Surfing

[Nuzzolese]

Have any of you ever been surfing? I know Echewta has. Anyone else? Cosmo?

I am enamored of surfing. I love watching the ocean waves, watching people surf, in movies that is. I’ve never seen people surf in person. I’ve only seen windsurfers in the Gulf of Mexico and The Mediterranean. I’ve never been surfing. I'm not even a good swimmer. I'm not even very strong. I don’t even like the beach that much. I wonder if I would even enjoy surfing if I tried it. I have idealized it and admired it for so long, I’m now afraid to try it; and conveniently I live nowhere near a beach, and never have. I’ve never been to any big surfing beaches in my life. It’s not the beaches I love anyway, it’s the way surfing looks. Artful and balanced, powerful, riding on actual waves that move – unlike snow or skateboarding which looks like fun but doesn’t hold my fascination the way surfing does. Shit, I don’t even go white water rafting or anything out in nature. Why am I obsessed with surfing? It’s so far out of my normal frame of reference and inclinations. Or maybe it isn’t. I’m not sure I’ll ever know.

[Tzar]

i bodyboard but i've surfed before.

i prefer bodyboarding because it's smaller and easier to do tricks.

(y)

[Nuzzolese]

Do you think bodyboarding would be a good starting point? Is it easier to learn? It looks easier, and you don't need as big waves. It looks like it could be just as much fun as regular surfing though.

[Nuzzolese]

Have you seen the body surfers with thier swim fins just diving in and careening through the water like seals? That's crazy!

[paul jones]

I like those Beach Boys ditties (y)

anyway,no,never tried the surfing yet but me and a buddy had a great time on a peddello in Ibiza once whilst out of our heads (y)

[kll]

I have surfed in both southern california and hawaii. i did better in hawaii.

[Tzar]

there is no learning process involved in bodyboarding. it's simple as.

when a waves on it's way; lay on the board, kick and paddle at a reasonable speed (tward the shore) and you'll be off.

depends on where you hit the wave though. if you hit on the right spot (right before it lips) you're fine, just keep a hold of the front of the board and try to keep it from nosediving into the water.

if you hit the wave as it lips; you'll get dunked/flipped over going head first into the water or you'll just go straight over it and miss out on a nice wave.

but yeah if you've never done it before, just try out with the smaller waves. you'll never get dunked that way.

[Nuzzolese]

I have surfed in both southern california and hawaii. i did better in hawaii.

You stood up on the board? A short board or long board? How hard was it to catch waves, and did you ever feel like you were crowded out their in the water with other surfers? How did you feel when you first tried it?

[Nuzzolese]

there is no learning process involved in bodyboarding. it's simple as.

when a waves on it's way; lay on the board, kick and paddle at a reasonable speed (tward the shore) and you'll be off.

depends on where you hit the wave though. if you hit on the right spot (right before it lips) you're fine, just keep a hold of the front of the board and try to keep it from nosediving into the water.

if you hit the wave as it lips; you'll get dunked/flipped over going head first into the water or you'll just go straight over it and miss out on a nice wave.

but yeah if you've never done it before, just try out with the smaller waves. you'll never get dunked that way.

That actually sounds kind of difficult but I just know if I tried it I would refuse to give up until I got a good one. How long do the waves carry you? Do you do barrel rolls and stuff? It seems much less intimidating to try bodyboarding. How much do those bodyboards cost? What are they made of?

[HEIRESS]

I LOVED IT!

even though I sucked cause it was my first time

but I did manage to hang about 1.2 by the end of the day

Im excited for my second surf trip cause Im positive I will be able to stay up longer now that Ive gotten a feel for it

and Im sure its easier when you arent in cold Canadian waters and have to wear a full length winter wetsuit

[kll]

You stood up on the board? A short board or long board? How hard was it to catch waves, and did you ever feel like you were crowded out their in the water with other surfers? How did you feel when you first tried it?

I have stood up on both, but lasted longer on the long board. It was not difficult at all to catch waves on the long board. It basically holds its balance for you. I first tried it with my father, who surfs all the time, but got more into it in high school when my boyfriend at the time would take me out a couple of times per week. He had the shorter board and it was a lot more frustrating. I felt a lot more self-conscious being in the water in so cal. There are surfer "gangs" and although they were never mean to me, they did hassle my b/f a bit.

[Nuzzolese]

I'm sorry for asking so many questions.

I think I need to learn to swim better. I should get one of those expensive YMCA memberships or some gym or another and start swimming laps. I know basically how to swim, I should just get better at it so I'm not as exhausted in the water if there's a current.

There's something about surfing as a style that is attractive too. Sunny days, blue water, the way people seem to have total freedom to do it however they want and there isn't a requirement that you keep score or have a team. All you need is a wave and a board.

Did you know that people surf in Ireland? Step Into Liquid is a good documentary on people surfing all over the world.

