31 years in CA and I still don't surf?

June 4, 2007 7:59 PM

I'm in the bay area and I want to learn how to surf. I've been taught the very basics and don't know what to do from here. Where do I go, how do I keep out of the way, where is a good place to buy gear, etc etc.

I've gotten bitten by the surf bug and want to keep at it. Where's a good place for a beginner to learn how to surf in the Bay Area? What about a place to buy gear? How should I go about learning from here? And just as important are there any things I should know to avoid?

posted by aspo to sports, hobbies, & recreation (4 comments total)

i was out there for 8 years and surfed for my last two (started at the age of 30). i bought a sweet 9' longboard (i'm tall) on craigslist for $300, but i had to troll the net for a few months to get a deal that good. i bought a nice wet suit at wise at the end of the season for a decent price (the suit pays for itself in few weeks, when you account for all the rental costs).

i generally surfed at pacifica (there are also two decent rental places right on the beach there), where the waves tend to be manageable. you run into the occasional jackass who thinks he owns the place because he has been surfing there longer, but in general if you stay away from the crowded bigger spots with all the hotshots, you'll do fine.

i also tried the place out in santa cruz where all the newbies go (out by the boardwalk), but it was generally flat and crowded. there were a few other spots i wanted to try down there, but it was hard to get down there without a car.

i marin, i tried the headlands in bigger, choppy surf, and got my ass kicked. i heard great things about bolinas, if you can get out there and aren't spooked by the "red triangle."

and it goes without saying that all the spots are a lot less crowded on weekdays if you can manage that.

as for getting better, it's never too late to take a lesson. the seasoned pros can always help you improve your technique. also, there are a few message boards and groups for SF Bay surfers, where you can find all manner of people looking for and offering rides and groups outings for any level of surfer.

man i miss SF.
posted by blapst at 8:10 PM on June 4, 2007

I would rent boards until you're ready to purchase a good longboard (at least 9') on craigslist. Renting softops until you learn more about boards and what you want/need will benefit you in the long run. You can rent from 2 Mile Surf Shop in Bolinas, or the NorCal or the Log Shop in Pacifica. Until you get better I do NOT recommend you surf anywhere besides Linda Mar (in Pacifica) or Bolinas. Read up on these two places...and get to know them. They will become your home breaks. Also, rent lots of surf videos, read some books, and do some web surfing.

I got my start with this online forum: Norcal surf group. It's a group for all levels, but especially helpful for beginners. It's where I met my surf buddy and best friend three years ago. Finding surf buddies will make ALL the difference in the world (you really shouldn't be going out alone at this point anyways). I would post something there saying what you're looking for and where you're located.

If you want more info, email me (in the profile) and I can direct you to some other links/places to go. Happy surfing!!

Oh, one last thing. Practice your popups!!!! At home, on the floor. There is NOTHING worse for your surfing than unlearning the knee crawl and blowing your takeoffs on great waves when you could be spending your home time doing surf related stuff that will benefit you later!
posted by iamkimiam at 9:10 PM on June 4, 2007

I don't know the SF breaks, but in general, beach breaks are better for learning than point breaks, because the peaks (take-off spots) are spread around and it is a little less competitive for waves. Beach breaks are a little more challenging, and you'll get more practice taking off, so when you start hitting the points you'll know what you are doing and not waste waves. Never let a wave that comes to you go by, or people will start paddling for your share. Short boards tend to work better than longboards on beach breaks.

Always check behind you as you take off for someone deeper in the wave as they have right of way, unless they can't make it. Always hold tight to your board when you dive under waves while paddling out if there is any chance of someone in the vicinity getting clobbered by it. No matter how hard you are getting hammered, hold onto it. Whenever you surface without a grip on your board, or with other boards in the area, protect your head with your arms and hands until you get a look around you. When you are paddling out, avoid blocking the main riding area, even if it's the path of least resistance.

When you get to the break, spend some time on the beach waxing your board and stretching, and eyeing things. You can get a feel for the timing of the sets, how competitive the main break is and where and when to paddle out without getting in the way. Often you can spot a little peak off to the side that everyone is ignoring (until they see you riding it). You don't need a great wave to learn on. Better to practice your takeoff on the plentiful junk waves, so that when you join the line-up at the prime spots you won't be wasting your turns.
posted by Manjusri at 9:22 PM on June 4, 2007

I used to work with Matt, the University of Surfing dude. He's a stand-up guy, kind and responsible, and he teaches out of Linda Mar in Pacifica. If you're thinking about taking a class, at least drop him a line.
posted by tangerine at 10:51 PM on June 4, 2007