Anyone willing to teach a new surfer?

Agree. Nothing like just being out there. Make sure you are learning on a board that is big enough to build confidence. Watch people that know what they are doing,that will teach you as much as anything.Practice the pop-up on dry land...muscle memory.

 

Some good advice on here, but another thing to learn, learn the ocean. Watch how waves break, where they break, what happens when they break on people, currents, etc. I know this plays part in "time in the water". But the more you learn about the ocean the more comfortable you will feel while you are out there trying to learn to surf.

 

If you don't find someone to teach you try to watch people that rip. You'll see what they are doing and may realize things you're doing wrong. Pay attention to them paddle and how they get to their feet.
Make sure you are in a good position on your board (as far up as possible w/o tipping forward).
You're already doing things right by being out there... Don't be affraid to ask someone in the water for tips too (warning... some people are just a$$holes).

 

What size board are you learning on and how often do you get in the water?

 

Read some books. I read a book by Bill Stewart when I was a beginner called "The Longboarders Start Up Guide" or something close to that. Really helpful instructions with photos.

 

A buddy of mine just picked that book up at a garage sale, was just looking through it the other day.


Its a 6'2 UFO short board from Randy French. Not sure on the quality but it was a decent price and i can't stand longboards for some reason. Posted by Indirect.

probably going to take a lot longer to learn on something that short/small...
buy/rent a 7'6-8'0 funshape, you will have an easier time progressing, then move down if you want.
Just my $.02.

 

Yowsuh....sketchy creepy...the 'devil' is in the details, eh ?

 

BOOOOoooooooooo, don't be a punk. For all things there is a season.

 

Not for nothing but I live near you and surf between Sebastian inlet and indiatlantic mostly and I will say I use my long board more than anything due to the conditions we experience most of the year. I would rather be riding a wave ever so small rather than nothing at all. Maybe take the best advice I think ive read so far and rent a funshape or long board and enjoy the view.

 

Here's how I see it, I once was in your shoes, wanted to learn, had purchased a short board 6'4" BAT, this shape was not for a beginner, but nobody at the surfshop told me this or bothered to even ask what my skill level was, they just wanted to sell me a board, so I got it thinking i'd be shreading like everybody else. Well, sad to say it stunted my growth as a surfer big time, it took me a very long time to get the hang of it having not ever caught a wave in my life. What these people are telling you is good advice my friend. It will help you out in the long run, nobody says you shouldn't keep that board and ride it, but the best thing you can do to really get the feel of catching waves is jump on a LB or a Funshape at 1st, just to get the basics down with minimal obstacles in your way, the shorter boards will be easier to ride once you get some waves under your belt on something more stable. I bring my short board AND my LB / SUP to the beach almost every time I go, just incase conditions dictate that I need a different piece of equipment, my advice would be to go with both, can't go wrong if you have options.