l was told l needed to take up a sport to help build self-esteem, l live 6miles from the beach so l think surfing would be good... so how do l start? what do l need? where do l get it? thanx!

Laird Hamilton, one of the greatest surfers to ever live, has a few surfer workout video is out there. l would start conditioning with those since surfing uses different muscles than other sports.

ey howzit.
get surf movies also, motivation learn about it, get da endless summer, step into liquid, morning of the earth.GIRLS RIP..and practice pushing up laying on the floor pretend to paddle place hands where da shoulders r & push yourself up keep ur knees bent , do like 30 a day get a board start off with a longboard then work ur way down as u get better, if u learn on a short board it will take longer to learn & could become frustrating!
good luck
aloha

l LEARNED IN HAWAII

Unfortunately, surfing is a very humbling sport and l am not sure it would be a great self esteem builder. On the other hand, if you really stick with it it could be a great outlet for you and be a lot of fun. But it is tough to learn so be ready to put in some tough hours at first.

Take lessons for a bout a week. 10 to 20 hours in total...
And get a relatively big board (not too big either)
And paddle.
Whenever u want something to do : PADDLE.
Once ur muscles r built you're right. But u need 1 to 4 months to build those muscles. And without muscles, u will never get urself on a wave.
It is not like you're walking around out there. You're using ur tender back muscles with all ur weight on ur plexus..
Your triceps need to be huge, & ur back well developed..
Good luck. It is worth it.

3 Things A surfboard, Wax & l highly recommend a wetsuit if u dont want to end up with really bad board rash. Get a dvd of surfing to help u otherwise try these tips paddle out until u get to where the waves r just breaking so ther is some powerful whitewash u dont need to paddle much it will just push u try a quick smooth jump DONT USE YOUR KNEES! & stand up postion ur feet a little towards the back.
if ur a beginner try a short board a 6'4 or something l started on a 5'8 & have fun!

im quite new to surfing l started due to my fiencee dumping me & l always wanted to try surfing so l took it up & never looked back my confidence,self esteem,health & body has never felt or looked better.i was told by some really great guys l met as l was down the beach to get a mini-mal surf board as they r good all round boards u can do turns can pick up some decent waves & great for learning on.i have a mini-mal & living in england south west l have a winter wet suit to keep me warm & a leash is a must if not for others then for ur self & u will need some wax to put on the top of ur board for grip & try to get in some surfing lessons theyre pretty baisic but they will help u with ur footing & balance & pop ups.if u know someone or live near a shop which sells boards then ask them what would be a good size for ur height(different hieghts & weights different sized boards)plus swimming would be good for training & try not to be out there alone for the first few times surfing can be dangerous!but it is so much fun im never going to stop now ive started im not very good but the more l put in the more l get out & every day l learn something different about myself when im out there!keep it real babes an have fun ;) thats the most impotant part enjoying yourself when ur out there