is 17 or 18 too old....what is the normal age that most people begin to surf.....how do you learn?

l live in san francisco, california by the way.

you are never too old to learn to surf.! well l started riding with my dad on his board when l was 6 months old we would lay on the board and catch white wash, l taught my friend how to surf and we are 22 and she started about a month ago! go to your local surf spot and get a board that isnt very expensive because it will get dings and such as a beginnner stay on the inside and try catching the white wash, if you know someone that surfs ask for tips.

Age Isnt The Problem, Its The Dedication And Time You Put Into It.
You Need To Get A Long Thick Board, say 7-8ft Them Foam G boards r very good to learn on.
And Go Down N Practice In The White Water In About 1.5/2ft.

Also How l Taught My Friedn Is l Drew an Outline Of His Board On His Bedroom Floor With Chalk, And Showed Him Where To Position Himself, & l told him to practice jumping to his feet 20 times a day.

Also with teh weekends surfing he picked it up in a month or so, n got his first ride along the face. If You Have No Friends to teach u l dont recommend lessons, as they r expensive.
Just Look Round On the Net or Local Shop for Advice. as they prob have better advice than me

My family surf, so l jst got taught by learning when l was growin up.
Around eight is when l first started up.. but it helps livin on the Aussie coast. =]

Since l started surfing in my 30 is l would say that u r DEFINITELY not too old.

Big board, small waves is the way to start. Problem is is that u r in San Fran. The SF beaches have COLD water & notoriously difficult waves, although l am sure they have their smaller days too. Capitola might a be a good place to try it out. It is semi-sheltered & the waves r usually manageable.

If u do not have friends to walk u through the ropes unlike others l would recommend lessons, or at least a group lesson. There is lots of places out there to take them l am sure.

No way mate! Its never too late to start surfing! l started around 7 however, but yeah its never too late. l just practiced alot and watched the other surfers around me. once l got better l joined a team and now l am a professional surfer. San Francisco is a good place to surf too, l have had a few competitions there. So anyways l hope you give it a try mate. it is sooo much fun! It also helps livin in Aussie. : )