surfing?, everything you know Options

[raenbow*]

I wanna learn how to surf cuz I go to the beach for a month every summer and everyone there surfs. I went surfing for like 10 min.. if ud call that surfing. The guy that was w/ me just liked to show off (he was 14) and I ended up doing a nose dive. Can you just tell me anythin you know about it? What kinda board? Used/New? How to learn (if theres no place to pay for lessons).. what to do first. What to do so no one laughs cuz ur a newbie! Tell me anything!

[toodlepops.]

Sorry, I don't know how to surf either. But usually they'll have classes by the beach.

[yukichan]

depends where u live..if u live in hawaii, i know a couple of places...

[heyyfrankie]

try searching on google. but the first reply is right...most beaches have classes on the beach if the beach is good for surfing.

[alliehz]

A subject I know something about. Finally!

You will need a long board- so go to a surf shop at the beach and tell them "Im new to this" and they should help ya out. If you are going to buy one, don't waste your money on a real nice one, not until you get good at it, you will also most likely ding up the board, so theres another reason for a old one.

For lessons...google like said, you should be able to find something like a surf camp or lessons on the beach. It is really hard to teach yourself though, it's so much better to have someone with you in case you need saving...lol A teacher will also be able to give you support, lets face it, surfing ain't easy when you start. It's like snow boarding, you find yourself falling 90% of the time at the begining *has flash back* ok, so maybe a little more falling then that...

You will want to wear a rush guard- they look like tee shirts, but they are nylon and much tighter. This will protect your skin becuase you will be laying on the board, so theres some friction goin on there- the sand doesn't help much. If it's colder you can wear a wet suit.
Sun block- no duh about that.
Wax- you will need it for the board, so go to a surf shop and get some. The wax adds extra traction....you will need it!
Leash- theres a leash that is attached to the end of the board, the other end goes around your ankle. So are you a righty or goofy? (goofy- lefty) You want to put your dominate leg forward.

When you get to the beach ask people at a surf shop or a lifeguard where the best place to learn is. Be honest about your ablilties, also if you can, try to surf near a lifegaurd so they can save you if need be. When you get to your place look around, make sure there aren't alot of people, and just be aware of everything. Depending on what type of board you get, the tips can be sharp, so being stabed by one of those wont feel good.

When you get out on the water put your leash on.
Ok, now hop on the board and ride the wave like you are on a body board, just to get used to the whole riding the wave thing. Once you feel comforable with that try to push you body up and stand. It will take a few trys, but eventually you will be able to stand........Ok, so telling someone how to surf is hard online, so google that part lol. Sorry, I'm not good at online instruction. You can also go to the book store and find something...they always have something there, if not it must be a Cali thing...anyways. Good luck! Surfing is alot of fun but hard work and don't worry about looking stupid....we all have our moments Most people will be sympathetic so no worries.

Later