Surfing Lesson???

[gruvi]

I feel I need to preempt my posts with begging; please do not ban me for this? Thanks.

Today I am expecting to have a formal lesson with a paid professional. The reason I feel it's needed is I have never had one lesson to date. All of the surfing I have accomplished was done by my own gumption to go for it, and encouragement with a little advice along the way from surfers I have met in the shops to in the line up. I am happy to have all the tips by everyone, but I've never had anyone give me dedicated one to one instruction, with corrections where necessary. Hence, my belief is to pay a pro for tutelage to get me to the next level i.e. catching waves and successfully riding them.
Am I making the right move or throwing away money? Lesson is $60 and if I don't need it because surfing is evolutionary related to eventually getting better at it just due to exposure, I rather keep going at my pace, then I can spend the money I saved for new fins or something instead.
Thanks for any help with this
G

[757surfer]

hahaha don't ban me.... naw gruvi it's your money. If you think that is the right way to go, then do it. Surfing, ultimately, is an individual thing because no one else can ride your board with you to help you. it's just you and the ocean. Lessons or not, just go out and have fun! (the only reason why you shouldn't is to save that money for the gas tank!)

[jchafard]

In my opinion, once you get the motions down, you're wasting your time Re-learning what the instructor will teach you aside from a few minor tips. Repetition and water time is key from here. From what I understand you don't live near the water, so expect your learning curve to be a little longer with less water time. This is for beginner lessons however. Now, if you're talking coaching lessons at a camp working on turns and maneuvers, that's a different story and I'd say go for it.

Then again it all depends on the instructor too. Most don't know how to teach past beginner level surfing.

If I may ask, who's your instructor? I know you surf chincoteague and I live there... I'm just curious as to who you're going through?

[CaptJAQ]

You seem to have a pretty loose budget when it comes to your new hobby. I think you should go ahead with one lesson, and after that, decide if you should continue. I think at the very least, you will pick up some good tips on safety and etiquette, as well as some basic mechanics. These are things that most of us learned the hard way (and slow way).

[RightCoastRipper]

what is this, mtv made??

[gruvi]

I think I will save the money (more pizza! ) You and 757 touched on points that convince me I won't benefit beyond what I have been taught already by friends I made out in the surf. I don't need a beginner lesson as I can paddle okay and understand quite a lot of the safety needs. So thanks for affirmation to what I wasn't sure was a waste of time and money or not.
As to Chincoteague, I will be back there this coming Thursday. If you don't mind, please PM me if I can meet up and surf with you if you go out anytime from 9-29 to 10-06? Who do you go out with and what times of day?

Thanks again
G

In my opinion, once you get the motions down, you're wasting your time Re-learning what the instructor will teach you aside from a few minor tips. Repetition and water time is key from here. From what I understand you don't live near the water, so expect your learning curve to be a little longer with less water time. This is for beginner lessons however. Now, if you're talking coaching lessons at a camp working on turns and maneuvers, that's a different story and I'd say go for it.

Then again it all depends on the instructor too. Most don't know how to teach past beginner level surfing.

If I may ask, who's your instructor? I know you surf chincoteague and I live there... I'm just curious as to who you're going through?

[Sniffer]

what is this, mtv made??

Hahaha! Gruvi is trying so hard to pusify our forum...I refuse to let this happen. Spend that loot Gruvi...let it rain!

[aka pumpmaster]

Gruvi, are you planning on surfing through the winter?

[gruvi]

Gruvi, are you planning on surfing through the winter?

I don't know yet.

[Swellinfo]

One of the best ways to learn anything I think is to watch closely how others do it. So, getting in the water as much as possible and being around others who know what they are doing.

I'm sure if you take a lesson or two, it will give you some helpful tips.
Tell the instructor, what you want help with the most rather then wasting your time learning how to put on sun block.