First Post and If I may, introducing myself -

[Hilly]

I completely understand where groovi is coming from. He is trying to meet others to learn from. I have been surfing for almost a year and i think it is really hard to meet surf buddies in the ocean. i dont live near the beach but make it out at least once a week. i see people time and time again. i have made acquaintance but never someone i can email or call and say \"hey lets go out this morning\" etc. when i am in the water i am usually trying to keep myself and others around me as safe as possible by paying attention. as a newb one doesn’t really have the opportunity to make alot of friends in the water. its really tough with so much going on.

I got in touch with Gruvi a couple of days ago. we are going to go out at some point when our schedules’ meet. I also think it was very respectful that he offers to feed you in exchange for information. that is a common practice in the field i work in. I was going to post something similar to what gruvi did, but i knew i would get the \"too cool\" attitude, surf ninja nonsense, etc.

that being written, i am looking to greatly improve my surfing ability. im riding a 2 fin classic fish. if anyone has any knowledge to share it would greatly be appreciated.

[brewengineer]

If u want friends to srf with I would hope that they are good enough surfers and friends to tell you that you are being a big fat vag Go surf! The only way to get good is by going out in all conditions. Trust me it's worth it!

We don't need idiots like you representing the forum. If you aren't comfortable with the conditions of the surf, you have no business going out. Drowning while paddling out into a nice aggressive swell doesn't make you brave, it makes you an idiot.

To the OP, I think you have the right idea and are approaching it the right way. Don't mind some of the troll type posts on here. There are a lot of good knowledgeable surfers on this forum. I have learned a lot from reading on here over the last few months.

[beachbreak]

interesting how his last post ever to me #29 was written in normal language and then hilly shows up like hilly is groovy

[gruvi]

Ha! You're alrightious VB! Absolutely will contact you when I can get down there. As a matter of fact I will be getting with Mr. Frierson once he finishes the custom stick he's making me. And since VB is such a nice spot I am sure the wife will be tagging along too so you can report back Gruvi has a hot MILF (only we don't have kids yet)
I am definitely going to be heading to Assateague island next week september 30 by myself (lady has to work) until October 5 or later. If you or anyone wants to meet for a day, I would be honored to have your company. I already spoke with the crew at Atlantic Shoals surf shop and they will be there too and they are a very nice bunch all around. They are always happy to teach and share but, no matter how cool they are when they say they don't mind, I am sure they would rather be just grabbing waves.

Yo Gruvi

I think this post is exactly what this forum is supposed to be about. Putting out your questions or your needs and hoping someone out there has answers or advice.

I'm in Virginia Beach, and it's probably a great place for you to learn: real easy paddle out and the waves are anything but intimidating for a beginner. I have only been surfing for a couple of years but I love it as much as anyone, and I am always willing to share the stoke! If you end up near virginia beach, or just wanna come visit to catch a swell, I'm def willing to paddle out with you, give you whatever help I can (which to be honest, probably isnt that much), and I'll even take a slice of that pie on your tab as long as that whole thing about you liking chicks is true.

Signed,

A dude whose not creeped out by someone reaching out to others

[gruvi]

Thanks for being rational brew! I've been on the internet since the 90's so I grew a thick skin for the trolls. A lot of stupid people are able to figure out how to use the net and then they abuse it.
But I have to add there is something about these "trolls" that makes me feel that if they truly saw someone in need of help out there, they would be the first ones to get out there or at least try to help. Usually the wise guy types on a forum are really good, timid folks in life just roleplaying

We don't need idiots like you representing the forum. If you aren't comfortable with the conditions of the surf, you have no business going out. Drowning while paddling out into a nice aggressive swell doesn't make you brave, it makes you an idiot.

To the OP, I think you have the right idea and are approaching it the right way. Don't mind some of the troll type posts on here. There are a lot of good knowledgeable surfers on this forum. I have learned a lot from reading on here over the last few months.

[Double Over-toe]

not trying to be one of the negative nancy's and here but if you just started, and have no previous knowledge/experience with surfing why would you go out and have a fresh shred plank shaped for you. You don't need a fresh, new custom shaped board. Go out and find a good used longboard for half of the price. I know from my experiences (i can't speak for others on here) seeing a new, older surfer with a $1000 board and not being able to surf it, gives the impression that your one of those old rich kooks that doesn't know how to surf but all the "cool" dudes do it so why not. If i'm coming across as an aggro, i apologize. I'm just trying to keep you from getting hassled and from becoming labeled as a kook when you really want to learn.

[gruvi]

Yo Hilly, are you busy tomorrow and/or Wednesday? That's when I'm headed to Belmar. Just remember to bring your astroglide for your butthole cause I'm buying us a whole pizza
But seriously, hit me up on email when you know your free itinerary in advance. I can tell you I am off Tue, Wed and Fri this week. I have a feeling we will restructure it a bit here and find a group of cool dudes that will regularly meet up to surf. But I understand you when you say you see same people each time you go surfing. Have you ever asked them to be friends? Sometimes just saying "Hey, I'm new to surfing and really want to have friends to do it with, would you mind if joined you and whoever when I'm here?" may work. That's how I kinda did it in Assateague and it worked (but the girls were more receptive since they are the ones that get it most) and my first teacher was a lovely young lady that i still stay in touch with.
I think a beginner of anything has to go through a hazing ritual before acceptance. I'm going to tough it out and I'm sure I'll get to be friends with a lot of people surfing NJ. It's just a time thing

[gruvi]

Nah, you're okay asking; I got the custom after talking to Mr. Frierson at length. The reason I settled on having a custom is merely a goal oriented reason as well as I learned having a tailored tool to you specifications/fit can make the job easier. How many fab3 builders would you see on the job with a homedepot $5 hammer?

not trying to be one of the negative nancy's and here but if you just started, and have no previous knowledge/experience with surfing why would you go out and have a fresh shred plank shaped for you. You don't need a fresh, new custom shaped board. Go out and find a good used longboard for half of the price. I know from my experiences (i can't speak for others on here) seeing a new, older surfer with a $1000 board and not being able to surf it, gives the impression that your one of those old rich kooks that doesn't know how to surf but all the "cool" dudes do it so why not. If i'm coming across as an aggro, i apologize. I'm just trying to keep you from getting hassled and from becoming labeled as a kook when you really want to learn.

[Sniffer]

We don't need idiots like you representing the forum. If you aren't comfortable with the conditions of the surf, you have no business going out. Drowning while paddling out into a nice aggressive swell doesn't make you brave, it makes you an idiot.

To the OP, I think you have the right idea and are approaching it the right way. Don't mind some of the troll type posts on here. There are a lot of good knowledgeable surfers on this forum. I have learned a lot from reading on here over the last few months.

Thats how I learned to surf. By the way you wont drowned because its big, youll learn to duck dive and paddle faster in harsh conditions. He will not be able to even get out... its a good way to learn how much work it takes to become a good surfer...dont be such a pus.
And of course go out with a friend on harsh days.

[Double Over-toe]

indeed i would not see a fab builder on the jobsite with a 5 dollar hammer, however, i would also not expect a brand new fabtech to buy a 150 dollar hammer when he doesn't need one that expensive to start off with. why not buy a good used one to learn on and then once you realize that your never going to stop surfing and your ready to make a full investment, then go out and start looking for shapers. but i can't stop you, i can only give advice like you asked for.