It is better to surf with friends or surf alone?

Question

Would you recommend surfing with a friend or two when just starting out, or is it okay to just go out there on your own?

Or does it really even matter?

Answer 1

It's never a good idea to surf alone. But, most of us do it. Being alone in the ocean can be asking for real trouble. Surfers have been killed, even when they are surfing with friends. Let's be honest, we don't pay undivided attention to our buddies when we are out surfing with them.

I have been surfing since 1966, and in recent years, I actually look forward to surfing alone (no crowds, no jockeying for waves, total peace). However, I at least try to let somebody know where I am headed for and what time I expect to be back, So if I don't show up on time, they can tell the Coast Guard where to look for my body.

Overall, surfing is a pretty safe sport. But the ocean demands great respect, and it exacts a harsh toll on those who underestimate its power.

Answer 2

It is always better to surf with other people whether you know them or not. However you can't drive to the beach in the middle of winter and expect to see 25 guys out unless its really good.

The Surfboard Man

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 3

safety first. always surf alone and make sure you are in shark infested water.

Answer 4

"never trust a surfer who has never surfed alone"

What does that mean? It means surfers who surf alone probably have enough experience to know what to do in case of an emergency.

In other words...don't surf alone if you can't save yourself..try to buddy with people who are better than you and gain experience before you go alone.

You can also check if a lifeguard is on duty.  

Answer 5

its always better to surf with friends

but u can surf alone

just make sure ure at least with one other person

and besides its wat more fun to surf with friends

Answer 6

to be safe, since ur just starting out, u need to bring a friend or two  along wit u

the reason y is because sometimes you might have trouble gettin back to shore, or the worst case is that u might drown

some surfers surf alone but not too many of them do

be safe and surf wit others :)

Answer 7

I find that it's always better to go with someone as good as or better than you. That way you can get help with your technique and ask questions on how to perform certain, for lack of a better word, tricks. If you're JUST starting out, then you probably haven't a clue what to do with your surfboard just yet, so you should go with someone who knows what they're doing in case you drown or can't stand up for the life of you.  

Answer 8

it is best to surf with friends but like John F said, we surf alone anyway. its not really a good idea to surf alone but sometimes it can be relaxing. i would suggest surfing with other people too.

Answer 9

hey, i just started out surfing, and its nice at first to do it with a buddy.  I usually go alone because my friends don't surf much (I wish they wanted to go more), but its pretty intimidating out there alone..  you've got 10 or 20 people out there jockeying for the same wave, and they're probably not too happy theres a newbie cramping their style.  

so its nice to go out with a buddy and kinda s***w up and fall together.  plus its good for safety like everyone else is saying.  if you eat it hard and get knocked out its good to have someone who's gonna be like "woah where the h**l did he go?"

Answer 10

i'm confident with my personal abilities in the ocean, and i don't want to have to be always worried about my buddies out there. i'm more worried about another surfer hitting me with their board and knocking me out in the water, and being with buddies increases that risk. there is a psychological part of it, being alone in the ocean can be a little trippy, and having buddies makes it more comfortorable. i surf alone but in places where there are a lot of locals, so someone being there to help me is not a concern