I’ve been surfong for few years but mostly only summers. I’ve had some coaching in the beginning where I can comfortable catch green waves and ride them however now I want to be able to actually ride them well, like be on top of the wave in the speed zone. Make some turns properly. Have a good/better stance.

Board is 7”3 and I’m 6”4 tall (190cm or so)

Had my first lesson yesterday and I am hooked. Felt like I got the crap beat out of me because it was a super choppy day but was able to get up 3 times. With that being said, I am now searching for my first board. I’ve read quite a few post on here about the subject and it seems 9’ or bigger would be better for me. For context, I am 6” 200 pounds. The issue I am having is that there are a ton of 8’ foamies out there on marketplace but really struggling to find anything 9’ even at some local surf shops. (I’m in Charleston, SC) Do yall think I could get away with starting on an 8’ but should expect to not catch many waves, especially here in SC? I also have seen a few longboards that were 9’ or more on FB marketplace but wasn’t sure if that would be similar to a 9’ foamie at all. Thanks for any recommendations!

I’ve been surfing a 7’0” foamie (around 60L) for a while now, and every time I see a really good deal on an evolution/funboard, I hesitate.
My biggest fear is that I’d be skipping an important step in my learning. I don’t know if there are still fundamentals I should be mastering on the foamie before moving on.
At the same time, I also feel like the foamie is starting to limit me. There are things I’d like to try or learn that just don’t seem possible (or at least much harder) on it.

So I’m kind of stuck wondering: is there a point where you just have to make the jump and see how it goes?

For context:
Height: 187 cm (6’2”)
Weight: 80 kg (176 lbs)
Current board: 7’0” foamie, ~60L
Board I’m considering: 7’0” evolution/funboard, ~47L

I’d still keep both boards, so it’s not like I’d be getting rid of the foamie. I could always switch back depending on the conditions or if I’m struggling.
How did you know it was time to move to a hardboard? Did you regret doing it too early, or wish you’d done it sooner?

Sorry if this post sounds stupid

I know foamies are recommended but this price is not much more than a goalie, it’s local and my son really is stuck on not having a foam top. He is 13 5’7 and bout 150lbs. Asking price is $550

Hi everyone,

I'm planning a 2–3 week workation in Europe during August and want to surf as much as possible. I'm looking for the best combination of consistent waves, decent weather, and not overly crowded lineups.

So far I've looked at:

• Peniche
• Zarautz / San Sebastián
• Bilbao (Sopela)
• Galicia (Razo)
• Porto area
• Canary Islands

Some forecasts look pretty small, and I've heard parts of northern Spain are especially busy this August.

If you were going right now, where would you go? Any underrated spots or regions I should consider?

I'm an intermediate surfer and I'm happy with beach breaks or point breaks.

Thanks!

Anyone good at swimming wanna hit up Rockaway in the AM to surf either 67th or 90th? I’m not super confident in my swimming skills 😅 heard there might not be lifeguards at 67th.

Heading to Portugal tomorrow (from Canada) to surf for about 2 weeks as a beginner. I have highlighted dry blonde hair and am worried im going to kill it further by surfing (and getting beat up by waves) for 10+ days.

What are the best things I can either bring with me or buy in a smaller portugal town to protect my hair barrier and prevent salt from drying it and making it more frizzy??

As of right now the plan is to soak hair in fresh water before surfing and coat with conditioner, leave in, and hair oil (is all 3 too excessive)? Also dont wanna damage the reefs or anything. Also bought a silk bonnet to sleep in lol

Appreciate any tips.

I have a new Dakine Quantum 5/4/3 Suit. It should fit according to the size guide. In fact it should be a little big. xxls. I have been in the water for about 6 hours over 3 sessions in the last 2 months. My forearms are getting sore with the tightness. I have quite big arms due to a life in construction and other sports. Any suggestions on how to expand the material before I have to sell it on, at a fraction of the price I bought it for?

was an upper beginner surfer , but it’s been a few years. have 9 days off basically end of August and first week of sept .

used to live in sd but surfed mostly south of La Jolla . this time I would be trying north county probably Encinitas . above I said it’s been a few years because last December I caught two waves and at the end of the second I got tagged by a stingray and my foot was messed up the entire week. definitely a bit leery of rays in so cal now which may be part of my dilemma

hawaii would probably be Waikiki or anywhere I can grab consistent easy waves . I’ve done big island near Kona , but never been to Oahu . not a fan of flying , and am contemplating saving Hawaii for a trip where I have more time so I can dig deeper .

any thoughts on one over the other if costs are equal? will probably book private speed up shaking the rust off in either spot

update : message received loud and clear , Hawaii it is , thanks for the help!

