Would you recommend surfing as a sport?

Question

.............and what advice would you give to me if i want to learn to surf? ........Is it difficult?

Answer 1

For some reason, it seems like somebody asks this same question every day, with some slight variations. Check some of the resolved questions, and you can get some additional information that might be valuable for you.

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. You can't do that without an ocean.

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. 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.

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.

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 56, 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!!

Surfing is difficult,  depending on how athletic you are, how good your balance is and how much time you have to devote to learning. I have been surfing since 1966, and I have good days and bad days, but I always have fun days. Make sure you try it before you buy it! take lessons on rental boards and make sure you really want to surf before you spend lots of money on a surfboard.

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 2

yes, and start with a longboard

even if you get really good on a longboard quickly its nice to have balance and control over a board

when you feel more comfortable on that then lower down to a shortboard maybe

anyways in my theory anything you can compete in is a sport

you don't really have to have a ball

but yeah, learn how to surf its worth ur time. I think when I go out there im excluded from the whole world, so its just one on one. you and the ocean

just learn

hey, what bad could come of it?

if you don't like it, quit.

its not like you had to sign up.

good luck

hope I helped

-ssieerrraaaa(:

Answer 3

go take a lesson or two. Seriously I wish I had started out that way. I've yet to meet someone who wasn't standing up at the end of the first day of lessons.you usually get a board, wetsuit and instruction for the cost and your learning curve will be much quicker. Plus you won't end up trying to surf a really gnarly break your first time out.

Answer 4

First of all, don't expect to be surfing like kelly slater your first half hour out there, yes it's a tough sport but you can learn it... It's worth learning too, you should start out with a longboard, no matter what size you are that'll teach you balance, try and buy a longboard with 3 fins... It's not going to be cheap either... Your first board should be a used longboard, it'll run you from $250-$800, You should look for one that is recommended for condition, looks should not be a concern at the beginning, next... buy a tube of suncure, that stuff will save you $100s... I have 5 tubes just to be safe lol it's great.  It'll fix any ding you have... they cost about $10 a tube, also a rash gaurd will be good and buy the wax "sticky bumps" wax cost $1 and the rash gaurd will run you about $15-$40, I've got a cheapo rash gaurd.  Once you have all your gear you should practice "popping-up" on the beach, it's where you do basically a push up without going down and you jump up onto your feet.  For your first few days surf the white waters or "white wash".   Good luck with surfing!

Answer 5

Hi,

Would I recommend surfing as a sport? I would recommend surfing as a way of life! It is an amazing world to be a part of. Goes beyond just a sport or activity.

Advice:-

First, make sure you are a confident swimmer. If you have not been in the ocean before, then go out and have a swim first time round. Why? So you can feel the power of the ocean and be prepared for what it has to offer!

Second:- have a lesson with a surfing school. These guys will help you get up and stand on a board within the first few hours. Learning on your own can be a bit more challenging.

Board:- If you are ok with the above, I recommend renting a board for your first few times at the beach. Make sure you borrow a LARGE foam board. A large board will help you stand and provide a much more stable platform to learn on. being foam you wont hurt yourself, or others! and it wont break.

Spend time practicing learning to stand and paddle in the whitewash (broken waves). you will not get anything out of paddling out to a line up only to get nailed everytime a set rolls through. Surfing takes time and practice.

If you enjoy your first few sessions and are interested in learning more then log onto a new site we are developing that will be live end of August:-

www.mesurf.com.au

This site will cover everything you need to know about learning to surf and help YOU get the most out of your time surfing. Surfing is more than a sport. It is a passion and life style. You get to share the ocean and play in liquid for a few hours which is amazing.

Good luck with it all, and might see you in mesurf.

mesurf

[e-mail]

www.mesurf.com.au

Answer 6

Yes! Great sport. I started at the tender age of 38, so just about anyone who's a swimmer can do it.

Where do you live? I surf the Washington Coast, so a wetsuit is needed year-round. I'd find a surf shop at your beach and take a lesson. Definitely rent before you buy, and I agree that a longboard (9') is the way to go to catch waves.

Bodyboarding is also a fun way to catch waves (get swim fins - makes it much easier to catch a wave).

Have fun!

Answer 7

Yes I would recommend surfing as a sport.It is really fun once you get the hang of  it.First you should get a couple of lessons. They usually give you a board, rashguard or wetsuit, and  a 1 or 2 hour lesson. They will also teach you the right techniques and have you practice on land first before going in the water.Second you should know about the place you will be surfing at and all of the ocean safety rules.They usually teach about those in the lessons. Third when you get good at surfing THEN you should a board wetsuit and all of the other necessities for surfing. Surfing is a harder sport to learn but most people are up on the board by the second lesson. Have Fun!

Answer 8

Surfing is really fun if you learn correctly. Make sure that you get lessons.

The Surfboard Man

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/