say, Cornwall).   Then, if you hate it,  you have only wasted money on lessons, rather than the cost of a board when you have no idea what you are doing!   Try the below website for some help!

Answer 8

ive been surfing for a few years, not frequently but often enough. Anyway, its pretty hard lol. it'll drive you insane trying to stand up, trying to get out past the breakers, until you get used to it all. Its hella good fun though!

Dont buy a board straight away, it depends where youre gonna be surfing anyway, like type of waves etc. Hire them when you get to wherever your going, cuz you wont know if youre gonna want a long/short board for example. Play around with places/boards/seasons etc. anyway, a new boards gonna cost  you about £250 at least. Oh and start on a long board.

:)