Will I look like an idiot trying to catch any wave I can?

[Newbloke]

Ok guys so there comes a time when I really want to be out surfing besides when I am taking lessons. Since I am still learning is it ok for me to try to catch anything as I'm still on a learning curve. Would I look like a desperate idiot and other surfers think of me as a kook or something? I just see so many surfers sitting out in there for hours on end waiting for a wave. Sure maybe down the track I want to do that but at this point I just want to get on my board and practice practice and practice.

Cheers.

[drowningbitbybit]

You wont look a kook if you make it.
The trouble is that if you're going for every wave, you're probably going for the wrong wave - and you wont catch it, or you'll catch it too late.
If you think you can make it, go for it.

...but be aware of others already on the wave.

[naniekso]

...but be aware of others already on the wave.

imagine driving on a road and everyone on the way is trying to cut you off....don't be THAT guy. make sure you know the rules so no accidents occur.


who cares if you look like a kook, some people even paddle when someone is on the wave already to see if he falls off- to me THATS kooky
just take anything and everything

[rentatommyg]

If you're just starting out, try to stay away from the big guys and the big crowds. Trying to catch every wave is a good idea, really. Right now you need to get your paddle strength up. Once you do this, you will have a much easier time. Of course, as mentioned in previous comments, don't be that guy (in the way and sucking).

[zangpakto]

Well umm we caught a wave on Sunday and we managed to get I think 94 people or something on one wave...

Just 16 or so from record X_X

Sucked... an hour of attempts and didn't get the record haha

[Aloha]

some people even paddle when someone is on the wave already to see if he falls off- to me THATS kooky

That's me.

Ok maybe not quite, I don't do that when they are already riding, only if it looks like they won't get past the section.

Here in crowded Sydney you often have to paddle for a wave that someone else is paddling for because that's often the only way to get a wave. If he pulls back or misses it you are in the position to go.

If the guy looks like hot stuff then you don't bother as he'll get the wave for sure, but with others you'll kick yourself when they pull back and it goes by unridden.

[naniekso]

some people even paddle when someone is on the wave already to see if he falls off- to me THATS kooky

That's me.

yeah same here haha. but msot of the time they make sections here.

[surfingwithsmile]

but with others you'll kick yourself when they pull back and it goes by unridden.

UGhhhh thats the worst feeling ever
specially when you felt that wave and you just knew it was gooooooooooooooooooooodddd