What books would you recommend on learning 2surf or any good websites for europe?

Question

What books would you recommend on learning 2surf or any good websites for europe?

Answer 1

Surfing is an athletic activity. Even old fat guys like me can surf (age 55 - surfing since '66), so unfortunately, you really can't learn it from a book or a website.

Learning to surf requires a lot of effort, but it is FUN, so most people don't realize how hard they are working. 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. 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. If you want an EASY way to learn, you probably don't really want to surf. That's okay, too. And yes, there are books and articles on line that tell you how to surf, but remember, doing it requires an ocean. If you do decide to surf , you will never regret it.

Surfline.com is a fantastic site, and has great information on surfing locations throughout the world. What you can do by book or website, is locate real surf shops in the areas you are interested in surfing at. A real surf shop is not a bathing suit store that sells some surfboards. Look for a BIG inventory of surfboards and accessories. There is a great interest in surfing in the UK, Ireland and France, so I am sure there are spots to get lessons and gear. Good luck.

Answer 2

www.surfline.com is great for videos and the surf reports are pretty decent. www.magicseaweed.com has great reports, and in addition, it has a section which explains waves and the ocean, how the waves are made and how to read the surf reports.