I tried my hand at surfing this weekend. I don't think I've ever been as bad at an athletic-type activity, but it was so much fun and I can't wait to go again. Does anybody on here surf? Where do you like to go?
Also, what type/size board should a beginner get for the small waves we have here in Florida?
Rented a few boards in the outer banks here on the east coast. Wasn't too hard to pick up as I had boogie boarded/snowboarded/skateboarded before. I've gone with a longer board (9-10 foot maybe?) each time as I was told it's easier to catch smaller waves on. I've also heard on the east coast that there are good waves in the winter.
Ah, maybe that was one of my problems. The board(s) I was using were definitely not that long. I used to skateboard when I was younger too. I'm okay once I get up, I just can rarely get going fast enough to catch a wave. Maybe the longer board is the answer.
Longboard to begin with is the answer. And the waves down here aren't always "small". Wait until there is a storm offshore---- the waves get pretty large.
Keep in mind--- the best pro surfer of the last 20 years (Kelly Slater) grew up in Cocoa--- an hour South of Daytona.
Used too. I surfed Central California when I was a teen. I grew up outside of Santa Barbara. Haven't lived near an ocean since I left home. Enjoyed it then, was never really any good at it but did have fun.
I bought a used 7 something board when I visited my sister in California 16 or so years ago and surfed every day I was there. I brought it back with me and surfed three times in Galveston before a hurricane relocated my board from a friends beach house to somewhere else. Bad waves, good waves, cold water warm water, doesn't matter, it's always so much fun.
I should get another board.
Kinda on topic:
What kinda wetsuits do you guys use? My girl and I would like to get wetsuits as we love watersports, kayaking, swimming the ocean, swimming in cold mountain creeks, snorkeling, etc. but sometimes we don't have enough time to do it during the warmer months and by the time we do get out its too cold to do so.
Anyone wanna buy a pro skateboard?
I tried it before many years ago...it looks so easy on TV! Probably the hardest thing I ever tried to do sports related, and yet look so absolutely uncoordinated! It was an absolute blast however. I eventually ended up windsurfing more often, as it was easier to not look so "darkish". 
PHeller wrote: Kinda on topic: What kinda wetsuits do you guys use? My girl and I would like to get wetsuits as we love watersports, kayaking, swimming the ocean, swimming in cold mountain creeks, snorkeling, etc. but sometimes we don't have enough time to do it during the warmer months and by the time we do get out its too cold to do so.
Long time longboard surfer. I think my shortest board is 9 6'
Each needs a different style of wetsuit. 2/3 full for me most of the year 3/4 for the winter here in San Diego for surfing. On the occasional 90+ day I have a farmer's suit so that I do not get rashes.
I swear by the psycho III wetsuits for surfing. Not cheap but man are they comfortable. Wetsuits can be tailored as well just a FYI if you do not fit. For example I cannot get my calves past any full suit on the market so I have the legs shortened at the bottom so I can get in and out easier when the suit is wet.
My sister does iron mans and her suit is I think a 4/5 near the core with really stretchy joints. It keeps her buoyant and the heat in her when she does the big swims in the ocean.
Surfing is wonderful but you can hurt yourself just as easy as other sports. I have been speared a few times from people who do not wear leashes because they don't know better and have broken all of my ribs that way from getting hit in the chest. Almost lost a eye to a loose short board and have many many laserations from being pulled under.
I surfed all the way into HS.. and then I discovered the joys of Rowing.
In reply to racerdave600:
Sounds like you and I are in the same boat! I've never tried windsurfing but it looks fun.
EdHigginbotham wrote: In reply to racerdave600: Sounds like you and I are in the same boat! I've never tried windsurfing but it looks fun.
At least you can balance on the wind. It is huge fun by the way!
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