Okay, so I've always wanted to learn how to surf and l think I am ready to try it out. l used to be a competitive swimmer, so l have strong swimming skills, l just am not is shape right now. l plan on doing some swim training from Jan-May just to get in shape.

Should l take professional surfing lessons? l do not know if I will be very good at it, so l think l may need the extra help...

Anyways l guess I am just asking for advice from surfers on what it is like in the beginning...

First, you should take some lessons to see if you like it. Then, you can buy a board. When a wave is coming paddle as hard as you can no matter what is happening because most people give up if they think the wave will pass them. When you are paddling lean forward to get momentum. Never stand between a surfer and the shore so he does not run you over. Lastly, practice as much as you can so you can get better, at first it wo not be super easy just keep working on it.

As I’ve mentioned here several times in the past, please - do not just rent a board & go out. You could really hurt yourself or someone else. The safest way to learn the proper techniques & surf etiquette is to take a lesson. Take a lesson from an experienced instructor at a surf school & at least u will learn how to handle ur board safely.

There r plenty of schools & instructors all over the world. The best instructors r those who have been trained through one of the certifying organizations. There r also camps where u can go & learn, plus there r many sources on the Internet that provide information on how to surf. l would not try surfing without taking a lesson though as it is difficult to learn from just reading about it.

Most people can learn to catch waves & stand on their own in one-two 1 1/2 hour sessions with a good instructor. Becoming a competent surfer takes awhile depending on how often u go. l regularly teach many people who r not even that comfortable in the water how to surf at my school each year. Most will get over their nervousness within the first 20 minutes.

If u r taking a lesson at a surf school, u do not need to bring anything but yourself, ur swimsuit, & a towel. Any quality school will have everything ready. They will probably also show u how to wax ur board. If u r going with someone experienced, it is a good idea to bring surf wax (cold water or warm water) depending on where u live.

Taking lessons is a must. And be sure to ask the instructor about etiquette and who has the right of way.

be prepared to get decked in the face if you cut someone off/steal someones wave

My first tip on how to surf is to be at home in the ocean. OCEAN not COMPUTER. Surfing is an acitivity that should only be practiced by someone who is comfortable in the ocean, with its rips, currents, & sometimes BIG waves.There r already way too many dangerous people in the water. A danger to themselves & other surfers. Do not join their ranks.

Lessons r the best way to start, unless u r a young adult or adolescent with surfing pals who can teach u . You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up do not want to drown you), how to paddle & take off on a wave, & how to ride a wave. Be very careful of what u read here on line. Some of the folks who answered our very nice young folks, but not really very experienced surfers. In fact some of the folks who r giving u advice now, were asking about learning how to surf themslves, just a week or so ago. After l found this site, l figured that l could answer a few questions, & spread the 'good news' of surfing.

Most people learn best on long boards, although l have seen lots of surfers start on a short board & master it. In the long run, there r NO RULES on what type of board u have to learn on. A board has to be bouyant enough to float u well enough for u to paddle & take off on a wave. A surfer is board preference depends on three things: Their size (what will float them how much u weigh is what is important, not how tall u are), Their skill level (beginner to advanced) & the type of waves usually encountered at their local breaks.

l have been surfing for 42 years, & l get my surfboard buying advice from good local surf shops in the places where l surf. Beginners should not even worry about buying a board. renting a board (either from the instructor or shop) while taking lessons is the best way to go. And do not be fooled into a buying a surfboard on line. You do not know enough yet, & will only end up disappointed. Once u have mastered the basics, try a couple different types/styles of boards, & then decide what u want to buy. Surfboards r a big investment.

Training to get in shape is a great idea, but do not forget, pool swimming skills r not enough to make u safe in the ocean. And be sure to go to a surf shop, & talk to real surfers, not folks who may pretend to be on YA . Just FYI, the HB Snake is the real deal, he is been surfing even longer than me.

Take the time to go back & read some of the resolved in YA surfing. There is lots of great information in some of the asnwers.

Good luck. Once u try surfing (and learn the 'right way') u will have fun for life.

http://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-t.
Please read the link, & do not buy a popout like NSP - http://mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm
Surfboards made in Chinese sweatshops.http://bp3.blogger.com/_hPACOtZKKko/RkST.
http://surfing-waves.com/beginner_su.