Are surfing lessons worth it?

[jonathanderick]

Hey y'all. I'm determined on learning to surf before my trip to Aussie in a few months, where I hope I could join my cousins on the lineup. Nothing crazy, but I'd like to at least catch a wave. Considering I don't have any friends that surf, I'm considering getting beginner lessons to kick things off.

Generally, does surfing instruction give a bang for your buck? Residing in Huntington Beach, I'm deciding between Corky Carroll's versus Richard Dagampat's private surfing lessons ($210 for 5 one-hour lessons and $85 per 1-1/2 hour session, respectively).

I've heard that some schools squander time by telling surfing stories rather than helping you get out there. And money is a big issue, considering I'm down to my last paycheck from my last job.

[Thibb]

My surfing lessons were ok as an introduction, but I reckon I could have gotten the same info from a book or from the Internet. After the intro you just need dozens (hundreds?) of hours of practice to memorize the movements and learn to adapt to all the different possibilities. Eventually you will get stuck again (or at least I did) and wonder about taking more lessons to get over one specific problem.

I've never had private lessons, but I don't think I would start out with those. Take a few group lessons if you really want to be taught, then get in fifty hours of practice. Maybe then you could consider a private lesson or two if you still want it. But by that time you may actually have made friends who do surf (wishful thinking here, you may also have gotten screamed at every day )

[isaluteyou]

i have never seen the need for lessons. There is a wealth of info on sites like this one to get you going anything you get stuck with then just ask for info like on here

Then again somepeople need the personal touch for whatever reason. But my own personal opinion is that most people really dont need them. Just my 2C

[jonathanderick]

Hmm...now that you guys pointed that out, the lessons are looking pretty hollow. I've read the lessons on this site as well as others, and watched many videos. They are pretty much similar in comparison to what the surf lessons say they offer.

I guess the only issue now is surfing alone. Hopefully the locals would be a bit welcoming. Thanks guys.

[drowningbitbybit]

Lessons are probably well worth it... for a couple of hours.
A morning when someone tells you the basics (and how to stay safe) is a good idea, and then after that its just practise, practise, practise (repeat until surfing or dead).

And forget about the locals for now - you'll be practising in the whitewater for a while yet. They'll be out back. But keep an eye out for anyone flying along towards you.

And have fun, thats the main thing.

[billie_morini]

drowing said, "...you'll be practising in the whitewater for a while yet."

Can't emphasize this enough. I like to see beginners ride white water wave after white water wave in order to develop senses and automatic reflexes. You'll be surprised if you pop up all day long or two days long on white water (drill), how you will do when you move to your first small green water waves. You'll catch your first wave, be gliding along on your belly, and you're body will know when and how to pop up without thinking about it. This can be one of the most fun times for beginners.

[Surfing-Innovation]

Have to say that lessons (for the most part) are a GOOD idea.

If nothing else, a decent coach will teach you some etiquette and how to 'read' a break (in terms of rips, etc) - so will give you an idea of safety.

It's one thing reading a book - it's something else entirely when someone can spot your mistakes and correct them for you before you get into any lasting bad habits!

Having said that - I do know a REALLY good E Book that might help cut down on the amount of lessons you need/want...........

http://www.shortcuttolongboarding.com/

And Lee has been known to post on here occasionally too........

[waterdog62]

Me being a over eager newbie, I've been searching everything and everyplace for as much info as I can get. There is a lot on the net. However most of the info over simplifies everything. I was attending the free lessons at Island Water Sports here in Deerfield Bch. Fl. They were great on the basic stuff. After a couple of times it was all the same. Group lessons are just that group lessons. I was having problems paddling thru white water and getting to the line up with out being exhausted. So I broke out the wallet and decide to take a lesson from "The Big Kahuna" Kali is one of 6 master instructors in the USA and I can tell you it was well worth the $100. for the hour and a half lesson. The ocean is a constant changing creature and it really helps to have some one to show you what to look for and how to read what you are seeing. My paddling is so much better now. From here I need a lot more practice, which here in So. Fl. is not going to happen this time of year, but when it does and I can get into a flow I feel another lesson would be worth the money. My point being I think lessons from a good instructor are well worth the money however I also believe that you need to take one lesson and then go apply it, then when you have that down take another lesson then apply that one till you have it down. I don't think a series of lessons all together will get the best results. Have a great trip

[Rico]

No.

inform yourself online and then try out

[Johno]

I d say you need one to start with to teach you the safety etc. then its just time in the water trial and error and practice practice practic.

As every one has said there is lots of info and books on the net, have a look on Magic sea weed, I got a brillent book and DVD off there for about £10

1 thing i found realy help full was riding a scate board, it wont teach you how to surf but it tought me how to tern and change direction also helps with balance.

[garbarrage]

doubt you need private lessons. there's only so much instruction they can give you and its not a lot more than can be acheived in a small class.

good to get a few tho. especially as you'll be on your own.(beach specific hazards etc) you can look stuff up on the net but its not the same as putting it into practice. as long as they don't have 20 students out to one instructor. I'd say 6 to 1 would be an ideal class size. but when you have someone telling you what to work on as you come in on each wave it really helps you come on fast.

[Silver Surfer]

I've never had a single lesson. Personally, there is so much stuff on the web, in books etc that even if you know no one that surfs you can get all the theory in your head and then just head out into the water! However, surfing is one of the most difficult things you will ever do and lots of people give up because they dont make progress quickly enough or they dont surf often enough. So read the books, check out the websites, watch the vids and then spend as much time as possible surfing - like every day if at all possible!!! You will seriously need to "live and breath it" to progress, it will become an obcession!