[Tzar]

That actually sounds kind of difficult but I just know if I tried it I would refuse to give up until I got a good one.
How long do the waves carry you?
depends on how big the wave is and far out you are. if it's a fairly good wave and the seabed on the way to the shore is flat; you'll go all the way till the wave dies
Do you do barrel rolls and stuff?
nah i ain't that good. heh. the surf at Perth's local beaches aren't big enough. i've tried but to no avail
It seems much less intimidating to try bodyboarding. How much do those bodyboards cost?
ummm good ones - from $100AUD upwards. i'd suggest ones with the hard plastic bottom-sides. they glide smoother - and i'd suggest buying a coil leesh if one ain't already on. they feel alot better than straight out fabric.
What are they made of?
foam and hard plastic (the bottom side) - the leesh is some rubbery thing

[Nuzzolese]

I have stood up on both, but lasted longer on the long board. It was not difficult at all to catch waves on the long board. It basically holds its balance for you. I first tried it with my father, who surfs all the time, but got more into it in high school when my boyfriend at the time would take me out a couple of times per week. He had the shorter board and it was a lot more frustrating. I felt a lot more self-conscious being in the water in so cal. There are surfer "gangs" and although they were never mean to me, they did hassle my b/f a bit.

Yeah, that's another intimidating thing about surfing. If it wasn't bad enough that it looks difficult and the ocean is scary and powerful, then you have other people who will make you feel unwelcome. There just isn't enough beach. I am so not competitive, I hate that.

[Nuzzolese]

I LOVED IT!

even though I sucked cause it was my first time

but I did manage to hang about 1.2 by the end of the day

Im excited for my second surf trip cause Im positive I will be able to stay up longer now that Ive gotten a feel for it

and Im sure its easier when you arent in cold Canadian waters and have to wear a full length winter wetsuit

I've never even put on a wetsuit. I thought they looked flexible. Are they hard to swim well in? I'd for sure wear board shorts and a rash guard if I ever went. Otherwise I bet my swimsuit would come off or go up my ass or I'd just get scorched by the sun. Oh my fair freckled skin! I'm not built for the beach.

[kll]

Yeah, that's another intimidating thing about surfing. If it wasn't bad enough that it looks difficult and the ocean is scary and powerful, then you have other people who will make you feel unwelcome. There just isn't enough beach. I am so not competitive, I hate that.
I think that's why Hawaii was a good place to enjoy it. The places that the "tourists" would go to "learn" and basically rent a board are not the places that the local surfers would normally surf, so you don't get that vibe. In California, I have only gone to places where locals surf and it becomes a whole different issue. It is something that you need to let go of everything else to enjoy and it's hard to do that when you are getting eyed by Moondoggie and his gang. I think it's interesting that you are interested in this. I think it's great that Heiress enjoyed herself so much and I don't believe you that you aren't competitive. I know how you were with Mike Yauchovitz. :p

[Tzar]

wetsuits are comfier than they look. they're nice but expensive.

[kll]

wetsuits are comfier than they look. they're nice but expensive.
do you pee in yours?

[Tzar]

do you pee in yours?
i don't have one now.

but my old one - yeah.

[Nuzzolese]

Ha! I'd pee in mine too. No way would I haul a board all the way back up the beach and up to a bathroom to strip down the whole wetsuit just to tinkle.

No one believes me when I say I'm not competitive. :) Mike Yauchovitz was like a perfect wave, if I knew what a perfect wave was like. Did you ever see the rollerblading movie of 1993 Airborne (http://imdb.com/title/tt0106233/)? The wave is mine.

[Nuzzolese]

wetsuits are comfier than they look. they're nice but expensive.

I know I checked some online companies for their prices. But I guess ideally you'll only ever need to buy one.

[kll]

I know I checked some online companies for their prices. But I guess ideally you'll only ever need to buy one.
yes. and since we are all peeing in 'em, you for sure don't want to rent one.

[Nuzzolese]

I think that's why Hawaii was a good place to enjoy it. The places that the "tourists" would go to "learn" and basically rent a board are not the places that the local surfers would normally surf, so you don't get that vibe. In California, I have only gone to places where locals surf and it becomes a whole different issue. It is something that you need to let go of everything else to enjoy and it's hard to do that when you are getting eyed by Moondoggie and his gang. I think it's interesting that you are interested in this. I think it's great that Heiress enjoyed herself so much and I don't believe you that you aren't competitive. I know how you were with Mike Yauchovitz. :p

"'Moondoggie', now that's a man's name!" - Gidget

When you were in Hawaii, what was the floor like under the waves? How deep was the water and was it coral or sandy or what?

I bet there are places to go learn in California that would have no pressure. My dream would be to go someplace beautiful and just have like 3 people to help me learn, and my brother to come too because he's so athletic and graceful he makes everything look easy, and he's so funny and supportive he makes challenges feel easy. Some little island somewhere with blue clear 70 degree water and 3-6 ft waves and sandy bottoms.

hehe, sandy bottoms.

[kll]

"'Moondoggie', now that's a man's name!" - Gidget

When you were in Hawaii, what was the floor like under the waves? How deep was the water and was it coral or sandy or what?

