>>1424836I live in Dublin and surf in Santa Cruz.
1. GET LESSONS. I can't stress enough. Spend at least a week getting lessons. It'll be worth it.
2. Buy a wetsuit after a few times. It's pretty disgusting renting one.
3. WAIT to buy a board. DO NOT BUY ONE until you've gone and at least learned whether you like it. Once you've figured out what board you "think" you can surf, remember: get a longboard at least 8 ft tall. Start big then transition downward.
4. Check the surfline app. It always lies but gives you good info that can help you determine whether it is a good day to surf.
5. Talk to a local before you go in the water. Locals are a dangerous animal: they'll get mad at you for no reason and call you names. This is to get you to leave. Just ask them "where is the beginner area along this beach?" theyll be happy to give you accurate answers.
If you're in the NorCal area, here are a few places I go to as I'm still learning (surfed for 8 months):
Princeton Jetty in Half Moon Bay
Lindamar in Pacifica
In Santa Cruz:
- Cowells
- 38th Ave
- The Hook
These are good places to learn. Be calm. Dont shout. Call out which direction you're going to surf in. Stay off the high performing areas. Paddle out where no one will surf towards you. Be kind. and say sorry if something bad happens. If no one is hurt and you say sorry, just paddle away from them and go to another area. If they follow you all mad and shit thats their problem
