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Surf tips

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feihlination
Posts: 8356 - Karma: 1,084
short and quick:
leaving for my first surf trip in a few hours. will be in portugal, going from south to north.

obviously, i will be taking lessons at first, but give me some tips that you think could have been useful when you started

already been told to count seconds when you get twirled around underwater, not to drag the leash over the sand and look for sub 10 knots winds with the time between waves being over 10 seconds or so.



thanks for anything.
Jul 26 2012 4:10AM
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RICK_ROSS
Posts: 6983 - Karma: 3,342
Jul 26 2012 4:15AM
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LIL-WAT
Posts: 1510 - Karma: 146
in my 14 years of surfing iv never done this..
Jul 26 2012 6:28AM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,000
yeah, don't count while getting the shit beaten out of you by a wave. It will scare you how long you are under for. Try to focus on which way is up.
-Learn how to properly paddle out through oncoming waves. I never learned to dive my board through them and it blowsss
-Start doing push ups now, you're going to rely heavily on your arm strength.
-Start small, work your way up.
-NEVER step outside your comfort zone. Do what you feel comfortable with, don't let someone pressure you into more intense seas
-Always surf with at least 1 buddy
-Learn about riptides, how to spot them, and study beaches before heading out. Learn how to get out of them if you do ever get stuck. (paddle parallel to shore until out, then in. Don't fight it.

Lastly, Have fun! Should be a sweet trip, I hear surfing is great over there.
Jul 26 2012 8:10AM
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pow_pow~
Posts: 1429 - Karma: 1,804
use rips to get out, dont try get back in through them
surfer closest to the break of the wave has right of way, even if it looks like he wont make it or whatever, they always have right of way.

i bodyboard but when i get thrown around under water i usually just hold my leash and pull myself up it sort of, thats always the right way up because the board floats..
Jul 26 2012 8:26AM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5674 - Karma: 4,227
Who counts when they're getting thrashed? I just stay calm and wait till it's over. Stay away from the fins, pick a longer/ more volume board for easier and earlier wave entry. Portugal probably has some awesome waves, find a small and consistent one to practice.
Jul 26 2012 9:20AM
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idskithat
Posts: 1314 - Karma: 154
be prepared to have your arms be extremely tired, paddling out was the worst part
Jul 26 2012 10:33AM
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speedin
Posts: 731 - Karma: 131
I have to say.....I have only been surfing 3-4 times. I surfed for my first time two years ago in Costa Rica, and let me tell you it was probably the biggest workout I have ever had. Just finishing the lesson was a massive challenge in it self, and I was surfing tiny waves. Being out of breath like that, in the water, with waves crashing down on you is extremely hard. It humbled me quite a bit, and made me have big time respect for surfers.
Jul 26 2012 11:00AM
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Troy.
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 12,545
Haha I've been surfing for 17 years of my lifetime. The counting underwater is bullshit. You'll just freak yourself out. When getting ripped around, just be like a jelly fish - stay mellow and don't fight it. You'll get your window.
Jul 26 2012 11:09AM
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timmi
Posts: 12874 - Karma: 3,460
Get a big enough board. That was my mistake.
Jul 26 2012 11:11AM
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chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,122
get a much bigger board than you think you need. your very first day you probably will want one of those 30 pound longboards that you can pretty much ride into shore. Atfter that you want one of those big funboards. Don't try and ride a tiny shortboard. you will either not catch waves, or just get destroyed depending on the kind of wave.
Jul 26 2012 11:14AM
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jeR.
Posts: 1325 - Karma: 58
do NOT count seconds under water, that makes it scary as fuck, you'll be unpleasantly surprised how long you are under there for. if your taking a few waves on the head just remain loose and calm, and pull on your leash to figure out which way is up, your board is most likely floating.
-get out of people's way if you aren't that good, its kinda shitty to say, but the vibe in a surf lineup is definitely different than being in a park (at least for me). try to stay out of peoples way and definitely don't drop in on anyones waves, even if you are a beginner. if your using a shortboard, learn to duck dive. if your on a lonboard, get those upper back/shoulder/triceps real strong to be able to paddle out. spend some time at the beach; surfing itself is not too difficult with a little practice, its reading the waves, and knowing where to be in the water, and what the right spot is to pick up a wave that takes the most effort.
Jul 26 2012 11:25AM
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Peter.
Posts: 23796 - Karma: 13,012
mother nature is one strong woman, never underestimate the power of a wave
Jul 26 2012 12:06PM
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ForeverYung
Posts: 8385 - Karma: 2,060
.
Jul 26 2012 12:08PM
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Amadeus.
Posts: 3050 - Karma: 382
After you bail and you are being thrown around dont count just be calm. If its a decent size wave you wont want to try and fight it because you will use up your oxygen. Just loosen up your body and wait till everything calms down.

Just remember to have fun. Surfing is one of the greatest experiences in life. Make sure you learn to paddle properly, duck dive properly, sit on your board properly, and of course pop up correctly.
Jul 26 2012 12:37PM
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G5_KiD
Posts: 263 - Karma: 379
learn how to paddle before trying to catch a wave on your own. if you cant paddle around on flat water, you won't be able to catch a wave properly and that will make it much harder to stand up.
Jul 26 2012 12:43PM
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themightyquinn
Posts: 44 - Karma: 10
Paddling is one of the most important things to focus on. Try to take as long as possible strokes and keep your hands just underwater, which creates less drag. Also, focus on a balanced stand up before you try to turn
Jul 26 2012 2:20PM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,564
Been surfing since I was 8 and never heard anything about counting when you get dicked. Get a bro to video you, should give you an idea of where you are with your surfing because I find I think I surf better than I do. A lot of the above is quality advice so not going to repeat whats already been said
Jul 26 2012 3:26PM
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