[capgunfunk]

Not too sure if this is where this particular post should be but..

I'm looking to start getting into surfing in New York (particularly Rockaway), but I need some advice/pointers on doing so.

This past January, I moved to Woodside to start grad school. I've always wanted to surf and though I have taken some lessons in the past (few years ago in the Outer Banks), I've never been able to get into surfing in any way, mostly due to my not being near water, (I have had considerable experience skating and snowboarding though). Now that its the summer, and I'm roughly an hour from Rockaway by bus/walking, I wanted to begin trying to get into it.

I've tried doing some beginners research via this website and some others, and am considering taking a lesson or two with the New York Surf School within the upcoming weeks, but some advice, pointers, help or even mentoring with surfing in Rockaway would be super helpful and greatly appreciated.

Basically, I'd like someone to help show me the ropes a bit.

Beers and/or bud to any takers?

Thanks a lot.

[SeaCliff]

Not too sure if this is where this particular post should be but..

I'm looking to start getting into surfing in New York (particularly Rockaway), but I need some advice/pointers on doing so.

This past January, I moved to Woodside to start grad school. I've always wanted to surf and though I have taken some lessons in the past (few years ago in the Outer Banks), I've never been able to get into surfing in any way, mostly due to my not being near water, (I have had considerable experience skating and snowboarding though). Now that its the summer, and I'm roughly an hour from Rockaway by bus/walking, I wanted to begin trying to get into it.

I've tried doing some beginners research via this website and some others, and am considering taking a lesson or two with the New York Surf School within the upcoming weeks, but some advice, pointers, help or even mentoring with surfing in Rockaway would be super helpful and greatly appreciated.

Basically, I'd like someone to help show me the ropes a bit.

Beers and/or bud to any takers?

Thanks a lot.

Get yourself to Boarders Surf Shop on B92nd St - Talk to Steve or Christian and they'll put you in touch with Frank for lessons. Real nice guy who will set you up with an appropriate board to learn on and take you to a less crowded area where you'll have a chance to learn safely.

There are plenty of other people here on the site that can help you learn as well and are very very capable teachers - JScottK and NYCWO are both excellent teachers and if you watch your PM's (Private Messages), dont be surprised if others send you offers teach you (for a small fee, of course!).

Make sure you take time to learn the etiquette of our sport, and keep on asking questions. Ask around when you're in the water in Rockaway and invariably you'll meet a lot of the people that are regulars here on the site - it's a solid community of people, and if you show you're interested in learning like you have already, they will be more than willing to help in every way possible.

Welcome to the community - you're off to a good start - and shoot me a PM if I can be of any assistance.

[capgunfunk]

SeaCliff,
Thanks so much for the advice and for reacting positively to my post.  I'll definitely get in touch with the people you've mentioned and message you if I have any further questions.  Once again thanks a lot.

[PSYCHO]

Send a PM to NYCwipepout here on this messageboard. He teaches. He's an Aussie so he kinda knows how to look like a surfer, lol!

[capgunfunk]

Psycho,
Thank you as well for the advice. 

[FL native]

Go to Jersey

[uGk]

Thankz for the advices guys. i have the same problem too.

[seb]

no you don't, summer is over 

[jammy]

Make sure you take time to learn the etiquette of our sport, and keep on asking questions.

amen sc.
most beginners do not seem to be interested in learning "the rules" (yes we have them, just like rules for driving) and the older they are the less likely they are to ask or want advice.

i am always thrilled to make a suggestion or offer a tip when asked. with kids i will sometimes just offer a helpful tip, usually they are too shy to ask for help. i just surfed with a kid who was learning to surf a year ago. when he paddled out for the first time he was really floundering around and frankly being a danger and several of us gave him some pointers. a year later he is riding a shortboard and surfing amazingly! it was cool to chat with him about all his progress.

anyway, adult learners have a very different mentality and usually bristle at advice or if they are being a menace, the suggestion that they move down the beach where they can learn without endangering others.

so capgunfunk, if after your lesson you want advice, just ask. if you are given advice, or a request to be more mindful of others, please don't take offense-it is for everyone's benefit.

[The Lone Surfer]

when surfers actually ask for advice in the lineup I am flabbergasted. if only more would do that.

[PSYCHO]

How'd this get in this room?

[the Kook]

How'd this get in this room?

You are asking this 4 months after you originally replied?   

[Angie daddy]

Hey capgunfunk you should just surf where you live. And since you live in queens you should surf there. Stay out of cockaway and stay the hell in queens. I hope I run your board over next time were out totether.

[SeaCliff]

There was a guy in the lineup with me today, obviously new, but asking GREAT questions. Really encouraging. The guy is doing is homework - nice to see.