Am I too old to learn surfing?

[caracas_surf]

Hi everybody

I am 32 and recently I bought a short surfboard to start this really difficult sport, I wonder how many of you guys has started at a very old age? and if is it possible to learn, i mean the basic stuff, like botton turn, maybe a floater, i know i wont become the next kelly slater.
I am 32 but im in good shape.

thanks

[essex sucks]

never too old too lean mate just get out there have a few lesson and have fun

[Dr Rev]

32 is not old at all, go for it and have a laugh !

[northswell]

you see people in the water much older than you learning to surf, you would be better on a bigger board tho.

[Stone Fox]

Hi everybody

I am 32 and recently I bought a short surfboard to start this really difficult sport, I wonder how many of you guys has started at a very old age? and if is it possible to learn, i mean the basic stuff, like botton turn, maybe a floater, i know i wont become the next kelly slater.
I am 32 but im in good shape.

thanks

Go for it dude, but try a bigger board.

[Milo]

42 and still learning, so if an old man like me can, you can. Yer start on a bigger board.

[Old Guys Rule]

You are not to old but I would suggest that you start out on somthing in the 9 plus range.

[SoCal WaterSpout]

I'm 31 and I tried surfing for the first time two weeks ago. Still struggling a bit, but I'm definately getting a ton of exercise, and I can see little improvements here and there each time I go out.

I may have gone for a bigger board, though. You really don't want to learn on a short board, although I'm told it can be done.

[RJD]

I started at 34. Its hard , especialy if your not fit, dont make it harder though , buy a Mal.

9ft + for old learners...

[mrc]

surfed fuerteventura for last nine days very good and there was a guy out there and he must have been going on 65 !!! although he was very good.

[dougirwin13]

It's never too late.

But you'll want to go for a fair bit of volume in your board.

I'd suggest 7'6" in length as a good starting point.

-doug

[GowerCharger]

my old man was over 60 when he started surfing. nuff said.

[Bub]

I started last year at 34 and am now 35. Still struggling, but its fun just being in the water and trying. I thought I was in decent shape for my age, but that paddling around really gets to you if you're not a conditioned swimmer/surfer. A whole lot of sitting outback taking breaks for myself anyway. I've only tried 2 boards so far...a 8'4'' BIC rental at OBX (very heavy board) and my bro-in-laws 7'10'' mini-mal board that he designed himself. Being a beginner, I couldn't really tell much difference between the 2. I'd like to try out a shortboard though just to get a feel for the differences.

[ginat]

If your q is are you too old to have fun surfing then I'd say just asking that q proves that you are still pretty young! If your q is really are you too old to really rip out there then I'd say it all depends on your ability to pick stuff up quickly and how athletic you are to begin with.

I started last year at the ripe old age of 39, am a chick with a typical chick's lack of upper body strength, and I am having a blast learning! Yup, I get tired but so did my 23 year-old niece who gave out before I did a couple of times out. If you are passionate about it, you can do anything! You're going to love it! Have fun!

Oh yeah btw, I really think all the people on here are telling you to get a bigger board because they know it will help you learn faster to do the basics and you won't get beaten up so badly. Maybe you could rent one just to see if it makes a difference if your short board seems to really be giving you headaches.

[derbyshire surfer]

I started a few years ago (I'm 34 now). LOVE IT! just looking to buy a magic carpet, hopefull yon Saturday. Basically a 'short longboard'. I've tried all different boards but I find I catch more waves on somethin 7ft+.

I feel fitter now than I did when I was 24 though

[Goofy Mum]

I surfed as a young girl, quit at 16 (stupid mistake) Started again at 40, now 48. Will surf till I drop.

Ditto about the longboard, lessons and swimming for fitness.

[adrian]

Just repeating what everyone else has said - its never too late.
My old man is 56 and i just bought him a board so that he could start surfing. He is beginning (and therefore eats it quite a bit) but he loves it....cant get enough.

[robboxedit]

GOD i hope you're not too old...i'm 37 and just started! i think these folks probally have some pretty good advice... just go out and have some fun. Now I doubt that you or I will ever make the WCT but... you never know

[caracas_surf]

Thanks to all you people. Now i feel more confident to take my surfboard knowing that im not the only old guy starting this really hard sport.
I have followed your advices about getting a long surfboard, and it is easier, well in fact mine is a long shortboard 6'7'' and considering that im like 1.65mt tall thats quite long for me. I have started ridding the green face of the wave i hope to be turning a bit in a couple of weeks.

thanks again

[gdude335]

oh so you can stand up!
thats really good and you seem to be able to catch unbroken waves!
nice!
Thats one thing i absolutely love about this sport.
Its for everybody!
a huge age range, girls and guys alike!
hmm i have more than 50 years of surfing infront of me unless something bad happens! (i love being 15!!)