I bet there are places to go learn in California that would have no pressure. My dream would be to go someplace beautiful and just have like 3 people to help me learn, and my brother to come too because he's so athletic and graceful he makes everything look easy, and he's so funny and supportive he makes challenges feel easy. Some little island somewhere with blue clear 70 degree water and 3-6 ft waves and sandy bottoms.

hehe, sandy bottoms.

any place in hawaii or california that is going to rent surfboards and offer lessons is going to be in an easy spot with a sandy bottom... heh. since the instructor has to stand out there with you, he/she wants it to be as comfortable for him/herself as it is for you. stop this talk or i'm gonna end up spending a lot of money on a tropical trip just because of you...

[beastieangel01]

I've bodyboarded/body surfed but not actual surfing. I have been wanting to learn (and considering I am a San Diego girl you would think I have, but no). The summer is slipping away from me though so who knows when I will get to it.

[cosmo105]

just because i live in so cal, huh?

nah, i've never been. never tried. i'm what the medical community calls a "clumsy spazz-assed klutz," so i think it's best if i stay away from anything athletic.

[Freebasser]

I'm surfing right now.

LOL.

[Nuzzolese]

What's with the zoidberg avs?

[cosmo105]

i did it first. he's a copycat and i hope he trips and falls on a knife.

[Freebasser]

Clack.

[DIGI]

Started when I was 13. I'm 25 now. So, I've been surfing for almost half of my life but living in Pittsburgh kinda narrows it down to summer vacations only. I also excel in skate/snowboarding which is a massive help when attempting to tackle surfing. I've never been anywhere too serious in the states(Atlantic Coast), but I've cut it up in Costa Rica a few times. Gorgeous.

[Nuzzolese]

My dad used to surf the Atlantic. He doesn't really talk about it.

[DIGI]

A crab pinching my penis was about the most exciting thing that happened to me while surfing the Atlantic.

[Nuzzolese]

Did you ever hear about the time DIGI got pubic crabs surfing the Atlantic?
ha

[DIGI]

Did you ever hear about the time DIGI got pubic crabs surfing the Atlantic?
ha


Also, my bitchin' shirt: "I got crabs in the Mrytle Beach."

[Nuzzolese]

Does it really say THE Myrtle Beach? I've never been there, which is odd considering I lived in WV for so many years and Myrtle Beach is where all the WVians ride down to in the summer, with their feet out the car windows, going to represent their state. I've also never been snowboarding.

[DIGI]

Does it really say THE Myrtle Beach? I've never been there, which is odd considering I lived in WV for so many years and Myrtle Beach is where all the WVians ride down to in the summer, with their feet out the car windows, going to represent their state. I've also never been snowboarding.

My bad. I was gonna type the Outer Banks, but backspaced and typed Myrtle Beach. So, your answer is, yes, it is The Myrtle Beach.

[HEIRESS]

summer suits are pretty flexible apparently, but the winter ones are just a pain in the ass and yes they totally restrict your movements. and really its cold enough that you want to wear the booty things too so its just general sucksville with the equipment. Im sure you could get away without one up here but we went to the coast during a cold spell and it just wasnt worth it to not wear the wetsuit

and sweet jesus, getting the fucker on and off was hellish HELLISH

I cant imagine how much fun it would be to surf somewhere tropicallish

Im a strong swimmer but I got tired real quick. So its nice to have a boyfriend who will drag your ass out far enough while you lounge on the board and then hold you while you stationary in one spot while you wait for a good wave
meheheheheheeh

[Echewta]

Nuzz,

I would definitly work on your swimming to the point where you feel that you aren't going to say "I'm not a very good swimmer." Sometimes the tide and waves can drag you under and with a leash around your foot, you need to be comfortable being awkward under water for a good 10 to 20 seconds while the wave passes over you.
Bodyboarding is a great way to get use to the waves before surfing. It certainly doesn't weigh as much and the leesh is around your wrist. Fins aren't really needed unless you are really planning to tear it up and want to catch everything that comes at you.
But if it calls you, you need to do it. There should be a cheap flight somewhere to go to take a class, meet a friend, or something. Plan for next summer. But a cheesy "How to Surf" video. The basic tips really work.
I'm heading to Kauai next month and plan to surf with my sisters. Though the waves are going to be mellow, I still can't wait.

[Rock]

I've also never been snowboarding.
Thats sad. Only because the mid east coast doesn't have shit for snowboarding except for Snowshoe which is in jolly ole west virginny.
If I wasn't so scared of sharks I would go surfing...instead I stick to skating and snowboarding. Chuch nephew.

[steve-onpoint]

I have surfed in both southern california and hawaii. i did better in hawaii.

i'll be in hawaii soon and i'm learning to surf while i'm there. looking for tips from friends and sites online. :o but i guess i really just have to get out there and do it. i'm sure i'll take lessons from someone. any extra pointers?? thanks.

[steve-onpoint]

countdown :eek:

[steve-onpoint]

I went yesterday, fun fun!

power outage + sent home for the day = surfing!

any pointers for the newbie here?

[steve-onpoint]

T-minus 16 hours, y'all. And me Audi! (y) (y)