[sazzle1978]

Hi, I am bored of getting drunk every weekend and having shopping as my only hobby so have decided that I would like to take myself over to Oz beginning of next year for a good 2/3 months to learn to surf, plus expose myself to fit men!!!

I Want to know whether I would realistically be able to learn if I am at it solidly……I do not plan to work, just go on a surf safari, have a few lessons then get out in the water myself to practice after that. I don’t really do that much exercise at the mo, use to be gymnast and dancer so am still quite tiny and toned but what exercises would help me before I go?

Cheers

[Rad]

Yeah go for it. That's what I did.

Learning to surf is tough no doubt about it but it's awesome fun and very rewarding. You shouldn't have any problems picking it up if you surf every day and stick with it while you're out there. Be warned though you probably won't wanna come back

The best exercise would be swimming - practice freestyle / frontcrawl.

If you want anymore info let me know.

[sazzle1978]

Cheers thanks 4 the advice, now i wanna see if i can get time off work, doubtful so may have to get temping or any old job when i get back.....if i come back!!!!!

Will b hitting the swimming pool over nxt few weeks then....

[ANCIENTWILLIAM]

Don't forget to maintain good flexability with plenty of stetching before and after exercise, especially before going in the water and when you have come out. It stops cramps & nasty injuries such as twists & sprains especially on wipeouts.

Staying strong but flexable is the key.

You will also need to increase your endurance for the paddleouts, especially in the heavier stuff. I found this out a few years ago on a strong swell which was a bit mushy a few years ago at Fistral one September.

Not going to teach you to suck eggs but to improved body strength do things like dips, press ups, squats etc. Using your own body weight as resistance. A good gym assistant/trainer will know these which you can find out and be shown for free at most gyms these days - as of course you may already.

As said swimming is excellent but also other things, including tai chi can help with balance, flexability & strength too.

All the best . . .

[Sad?Old Hippie]

U pretty much covered it all there mate, I feel knackered just reedin it

The 1 area I have 2 work on is t paddlin out. After a summer spent surfin wivout da wettie I,m findin it tirin paddlin with da rubber on. Dread 2 think of t winter gear, arghhhh, all that rubber

Sea is still a healthy 17 degrees but wont b long till it starts coolin, XMAS CUMIN N ALL DAT

[sazzle1978]

Geez peeps, you trying to scare me or what. I though that I'd be able to do a bit of weight work on the arms and torso, bit of stamina work and continue with ballet and yoga to increase/improve my suppleness and flexibility (am chuffed coz i can now do the splits again after years of not being able to do it - hopeing i can knock out a few backflips again soon too!!!!!!!!) didn't realise I needed to be a full-on athlete!!!!!!

Thanks for the advice tho, looks like i need to get a personal trainer and get down the gym, i am thinking of going in Jan/Feb time next year as its warmer and am only 26, small (8 stone), female so knew it might be tougher for me than the (hopefully v fit) guys who i might learn with.

Cheers though, any other advice would be appreciated. I eat healthily already so thats no probs.

Can't wait!!!!!!

[ANCIENTWILLIAM]

Of course there's always my favourite form which keeps your stamina going, your flexability up. its very good for you and most of us can't get enough . . . . yep . . . SEXERCISE !!!

[sazzle1978]

i think i can manage that well enough!!!!

[seaslave1]

After a quick nap, and to get your breath back afterwards!