I had the same problem with a friend. Lets all not forget the most important factor here, how well can he swim without a board? I had a friend that I tried to teach and when I realized that he swam like crap, I refused to take him out anymore until he got swim lessons. Some people say they are "OK" swimmers, but that could be doggy-paddle or breast-stroke. Some people just don't get the freestyle stroke. If you see him freestyle just fine, then everyone else's advice sounds pretty good. Even if he knows how to swim, the ocean is a different beast and takes some time to learn and get used to. Good luck.
I took a few friends to the outerbanks last week. Two of the girls wanted to try surfing. The waves were pretty good towards the end of the week and one of them charged pretty hard. Both had trouble paddling on boards and sitting on them. I coulnd't quite pinpoint the problems. I'm not a great teacher with anything. The girl who was charging is use to bodyboards but couldn't get the popping up part. she could paddle better than the other one. The other girl, is actually a good swimmer and ditched the board as she was paddling out to the lineup and then got on the board after she passed the whitewash. I told her that was terrible etiquette but nobody was around so it was okay. she said it was more difficult to juggle around a board and pierce through waves than just by swimming. And finally my point to this useless information -- Everyone has to find their own way. some will take longer than others. the more they spend time in the water, the more they will progress. Being a strong swimmer and familiar with currents is a definite plus.
ya dog i'm feeling ya. It's all about doing yer own thing, thats what makes America America. But i gotta ? for you man, no disrespeck. Why's your name "STUCKINVA"? C'mon man the 757 is the chillest place everrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
HAHA, Well first of all I'm in Northern VA and I hate it. However, I work for a company that has offices in San Diego, Oahu, VA Beach, Charleston SC, Florida, etc. and due to the poor housing market and the fact that I recently got married to a girl who has parents in the area and doesn't want to leave them, i'm stuck here in VA with nowhere to go. My family has a house in the outer banks in Avon (which is NOVA spelled backwards) which is my only salvation. ...next time you drive to your home break which is 10 minutes away after a hard days work, think of me, yer ol' pal StuckinVA and ride that thigh high dribble for me
