Is it time :(?

[PandaJosh]

Well I can stand up on my shortboard for a few seconds. I can do it more than once now is it time to go out in the line up? I can paddle out there its just do you think Im ready i still wipe out but i feel like im ready. Beach I surf at is North Jetty North Florida near Little Talbot Island. Waves at the beach I go to are a little rough but I can handle it should I just go for it?

[jaffa1949]

If you have to ask that question and you can only stand up for a few seconds in the white water , you are having trouble sitting on your board , the answer is an emphatic NO. We all wipeout no matter competent we are.
At your current level you are a danger to yourself and others.
Can you duck dive your way out to the break? have you ridden a green wave? Can you turn on the face of a green wave? Do you understand positioning in the lineup? Do you understand the safest way to paddle out to avoid getting others way?

To each no, you answer is a lesson of what you need to achieve or understand before you venture out.

Finally if you go out before you are capable it is likely that the surf nor the other surfers will not be kind to you!

[PandaJosh]

Yes to the duck diving yes to safest way to paddle out with getting in any persons way yes I know the positioning

[jaffa1949]

What about the other questions, can you catch a green wave, can you turn??????
It always concerns me when some one say s they can stand for few seconds and they feel they are ready to head out.
I guess for you going out is the only way to find out!

So good luck

[IB_Surfer]

Well I can stand up on my shortboard for a few seconds. I can do it more than once now is it time to go out in the line up? I can paddle out there its just do you think Im ready i still wipe out but i feel like im ready. Beach I surf at is North Jetty North Florida near Little Talbot Island. Waves at the beach I go to are a little rough but I can handle it should I just go for it?

You will be ready when you think you are ready, so if you are stoked to get clean waves go for it, if you are apprehensive don't. Start on a medium day, if it's big skip it, and if possible go with a bud, it will put your mind at ease, especially if he/she surfs better and can give you more tips

[dtc]

There is always (well almost) a small wave/break on a beach that no none else is surfing. Usually near the corners. Start there - even if the wave is only knee high. Dont go out to where everyone else is surfing at the start, its of no use to you or to them. Go to a different beach if you need to (see where the surf schools are located - often a good choice). Often these waves are on sandbars where you can stand, making getting out easier (but dont fall into the trick of never learning to duck dive and never stand next to your board and jump on as the wave comes - its a false assist because you then need to unlearn it. Surf properly from the start, even if you are in waist deep water).

Start small and dont bite off too much. Move out progressively. As IBS (ok, IB Surfer) said, go out with a friend to a spot no one else is surfing. Maybe one day paddle out and just sit near the line up but dont try to catch any waves, just to get used to it.

There is no hurry - you have to progress but little steps are better. It actually wont take too long

[PandaJosh]

Jaffa other questions is a no, Thanks guys for the wonderful advice I will do it, and Dtc the beach I go to is already secluded last time I went their was only about for surfers they didn't care to much I did actually mess up a guy that day. But he was pretty chill he didn't care I stayed my distance though. I'm going to take it slow next time I go like you guys said.

[jaffa1949]

It is a step in your journey, really if you are at the level where you want go just go and see!
Post your adventures, and I'm sure we can share advice and enjoy the laughs.
This meant respectfully as we all went through it!