Learn to surf the easy way

1. John F Said,

   Don’t waste your time looking for a surfboard on craig’s list. If you don’t know anything about surfing (as witnessed by your asking a question in this forum) you will only buy something that is disappointing. Lessons are the only sensible way to start surfing, either from a professional instructor, or surfing family or friends who are experienced surfers. There are way too many dangerous people in the water now, who THINK they can surf. Please don’t join their ranks.The VERY LAST THING the rest of us experienced surfers want is people to take silly on-line advice, and go down to the beach, grab a surfboard, and go out and get in our way.

   Most people start out best on long boards, but I have seen plenty of surfers start begin with a short board and master it in no time. It just tends to be more difficult. The bottom line is there are NO RULES as to what kind of surfboard you learn on. Certainly a longboard usually is more user friendly.

   Most professional instructors will rent you a board to learn on. Beginners shouldn’t even think about buying a board until they master the basics, and decide they really want to keep on surfing.

   As far as what type/siz surfboard. this question comes up a lot on YA Surfing, and it is impossible to answer it accurately on-line. Although I am sure you will get lots of "advice" the real BEST ANSWER is to go to a good local surf shop and discuss your skill level, your size (weight matters, height is fairly irrelevant) and local wave conditions with the folks there. they will give you much better info than ANYBODY out here in cyberspace. When you are finally ready, you should really think about buying a decent board, and avoiding popouts , and boards made in sweat shops in China, unless that’s just all you can afford. And don’t forget, there are always used boards for sale in every surf shop. After almost 43 years of surfing, I still get my surfboard buying advice at good local shops in the places where I surf.

   Lot’s of nice teenagers will try to give you all kinds of ‘advice’ on what to buy, but trust me, this is not the way to get accurate advice. Surfing is way too much fun not to take the time to learn the ‘right way." and suerfboards are far to expensive to take silly on line advice about. The water temperature in san Diego is in the low 60s, whihc for me is spring suit time, but that is a matter of personal preference and how well you tolerate the cold. It’s another good question to ask in a San Diego area surf shop, instead of on-line. Go to a good surf shop, and good luck!
   References :

2. Brian A Said,

   If you are in San Diego and plan to surf in the summer, a 3/2 wetsuit will do you well. If you plan to surf in other seasons You’ll need a 4/3. You wont need booties, San Diego is one of the warmest spots you can surf in California.

   I suggest getting a longboard, make sure it’s in good condition.

   Also read online about learning to surf.
   http://www.how-to-surf.com
   References :

3. Cole N Said,

   I feel sorry for John F. It sucks having to tell people the same thing everyday on Yahoo Answers.
   References :

4. Jazzman Said,

   1) Learn on a long board (<10′) with not much rocker, at your age it’s easier to paddle and stand up on. Get use to the board, if no more surf get out and paddle to build up your strength and stamina. Always keep your feet together when paddling, most rookies start out paddling with their legs "spread eagle"
   2) You don’t need to pay for lessons, you can learn by watching other surfers and "just doing it". Start off close to shore, on the inside waves or on the shoulder. Ask surfers questions on the beach or in the water. Most will be glad to help. At least, that’s how it is in my neck off the woods.
   References :
   Kama’aina – Been there, done that & saved many a poor surfer.

5. SkateSurf DelMar Said,

   go with an 8ft foam longboard, BEST for beginners
   for san diego summer u shuld probly get a 3/2 wetsuit (long or spring suit), or just go with boardshorts and a rashgaurd

   willis bros surf school is a really good place to learn, and they have 8ft foam boards for u to use

   booties are only needed in the winter, but u dont really need them then
   4/3 is gud for winter too, unless u dont mind the cold
   References :
   i surf in san diego >5 hours a week

6. LiquidMan Said,

   Nah i wouldn’t even start surfing sucks
   References :

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