First Post and If I may, introducing myself -

your op states people get weirded out.consider me weirded out from the get-go with you not caring about riding any waves but just going surfing with other surfers and wanting to meet surfers and take us out to lunch and get to know all the surfers.

 

If you cant paddle you cant catch waves. Gruvi has the right Idea learning how to use technique properly , Paddling and building the muscle you use for paddling with it important. I dont know how Manny times I see people paddle out on a big day and call it quits after 30min cause they are tired from paddling. Last but not least proper etiquette. Knowing where to be on the wave and how different spots break with increase you confidence and skill level quickly

 

I'm with beachbreak on this one.

 

I think MAYBE he is trying to "meet" "surfers" to "surf" with ... I think he doesnt care about the surfing like he says.. more so to check the guys out and meet them, and entice them to be his "MATE" ...Its just a weird thing going on,, never saw anything like this.

 

I just think the Guy is being honest with his ablity and skill level . It sounds like he is making a honest attemp to learn the propper ways to be a good surfer.

Gruvi If you are looking for someone to surf with try to find someone of the same skill level as you . This way you can both progress at the same rate. Also do alot of watching from the beach . Watching how others do things can help you make adjustments to be a better surfer

 

uh,like,um,sorry,'dude,' but,i had red flags shooting up all over the place right in on the first paragraph of your op.
i thought maybe a language barrier,until i saw you have all the 'surf talk lingo' down fine,then i thought you were a real surfer messing with us, and then,yes,it really reads like someone creeping me out,like,hospital employee married does not mean you aren't interested in 'surfers.' not feeling groovy,so,you're just not convincing me.sorry

 

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

 

why so cynical?

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. \r\n\r\nI 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. \r\n\r\nthat 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.\r\n

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.