Also, be aware of the dangers - learn about rip currents at your local break, be aware of the tides, the weather, dont get hit by your board in the head! Keep your eyes open! Listen to lifeguards advice. If in doubt, DONT go out! Better to chicken out and surf another day rather than drown today!!! Also surf with a mate, its safer. At least tell someone where your going.

But if you dont give up - if you persist, you will catch the bug! Eventually! And you'll be glad you did, believe me!

Forgot to add - when your learning (I'm always learning, everyones still learning!) theres no shame is staying in the whitewater near the shore, waist deep, just to practice popups. Theres little need to battle through the waves to get way out there into the deep. Whitewater is easier to learn to stand up on! Then when you get some confidence you can go out further later.

Save the money on the lessons and by some decent kit instead, like a good wetsuit that will last a few years.

Just my opion, worked for me. May not work for everyone!

[PGBD]

Hey y'all. I'm determined on learning to surf before my trip to Aussie in a few months, where I hope I could join my cousins on the lineup. Nothing crazy, but I'd like to at least catch a wave. Considering I don't have any friends that surf, I'm considering getting beginner lessons to kick things off.

Generally, does surfing instruction give a bang for your buck? Residing in Huntington Beach, I'm deciding between Corky Carroll's versus Richard Dagampat's private surfing lessons ($210 for 5 one-hour lessons and $85 per 1-1/2 hour session, respectively).

I've heard that some schools squander time by telling surfing stories rather than helping you get out there. And money is a big issue, considering I'm down to my last paycheck from my last job.

You might want to try contacting Rich by email or phone to get a better idea of what his lessons entail. And to answer your question, yes, I think lessons given by a knowledgeable and exprienced instructor, when you're beginning any sport, is worth your while (especially so when it comes to surfing). If you were to attempt this with just your own personal knowledge as a guide you may end up developing bad habits that will ultimately hinder your progress and discourage you from continuing the sport and I'm sure you don't want to do that.

[jonathanderick]

Thanks guys.

I'll be sure to stick to the whitewash and educate myself about the ocean hazards.

Regarding any lessons, I've decided to hold off on lessons and just try to get out there and hopefully become a testament to "Knowledge is power."

[garbarrage]

it is possible but might take a bit longer to get going. if you can, try to stick to beaches where there are lifegaurds, and ask them about the beach's hazards etc. if that's not possible ask other surfers.

[surfmom68]

I think that group lessons can often be a complete waste of money! I saved up to pay for just 2 1:1 lessons with a local surf instruction and that was enough to get me up and riding. I was keen to have more lessons but even my instructor said it was time to just go out there and have a go!
He taught me about tides, winds and rips and gave me the confidence to go alone and that was invaluable.

[uglystick]

nothing beats actual face to face verbal communication and demonstrations when learning to surf.

Lessons are good for safety untill you have enough experience and confidence in the water to know what your doing

when your at a begineer stage i find it hard to believe the internet will teach you to surf....like someone said being able to watch yourself surf is a good way to improve, if you could do that then explain to the people on here what was happening you may be able to use the internet for your advatage. In the mean time nothing beats a few group based lessons with a ration of 1:8, to get you started.

not all surf schools are going to be worthwile...you just need to choose an appropriate one.

i should know as im a qualified surfing instructor.

[smallwavegrovellerchick]

nothing beats actual face to face verbal communication and demonstrations when learning to surf.

Lessons are good for safety untill you have enough experience and confidence in the water to know what your doing

not all surf schools are going to be worthwile...you just need to choose an appropriate one.

YES! The key is learning from a knowledgeable surf instructor who can actually surf! Clueless surf instructors are a dime a dozen. I think you'll benefit more from 1:1 lessons rather than group lessons. Group lessons appear to be more to the financial benefit of the surf school rather than the actual student.

Also, what you read in books and see on the internet might be good advice but even if you think you're following it to the tee, you might be doing something completely different in actuality. Ever see people who surf with their butt sticking out or who do weird things with their arms while surfing? This just goes to show you that what you feel like you're doing and what you're actually doing might be very different. A good surf instructor can help prevent bad habits from the very get go.

All the stuff about ocean safety and tides is helpful also but most of it I just learned through trial and error or by talking to locals at different breaks.

[Jc]

I think it deminds on ur state of mind. For example I am one of those people that just wants to get on with it and the lessons didn't help me much. Exept the 1 to 1 where I really did progress.

[oldwashaway]

Find the right surf instructor or coach, and the answer is definitely yes!

Just about everything I ever do, I self-teach.
I taught myself how to surf. I habitually made many mistakes, not knowing any better. I progressed slowly.

But, a few months ago I went to Kauai with my wife and 2 kids specifically to take some intensive coaching from Russell Lewis in Hanalei.
These were not "beginner" lessons, but instead were tailored to each of our needs to break through our plateaus and progress to the next level.
That man knows his stuff, and he knows the fine art of teaching. Russell has coached many top competitive surfers, and his Hanalei surf team totally respects him.

My family of 4 had two private intensive lessons that lasted until we were exhausted. I learned things that I am still reminding myself to practice over and over. Months later the things he taught us are still sinking in as we practice what we were taught. My daughter now looks over at me in the water and reminds me of the stuff Russell taught us, pointing out what Russell would say. As soon as I put the memory of his words into play, my surfing improves.

Emphatically, yes, lessons like these are well worth it.