Q&A for How to Surf

Yes, it does. if you pick a board that is too light or heavy for you, you may have trouble controlling it in open waters, especially if you are a beginner.

No age limit. Anyone can learn to surf.

Yes. The size of your board will matter because it will directly affect how easy it is to balance on your board, and how easy it is to control.

Anything above about 10mph can blow out the surf, but as a beginner catching the white water, anything up to about 30mph should work.

Yes, you most certainly do. Not only because you're in water but because if you get pulled underwater, you need to know how to swim up and that needs to be strong swimming ability, not just the dog paddle. When you've finished surfing, you might have to swim back to shore too, especially if you've gone out to get to the surf and it breaks well before shore.

Try skateboarding, or get a balance board. Go to your community pool or lake to practice becoming a strong swimmer.

It really just depends on the person. Some people can learn how to surf in a week, while other need months or even years to learn.

Absolutely, it is enormously thrilling. But it is more than sport, it's also a code, a camaraderie and a way of life. Try it out -- most likely you'll love it.

Wait for a slightly less lippy section than you would for a snapback. Ride up the face of the wave, and when you get to the lip, bring your head, then arms, then chest around and your waist and board will automatically follow. Then, lead forward to resume going down the face.

There are plenty of foam surfboards for rent in the shops close to pools or beaches. You can also shop/rent online if you want to get one in advance.

It depends on the current and how far out you are. Even strong swimmers can get swept under waves and not be able to swim away.

That depends. First of all, you'll want to choose the kind of board you want to purchase. Do you want a longboard, a shortboard, or a funboard? In what condition should the board be? Should it be a fiberglass, epoxy or foamie? Do you want a specific brand? All of these question play a big role in the price you'll pay for your board. But, generally, a used board ranges from $100 to $400. Know that longboards and fiberglass boards are more expensive.

Yes! It will be more difficult with a smaller board, but with practice you will be able to figure it out.

I wouldn't recommend it. Without a fin, you won't have much control over your board.

Absolutely. The only way to get up on a surfboard is by using your hands, but be careful.

All you have to do is practice. Get better at pop-ups, learn how to paddle better and keep at it. With practice you can be a great surfer.

Yes, goggles would be a good idea if you intend to wear contacts in the water. However, taking the contacts out would be better as sometimes water can still enter your goggles and you could risk losing a contact lens.

For a beginner, no. But it gets easier as time goes on/when you get more advanced.

I started with a fish board too! I am 5'5 and my fish board is 5'8. I could surf within a day, so I think you should be fine if you practice.

Surfing is definitely a lot like snowboarding once you get the basics down, but it's a lot harder to learn. Essentially, yes, snowboarding will help hone your skills if you already know how to surf, but you should not assume you can surf just because you know how to snowboard.

One of the main rules of surfing is that if you are riding a wave, it is not your responsibility to look out for other surfers, but for the other surfers to look out for you. So most of the time, you probably won't need to worry!

You lie on your stomach on the board when you paddle out, so if there's sand on it, the sand will rub against your stomach and give you a pretty bad rash.

Yes, you can but it can be dangerous. Make sure that you go with friends and keep an eye on the conditions. Sharks hunt at night so you might be more prone to attacks. If you go with lots of people, you will be fine but unless there's a lot of light from a full moon, it's risky.

O'Neill Psycho Tech Wetsuit Line is a good brand. Patagonia wetsuits for men and women are also good.

Definitely! Did you know that skateboarding was invented as a way for surfers to practice while the surf's down? Skateboarding provides you with good balance and control, which is handy when trying your hand at surfing!

Anyone can surf! Typically, ectomorphs (people with a thin frame) have the easiest run at surfing, since their smaller body weight can be carried by the wind easier. However, I wouldn't dwell on what type of body you have; just try it out and practice!

If you are extremely nervous about sharks and are in a highly shark-populated area, try doing a shark dive, or if nothing else, go to your local aquarium to learn about them. Learning about the incredible creatures that they are may help you feel confident in the water. There are also shark bands that detour sharks away from your body because of the magnetic fields produced. Also, try going out with a few friends to distract you and for you to feel a little safer.