Newbie surfing?

Question

I have surfed before, and am looking to by my own board. I have a friend who is pals with a guy who just began custom making boards and I could get it for pretty cheap. What I am wondering is since I live in Northern California where the water is cooler, what thickness should I get my wet suit, and is it a bad idea to go alone?

Answer 1

4/3, don't go alone in overhead surf or if there is any current.

Answer 2

A 4/3 wetsuit, it's more expensive, but well worth it. I use a 4/3 spring, winter, and fall in Southern California. If you're used to a spot you'll probably be fine as long as there's other surfers. But if your going to a new spot on a bigger day, you should probably bring a friend.

Answer 3

Get a 4/3 and don't go alone.  A 4/3 will get you through the whole year and the newest ones are just about as flexible as a 3/2.

Answer 4

Well, to start with the wetsuit, I would be in a 4/3 suit with booties most of the year in NorCal.

As far as surfing alone, 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.

That is what worries me when I read some of these questions. Lots of folks just don't know what they are getting into. The more times inexperienced people s***w up, and have to get rescued, the stricter anti surfing ordinances get past, and it makes it tough on the rest of us.

I started surfing at 14, but I had been swimming in the ocean and back bays since I was little tike. I learned to surf, and sail pretty much on my own, because that's just the way things were in the '60s.. Today, people are learning to surf from toddlers (my 8 year old graddaughter for example) to 40 somethings. I love the growing popularity of surfing, as long as they learn the 'right way' to surf, that is to respect and love the ocean and use proper surf etiquette. I have been surfing alone for years, but there have also been times I have dragged myself up onto the beach and had to get stitches etc. I at least tell somebody where I will be, and what time I plan to come back. At least that way the Coast Guard can look for my body.

The sea takes a nasty toll on those who do not respect her.

Answer 5

Yes it is a bad idea to go alone and you should get 4/3.  I went surfing in Cali just like a week ago and I got hypothermia in HB, I went to the hospital for it, I'd say go with a friend and get a really thick wetsuit.