Surfing for beginners?

Question

My friend and I have been wanting to learn how to surf for a while now. And we've like finally decided to try this summer. But we weren't sure if there were different boards for beginners. What brands are the best?

Answer 1

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.

The brand doesn't really matter at this point. I'd recommend getting a used one to start.

Of course don't forget to protect your skin from rashes and the sun with a rash guard:

http://www.Buy-Rash-Guards.com

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 2

You will want to learn on a longboard. If you have a costco where you live they sell those softtops for $99. That is a great deal. I would suggest getting some lessons and then ask the teacher what board you should buy cause they would see how good you are and make a good recommendation.

The Surfboard Man

http://thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 3

i neverd surfed but im guessing you got to wait for a wave to come and then get on your surf board

Answer 4

i would prefer for you to get an epoxy longboard. i have an NSP (New Surf Project). its cheaper, floats better, and you get no bumps orscrapes on it. so i think you should go with that.

Answer 5

I learned on a 6'3 shortboard but you may want to just buy a foam board so you can get the hang of catching a wave and all that jazz without getting thrashed by hard fiberglass..

Answer 6

get the foam boards

Answer 7

For some reason, it seems like somebody asks this same question at least once every ten days! Thank God for cut & paste.

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 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.

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. I have been surfing ever since 1966, and it is GREAT!

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 8

DO NOT BUY THE FOAM BOARD! DON'T DO IT! Like a few have said- head down to your local surf shop and take a lesson- they are usually cheaper when there are two people. They will teach you on a foam board in the white wash. After that maybe rent a foam board one more time. Then if you know you are going to be surfing a lot buy a used board. Craigs list is full of em. I would say get a longer board that challenges you. The best thing is to just get out there and do- find what feels comfortable to you- get to know the ocean- it's always changing and that why surfing is so amazing! Epoxy is the way to go- you can get a shorter board and still have the float of a long board. Watch others around you, that is a way good way to learn. Lastly, surf the winter- that is when it's most gnarly and you will get rocked- but you will learn how to read and understand the ocean.

Answer 9

NSP (New Surf Project) is the brand I used when I first started surfing.

You should ask a pro who works at your local surf shop about sizes, because I don't know your height, so I can't give you a good size to start with.