**Official Surfing Thread**

[gravedigger07]

Any ants that surf? If so, I would love some pointers. I am going to San Diego in a couple weeks and would love some information. Stories, tips, surf spots are all shared here.

[uro55]

I surfed in Fiji a whole bunch, but I'm terrible

[jcc522]

San Diego in January?

My tip: don't. You're going to freeze your ass off

[chadizzy1]

http://www.sandiego.org/articles/sur...urf-spots.aspx

Here's some suggestions.

I suggest La Jolla shores, myself. It's a great beginner spot.

[AJF_41]

I used to surf in Maui all the time.
I've never surfed in CA.
My recommendation would be to long board first.
...and wear a wetsuit. Water is freezing in southern CA based on every time I've been in.
Have fun. I miss the ocean.

[gravedigger07]

Originally Posted by jcc522

San Diego in January?

My tip: don't. You're going to freeze your ass off

Yeah. I am wearing a 4/3 neoprene wetsuit. You think I am jumping in with swim-trunks? Fuck.

[chadizzy1]

To echo AJF, definitely longboard first.

If you go to La Jolla, go to Bird Rock Surf, you can rent a board there if you haven't already bought one. They're a great shop.

[coolhotwaves]

Absolutely start with a longboard first. Pointers...ummm swim alot before you go try. It is a lot of work and if you are really inclined towards other board sports it may be a challenge, but totally worth it either way.

[mr.MikeD]

I've done tiny bit in Hawaii and am going to Costa Rica for a "surf camp" in feb. Will be in the pool a few times a weeks thru January. I have no advice but can say its physically demanding and super fun.

[dontburnthe_pig]

tried my version of surfing for a few days in mozambique earlier this year, and cut my foot up a bunch on some rocks and coral. never again.

[gravedigger07]

I had an awesome time surfing in San Diego. I picked it up pretty quick and within one hour I was able to stand up almost on demand and ride white-wash. The waves the first day at Pacific Beach were only 2-3', but it was perfect to learn on. The next day, I went to Mission Beach and the waves were about 4-6'. They were pretty burly but still had a great time surfing. I almost had more fun surfing than I do when I go snowboard. Just saying.

[awsomepath]

I would absolutely love to try surfing.

[ryguy469]

I surf and have surfed in southern CA a couple times. Longboard is definitely the way to go, the key piece is have fun obviously. You're not going to get it right away, unless of course, you are the next Kelly Slater.

My parents got me a new board for Christmas which I have yet to pick out. I'm in the market for a retro fish if anyone is trying to sell!

[chadizzy1]

Originally Posted by gravedigger07

I had an awesome time surfing in San Diego. I picked it up pretty quick and within one hour I was able to stand up almost on demand and ride white-wash. The waves the first day at Pacific Beach were only 2-3', but it was perfect to learn on. The next day, I went to Mission Beach and the waves were about 4-6'. They were pretty burly but still had a great time surfing. I almost had more fun surfing than I do when I go snowboard. Just saying.

It can become a full blown addiction and hobby if you're near the beach. If I was, I'd be out there every day.

[K270]

I thought this thread was topped to announce the Mavericks Surf contest was called for 8am on Friday.

[gravedigger07]

Originally Posted by K270

I thought this thread was topped to announce the Mavericks Surf contest was called for 8am on Friday.

How do you keep up with the local contests? Are some of them televised, locally?

[coolhotwaves]

http://www.mavericksinvitational.com/


Places like surfline.com have pretty regular updates about surfing events.

[Jake17]

^^ that
Great app too

[K270]

Originally Posted by gravedigger07

How do you keep up with the local contests? Are some of them televised, locally?

This is the only local contest that gets advertised. At least to my knowledge it is. They advertise it, because it's a huge event. The worlds greatest surfers are all in one place at the same time. If there's smaller events, I don't know about them. I haven't seen anything televised either. As for Mavericks, I do believe theres viewing stations on the beach and possibly AT&T Park. Some of the local restaurants and bars may have access to the video stream to.

[gravedigger07]

How long does it take to learn how to get barreled?

[coolhotwaves]

Live webcast for any interested http://www.volcompipepro.com/live/

[coolhotwaves]

Originally Posted by gravedigger07

How long does it take to learn how to get barreled?

So many variables that it's impossible to say. Skill, wave quality, amount of time spent in the water all play heavily into the equation.

[bannar7]

So i have 6' 4" Kessecker WRV shortboard...its used and has a good deal of damage. I'm pretty sure its from the 80's or 90's and has kesseckers signature on it, right under where he wrote the dimensions of the board. I'm currently trying to sell it but i have no idea what to ask for it? Anyone have ideas where i should start asking?

[rustysurf83]

This is awesome enough that I wondered for a second if it was fake. Koa Smith, Skeleton Coast...
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=c04_1412201488

[laura22]

think i found a new hobby

went this week (in socal). got up a few times which exceeded any expectation. borrowed someone's longboard and rented a wetsuit. i was plenty warm

i live by the coast in NH in a small surfing hub so im gonna keep at it. just bought a wave storm longboard online lmao

never too old for a new hobby

[aeroshady]

Originally Posted by laura22

think i found a new hobby

went this week (in socal). got up a few times which exceeded any expectation. borrowed someone's longboard and rented a wetsuit. i was plenty warm

i live by the coast in NH in a small surfing hub so im gonna keep at it. just bought a wave storm longboard online lmao

never too old for a new hobby

I would love to try it, but at 37 I feel like I missed my chance. My goal was to try it in Bali, but I was told that Bali is not safe to learn because it is really challenging (in the area of Bali I was at least).

I guess I am sticking to skiing!

[TheLastStop123]

Originally Posted by laura22

think i found a new hobby

went this week (in socal). got up a few times which exceeded any expectation. borrowed someone's longboard and rented a wetsuit. i was plenty warm

i live by the coast in NH in a small surfing hub so im gonna keep at it. just bought a wave storm longboard online lmao

never too old for a new hobby

a longer board really does make a world of difference for a beginner. love this!

[laura22]

Originally Posted by aeroshady

I would love to try it, but at 37 I feel like I missed my chance. My goal was to try it in Bali, but I was told that Bali is not safe to learn because it is really challenging (in the area of Bali I was at least).

I guess I am sticking to skiing!

you haven’t missed your chance!! cmon

Originally Posted by TheLastStop123

a longer board really does make a world of difference for a beginner. love this!

yeah that’s what my surfing friends told me as well

it’s fun to hang out in the water even if I suck lmao