Will it be hard to learn to surf?

Is it hard to learn how to surf? What if your scared of sea creatures?

• I want to learn how to surf. Is it hard to learn? And what if I'm scared of sea creatures, will that affect me at all? I plan on taking a trip to the coast to learn how to surf. ...show more

• Answer:

  Maybe you shouldn't learn to surf? I don't want to sound mean, because I love surfing, and I like to see people learn how to surf and join in the fun. But, surfing is an ocean sport. Part of surfing is loving the ocean. And, that means loving the sometimes creepy, scary creatures that live in it. Sharks and barracudas may be terrifying, but you don't see the beaches littered with the bodies of half eaten surfers, do you? Of course not. That's because attacks on humans are statistically rare. You are more likely to get killed in a car crash driving to the beach than be eaten by a shark. Jelly fish and sea nettles and such or annoying (and can be relatively dangerous). But, again, your chances of serious injury are rare. And, if you a starting out the right way, by taking lessons from a competent and experienced instructor, he/she will keep you out of arms way. Lessons are the only sensible way to start surfing. Lessons not only shorten the learning curve for the beginners, but helps keep kooks out of the way of experieneced surfers. If you will only be on the coast fro a week or two, you will probably learn the basics, but don't expect to become a "surfer". That can take much longer. I have spent my who life in and on the ocean. As a little preschooler I learned to swim in the ocean and love it for what it is, And I started to surf as a teenager and develop a stronger relationship with the sea. I am 57 years old, and the sea hasn't killed me in the thousands of hours I have spent in. The sea can be very dangerous, but treat the sea and all of its creatures with respect, not fear, and you will do fine. If you just can't do that....think about snowboarding instead.