Hi,

I am brand new to surfing so looking for a bit of advice around boards and etiquette - I hope you guys can help.

I've had a couple of lessons and have no real issues standing up, so I've been advised that I need to get out on my own more to improve. I've got a mate who can lend me a 6ft 8 board (Jacks - is this a good make?)....... is this too short to practice on considering I've been learning on an 8ft board? I'm 5ft 9 and about 78kgs.

As you'd expect I am currently learning in the white wash, so when do I start thinking about going further out an joining the line up? Just concious that I don't want to piss off the more experienced surfers around me.

Thanks in advance.

Depending on how quick you learn, that length board will be alright. There would be slightly easier options, but she'll probably do.

For a first board Jacks is OK, but they do have a bit of a rep for being not that great. Once you get a bit better you'll be wanting a smaller board anyway.

Head further out when you think you're ready, but practice your duckdives. Nothing worse than someone ditching a board 3 feet infront of you

With right of way, it is generally whoever is 'deeper' on the wave gets the wave. Don't stress too much. If you're obviously learning, everyone messes up and someone should tell you (hopefully nicely), the way to approach things.

Rule number 1 'never' make eye contact with a stand up paddle boarder.Youll be sweet after that

Probably try and find a section where there isnt a lot of people as well and practice there to reduce the chance of getting in peoples way, sit inside and always check you're not about to drop in when paddling for a wave, newbies always seem to have tunnel vision when paddling for waves!
Further to the duckdiving, if you're paddling out and someone is on a wave coming toward you, you should paddle toward the whitewater and cop it on the head rather than trying to get over the wave as you'll prob get in the guys way.

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blueball said...

Further to the duckdiving, if you're paddling out and someone is on a wave coming toward you, you should paddle toward the whitewater and cop it on the head rather than trying to get over the wave as you'll prob get in the guys way.

This big time. And if you don't you've got more chance of being hit by a fast moving board.
I'd much rather get nailed by the whitewash than get a board to the head.

www.srosurf.com/rules.html

Go the extra mile and paddle out with a smile and a laugh and give blokes who score a good ride a hoot. Make it known you're a beginner and apologise in advance for any stuff ups.

When I started out, I swallowed my pride and did that. It's surprising how the line up then warms up to you. Had blokes who had right of way pulling back and calling me into waves, had others giving me tips.

Funny, all it takes is one good gesture and the tension in the line up can disappear and everyone becomes more chilled and having fun.

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newguy said...
Go the extra mile and paddle out with a smile and a laugh and give blokes who score a good ride a hoot. Make it known you're a beginner and apologise in advance for any stuff ups.

Hahahaha Group hug

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thommo 000 said...

newguy said...
Go the extra mile and paddle out with a smile and a laugh and give blokes who score a good ride a hoot. Make it known you're a beginner and apologise in advance for any stuff ups.

Hahahaha Group hug

Beats punch ups at Trigg Point over nothing but close outs

Newguy said it right. I have been surfing a while, went to North Point on a small day recently and guys were helping me because I hadn't surfed it in a while. Stuff the white wash, get amongst it mate. Just be a good bloke.

Paddle hard for waves. It's like a big lotto draw mate. Get onto a wave then get smoked... at least you had a ticket in the draw, you know what I mean. Paddling on is the hard part, keep getting smoked and eventually you'll get it.

Yep paddle out massive 1 foot trigg paddle in out and around everyone call yourself into the big set wave ( Still one foot) then go straight while looking for the head dip wiggle your arse and kick out ( Do an air) ..... Repeat process till you run someone over then fight them..... All in a days work out perfect trigg!

Nah trigg aint so bad!

Stick with the learning mate it a rewarding sport and takes you to some beautiful places!

Thanks for the advice guys, really appreciate it.