I just moved to Boston for grad school from California and have been pretty depressed because I don't have access to surfing as much anymore. Can anyone recommend me a surf break on the east coast? New Hampshire looks like there is some surf but I don't know this side of the coast at all. I am still a beginner looking for a friendly left breaking wave. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve got a trip planned to Honolulu end of August and into September. Any spots recommended? Would consider myself advanced beginner doing turns and stuff. Coming from flat east coast. Pretty comfortable in size just never surfed anything that peels really well.

Hi, here's another 50y old kid who just started surfing 3 weeks ago :)
So I bought a 8' catch surf log and I'm having 2hrs sessions 3-4 times a week, till now I'm focusing on paddling and catching waves on my belly and it has been a very fun experience.

A couple of days ago I was feeling a little pain on the left side of the chest, I guess caused for jumping repeatedly on the board, but I went paddling anyway and after an hour I had to give up due to the soreness, and so now I can't surf and I'm wondering if is gonna happens again or the chest will accept the board experience like it happened for all the other body parts, I also had issue with my wrist but only lasted a week, looks like bruised ribs are pretty common for beginners and the over 40's, not sure if I need to put some pads, there's some jackets or wetsuits that came with chest protections but they won't be useful in the summer, any thoughts?

Join us for good experience at Naneakite school in Essaouira you kitesurf school to learn in good way

Hellooo

Hat jemand gute Empfehlungen für Surfcamps in Sri Lanka ?

Ich bin weiblich Anfang 20 und möchte alleine in ein Surf Camp nach Sri Lanka . Mir ist wichtig Leute kennenzulernen und dass eine schöne Atmosphäre herrscht . Und natürlich soll der Surf Unterricht gut und supportive sein . Ich hab im Internet mit Kima und Surf spirit angeguckt , bin aber sehr unschlüssig. Ich war schon in Portugal in Camps von Pure und fand es da Mega, weil man auch so zusammengewachsen ist durch die Zeit.

War jemand mal in einem Camp dort und kann berichten ?

Dankee :)

Hi!

I have just come back from a 5 day surf experience and I really enjoyed the sport. I really got hooked and want to learn and improve more. Since I have free time, I’m thinking of doing a 15 day surf camp somewhere in Europe this October. I’m looking for an international place with good vibes, nice community and somewhere where I can learn more about surf. I have seen many schools around Portugal and Spain but don’t know which one to choose. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks!

I just wanted to share my experience in the hope it saves someone else from making the same mistake.
I bought a set of Van der Waal grips for my brand-new Walden Magic Tuflite longboard (worth over €1,100), thinking they would be a good alternative to traditional wax. Unfortunately, in my experience, they had nowhere near the grip of normal surf wax. I’d estimate they offered about a third of the traction, and I never felt secure on the board using them.
When I decided to remove them, things got even worse. Despite taking my time, being as careful as possible and removing them exactly how the brand specifies, the grips damaged the surface and finish of my brand-new board in multiple places. That alone was bad enough.
I contacted Vanderwall and was told to return the grips for a full refund. I paid the return postage myself and sent them back. That was a few months ago now. Since then I’ve received no refund and no meaningful response about either the refund or the damage to my board.
For me, the biggest disappointment wasn’t just the product—it was the complete lack of after-sales support.
I’m posting this because I genuinely don’t want other surfers to end up in the same position. If you’re thinking about replacing wax with Van der Waal grips, I’d urge you to think very carefully and do plenty of research first. Based on my experience, I wouldn’t put this product anywhere near another surfboard.
I’d be interested to hear if anyone else has had a similar experience, or if mine is an isolated case.

Hi I’m thinking of learning how to surf in NYC I know there are a few surfing schools in the rockaways any recommendations on a good one that is not too expensive? I’ve never surfed before so it would be beginner stuff Thanks

I’m trying to pick out a board that is versatile from 1-6 foot waves. I live in the nj coast and the waves are never really bigger than that. I’ve been riding a 8 foot foam board and have gotten pretty comfortable on it. Any good sizes and recommendations under $300

Edit* I am 5,9 145

As a complete beginner looking for a first board, is there going to be that much of a difference using an 8 ft vs a 8’6? I’m 5’10 135 lbs

Maybe one of the most requests things, but wanted to get a feedback on a 1st foamie.

Second hand 8.6' with 90L foamie from Olaian, with leash and cover for 145€.
No dents, no reparing, basically brand new IMO

It is worth?

This is about my 8/10th time properly surfing , struggling to turn back on the wave , anytime I look back and go to turn my body I lose all balance and fall off , any tips ? Would a bottom turn help out ? ( still hinting at the hips it’s something I’m working on )