I have wanted to surf since I was a kid growing up in the midwest. I am nearly thirty now but am in pretty decent shape. I know that my chances to learn to surf are only getting slimmer so I thought I could take a trip to LA (I am in Oregon now but would prefer not to have to shell out the dough for a wetsuit) and spend an entire week with the sole purpose of learning to surf. I just want to be able to say i did it, I don’t need to be good or anything.
My question is, where do I get started. I would probably need to rent a surfboard, and hire an instructor. Are there any crash courses? I can’t beleive I am the only tourist who ever wanted to try their hand at it. Are there any good beaches for beginner surfers. What time of year would be best? What size waves would be ideal for surfing? Maybe LA isn’t the best place on the west coast, if not what is?
I know I am a little crazy for wanting to try this, but I think I could do it with a dedicated week of work. Please tell me what your thoughts are.
You could try heading down to a popular surfing beach here in Southern California early in the morning when the regulars are out.
Tell them you are from out of town and you want to learn how to surf. Be very persistent.
Then run quickly after they all attack you for impinging on their waves.
Seriously though, Corky Carroll offers a surfing school down in Huntington Beach. There also seem to be a lot of places to learn to surf in Hawaii, which would have the advantage of warmer water.
Try Hatteras or Ocracoke. Summer surf temp in the 70s. No crowds. A few jerks but there will be someone willing to help you for free if you are friendly enough. Surf Shops a - plenty.
Thank you. I will look into what you have recommended. Do you guys think this is doable? I’ll try if it is or isn’t.
It’s very doable. You should be a strong swimmer though. I think one of the hardest parts is geting used to being upside down under water, with your surfboard tugging at your leg.
You can head to Southern California (L.A., or San Diego), rent a wetsuit and the biggest surfboard you can find (the best for beginners are what are called “foamys” - made of stiff, but soft foam, like a boogie board), wait for a time when the waves are small, and have at it. The beach at La Jolla Shores (in San Diego) would be a good beginner spot, as would Santa Monica beach in Los Angeles (as long as the waves are not too big). An instructor will help, but isn’t really necessary. It’s mostly getting the hang of the balance of the board, and timing when to paddle and when to stand up. For a while you’ll be missing waves because you’re too far back on the board, or “pearling” (having the nose get submerged, throwing you off the front of the board - see above re: being upside down underwater) from being to far forward.
At some point you’ll stand up, and be “sittin’ on top of the world”.
In the meantime, and to keep your appetite whetted, I’d suggest either or both of these books: Learn to Surf
Longboarder’s Start-Up
They’re both good, and will give you all the general info that you’d get from a first day lesson.
Good luck!
One thing you can do now is practice on dry land. Get the hang of balancing & standing up from laying down. Build some muscles in that area. i doubt you can learn to surf in a week even if you are persistent. Youll need the longest board you can find & a cheap but full, light wetsuit (something to protect from Sea Jellies) . Check ebay.com yo might get one cheaper than renting it.
Boogie boarding is a great start to learning surfing. You practice reading and catching waves and getting used to being dunked and dragged under before you have to deal with standing on a moving platform.