Guest Post: John F – Yahoo Answers
Question: I would Like to Learn how to surf. Any suggestions or Advice
Answer:
First of all, it’s tough to answer some things specifically, because we don’t know where you live. If you’re in Australia, it’s Spring, and this is a good time to start. If you are in Delaware, USA, it’s Autumn, and you might as well wait until May. There are no ‘one size fits all’ answers in surfing. But, what follows has been cut and pasted a dozen times or more, so here it comes…..Surfing is an ocean sport, that should only be practiced by persons who are already competent ocean swimmers. Swimming in a pool is neat, but it’s not ocean swimming, with undertows, rip currents and sometimes BIG waves. I have seen lots of great pool swimmers get rescued. So, my first tip on how to surf is to be at home in the ocean.
Lessons are the best way to start, unless you have surfing pals who can teach you. 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. There are already way too many dangerous people in the water. A danger to themselves and other surfers. Don’t join their ranks.
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. Don’t be in a rush to buy a board! TRY before you BUY. Rent a variety of types of surfboards, or borrow them from your friends who surf. A surfboard is a big investment.
Be careful of what you read here on line. 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. 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 what type of board you have to learn on. Long boards are ideal for learners. There are also good intermediate length boards to learn on, funshapes, mini-mals and some hybrids. That is why instructors use long boards or fun boards (or even softtops).
If you are fairly athletic, after a couple lessons (either formal or from pals who surf), you should be able get a good grasp on the basics. Although surfing is extremely different for other board sports (you have to paddle out, paddle to catch waves etc.), most of the board sports (snow, skate, indo) that improve balance are good supplemental workouts. Also, we don’t know where you live. October/November is great time to start in the southeast, or southern California in the US, but it is starting to get COLD in the northeast or Pacific northwest. That means wetsuits and harder work in cold water. Depending on where you live, you might be best just getting into condition, if winter time is coming to where you live. (of course it’s just the opposite for all of our Southern hemisphere surfing friends).
THE REAL BOTTOM LINE IS: Go to a Surf Shop, not a computer. I have been surfing since 1966 and I get my surfboard advice at good local shops at the places where I surf. The pros there can give you the right answers!! There is no way anyone could accurately recommend any particular surfboard for you on line. But the folks at the local shop know the local wave conditions, and can match your size and skill level with the right board for local waves.
Good luck. Once you try surfing (and learn the ‘right way’) you’ll have fun for life.
Written By: John F. 
A top contributor on yahoo answers. John has been surfing since 1966 and has some great advice for beginning surfers. Thanks so much John for contributing to “The Surfboard Man” and I look forward to having you contribute your knowledge with the surfing world in the future.
See Ya at The Beach,
The Surfboard Man
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