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trey69 
Water Slime
Joined: 06 September 2009
Location: 92125
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Posts: 12
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 Topic: How many Lessons?
Posted: 06 September 2009 at 1:09pm |
Hey everyone I'm new to the forum, my name is Trey.
I'm taking surfing lessons next week for the first time ever (4 lessons, 1.5 hours long), just wondering a few things.
How many lessons is enough to be able to go out on a longboard and surf comfortably alone, being able to do simple turns, catch waves, etc.?
How many lessons do I need before I can start using a shortboard?
What is the best time to go surfing during the week, when it's not too crowded so I don't get in professionals' ways?
Thanks, I appreciate your help!
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offshore
Top Frog
Joined: 10 April 2009
Location: UTC
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Posts: 208
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Posted: 06 September 2009 at 6:34pm |
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Lessons will get your started, but surfing is not something that can be 'taught' per se IMO, you have to go out and surf. The more you do it the more you'll get better.
Also pay attention to etiquitties in your lessons.
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seawolf
Top Frog
Joined: 18 September 2007
Location: United States
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Posts: 243
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Posted: 06 September 2009 at 7:25pm |
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Hi, I took two lessons, but I wasn't surfing comfortably for a lot longer lol. At the end of my first lesson, my teacher wasn't all that hopeful for me, but I persevered. It takes awhile to learn how to paddle into a wave, read a wave and the etiquette - very important. Like offshore stated, the lessons will get you started, but it's a process unlike anything you've ever done.
Don't worry about a shortboard for at least a year or so. If you don't believe me, rent one. It's taken me two years to work down to a 6'10" fish and I go out all the time, even in winter when the water is cold. I know everyone's different, but still, you won't be shortboarding after 4 lessons.
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wave1173
Maco Shark
Sensei
Joined: 25 April 2007
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Posts: 827
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Posted: 06 September 2009 at 11:05pm |
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the person who can help answer that question the most is your current instructor . why dont you ask him how many lesson it will take for him to teach you how to turn . then how many lesson to surf on a shortboard . ask him , he will tell you straight . he has seen you surf , seen your dexterity , seen your condition and most important your ability to listen and learn .
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themathteacher
All Mighty Humpback
Peak crumbler
Joined: 07 October 2006
Location: United States
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Posts: 3100
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Posted: 07 September 2009 at 11:15pm |
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Looks like you have 4 lessons comming, wait till the end of the 4th one to see if you need more. You might, you might not, depends on your confidence and ability.
I started without lessons, wish I had some or a bud that could tell me what to do. When I help my buds learn they usually pick it up faster than I did cause they have someone to start them off.
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twee
Top Frog
Joined: 25 August 2008
Location: Carlsbad
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Posts: 329
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Posted: 08 September 2009 at 12:05am |
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I took one lesson, and then didn't pick up surfing again until about a year later. Then it took me an additional two months before I comfortably was able to stand up and catch waves.
Honestly, it really depends on how athletic you are and how much you go out. Where are you taking your lessons?
If it's Shores, you can see me out there daily, and I'll definitely be your surfing buddy if you want. I've made a ton of friends out there who've had limited experience in surfing, and giving them pointers and tips on reading waves has really made them improve quite a bit.
Really, nearly everyone out in SD is pretty good about beginners, as long are you're not a jerk that drops in on everyone and knows simple etiquette. I give out pointers from time to time to strangers and they seem to appreciate it, and so do many of my other friends.
Edited by twee - 08 September 2009 at 12:06am
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SurfScience
Small Brained Tadpole
Joined: 06 August 2009
Location: Dana Point
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 49
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Posted: 25 September 2009 at 6:20am |
If you're really concerned about crowds, then I'd try to get in the water during the work week. That being said, I agree with the posts above and don't think you'll get hassled at all. Just be respectful.
As far as the number of lessons needed, four sounds like enough for you to get your bearings. After that, there is no substitute for spending time in the water.
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