Beginner surfer with out a clue

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DaisyParker
DaisyParker
WA
6 posts
WA, 6 posts
1 May 2011 12:06am
Hey :) i am a beginner surfer- i've had one lesson and have been "white wash" surfing three times. i don't know what long board means, but i wondering if anyone could help me with this; the two beaches i go to for surfing are Trigg and Scarborough, for a beginner, what wind direction, knots, swell, weather and all that stuff should i look for to know whether i should bother driving 45min to the beach. Your help would be really GOOD! Cheers
obct
obct
NSW
3487 posts
NSW, 3487 posts
1 May 2011 6:45am
it's the wrong side of the country for me, so I don't know what would be the best conditions,however, there is a good way you can check things out before to go and that's to find a live surf cam like this one.


http://www.coastalwatch.com/camera/cameras_large.aspx?cam=7050&state=WA&t=5:38:32%20AM&camName=Trigg%20Beach

it will help you determine what to do.

A longboard is generally considered to be any board over about 8 feet long and designed to walk around on, there are also boards that are designed for big waves that are over 8 foot but they are called guns and are really just made for speed and their ability to be able to paddle into big waves on takeoff.

P co
P co
WA
458 posts
WA, 458 posts
1 May 2011 8:40am
Hi daisy, anything with some east in the wind the better and lighter is generally best, even if the arrows show a west wind that is around 5 knots it will still be ok. Scarborough -Triggs usually has something to play on even in a small swell, say less than 1 metre, if it gets too big, say over 3 metres a beginner may have more success at leighton or mullaloo or a reef break. Have fun, great little waves about today.
62mac
62mac
WA
24860 posts
WA, 24860 posts
1 May 2011 8:41am
Beginner surfer with out a clue.

Well you'll fit right in here mate


How much do you weigh?

To help get you up and riding faster we need this info.

No point starting in a Kelly Slater type shortboard and if
your on the smaller side,a 9 foot longboard could be too
much board to handle in the water,if so maybe a 8 foot
fun board will get you going,then once mastered you can
go either way,go up in length or down.

Anyway,good luck and stick to it,I found it hard going at first
and one day it all clicked

As obct pointed out surf cams will be your best friend,just don't
let the boss catch you out at work doing the midweek dreaming
GPA
GPA
WA
2529 posts
GPA GPA
WA, 2529 posts
1 May 2011 8:48am
DaisyParker said...

Hey :) i am a beginner surfer- i've had one lesson and have been "white wash" surfing three times. i don't know what long board means, but i wondering if anyone could help me with this; the two beaches i go to for surfing are Trigg and Scarborough, for a beginner, what wind direction, knots, swell, weather and all that stuff should i look for to know whether i should bother driving 45min to the beach. Your help would be really GOOD! Cheers


Hi - here are the local cams that I use:

www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/marine-information.asp

www.swellnet.com.au/surfcams/scarborough

www.coastalwatch.com/camera/cameras_large.aspx?cam=7050&state=WA

..and of course, the WA Metro graphs off Seabreeze.com.au for forecasts...

Use them all in combination with your trips to the coast, you'll soon start to form a mental correlation with what the graphs are predicting, what the cams are showing and the actual conditions.

Basically, your after Easterly conditions - ideally 5-8 knots, with a local swell of 0.5m at Cottesloe (or about 2m offshore). Learn about tides too... depending upon the change of the tide it can make a huge difference, a large tide at 'high tide' can make the waves full or fat and not break (they just roll through and are hard to catch); whereas a 'low tide' can mean that they break too fast, ie dump or close-out as we surfers say...

And importantly know these couple of rules: Never throw or abandon your board without KNOWING that there is no one behind you or anywhere close. No one wants 6-8ft of fibreglass in the head... And, if someone further out, or closer to the breaking part of the wave (the peak) gets to their feet, then they have right of way - so it's their wave, and if you cut in front of them it's called 'dropping in' and it is very much frowned upon.

Good Luck... and enjoy!
dotcomdotau
dotcomdotau
WA
505 posts
WA, 505 posts
1 May 2011 1:19pm
GPA said...

DaisyParker said...

Hey :) i am a beginner surfer- i've had one lesson and have been "white wash" surfing three times. i don't know what long board means, but i wondering if anyone could help me with this; the two beaches i go to for surfing are Trigg and Scarborough, for a beginner, what wind direction, knots, swell, weather and all that stuff should i look for to know whether i should bother driving 45min to the beach. Your help would be really GOOD! Cheers


Hi - here are the local cams that I use:

www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/marine-information.asp

www.swellnet.com.au/surfcams/scarborough

www.coastalwatch.com/camera/cameras_large.aspx?cam=7050&state=WA

..and of course, the WA Metro graphs off Seabreeze.com.au for forecasts...

Use them all in combination with your trips to the coast, you'll soon start to form a mental correlation with what the graphs are predicting, what the cams are showing and the actual conditions.

Basically, your after Easterly conditions - ideally 5-8 knots, with a local swell of 0.5m at Cottesloe (or about 2m offshore). Learn about tides too... depending upon the change of the tide it can make a huge difference, a large tide at 'high tide' can make the waves full or fat and not break (they just roll through and are hard to catch); whereas a 'low tide' can mean that they break too fast, ie dump or close-out as we surfers say...

And importantly know these couple of rules: Never throw or abandon your board without KNOWING that there is no one behind you or anywhere close. No one wants 6-8ft of fibreglass in the head... And, if someone further out, or closer to the breaking part of the wave (the peak) gets to their feet, then they have right of way - so it's their wave, and if you cut in front of them it's called 'dropping in' and it is very much frowned upon.

Good Luck... and enjoy!



Spot on GPA.
If you head on down to Scarborough today, the waves are pretty much the go for a beginner.(like me BTW) Couple of close -outs coming through otherwise some nice waves. As Mac mentioned get yourself a 7'6 -8'0 with some volume and you're away and one day it will all click (those days come and go for me)
It's all about having fun mate

DaisyParker
DaisyParker
WA
6 posts
WA, 6 posts
1 May 2011 9:54pm
Thanks everyone!
Now i kinda know what i'm doing I had no idea about those beach cam things-theyre so cool! I can watch sunset lying in my bed! I'm around 55kg- more after easter I Have a 7' foamie, which seems to be alright for me :) Just one more thing, two more things; If a foam surfboard is slippery do i still use wax? and i know that you wear wet suits, but its so F*@%$ing cold during winter, do people really still surf
Cheers again
P co
P co
WA
458 posts
WA, 458 posts
1 May 2011 10:20pm
Yeah, it's pretty common to wax softies. Choose a soft winter or cool water wax and yes, definitely surf in winter, much better waves and even less wind than summer. A long arm and long leg wetsuit called a steamer is what you need. Usually in wa a 3mm body and legs with 2mm arms is all you need. A good fit is more important than all the fancy features and they can be cheap nowadays.
Have fun.
obct
obct
NSW
3487 posts
NSW, 3487 posts
2 May 2011 3:04am
The good fit that P co mentioned it very important, it must be nice and snug all over or you'll get water flushing through the arms and legs.
62mac
62mac
WA
24860 posts
WA, 24860 posts
2 May 2011 4:58am
Yes you must surf during the cooler months for few reasons,less people in the water,better waves,match fit for summer.

At only 55 kgs,go for a 7.8 or 8 foot fun board ,keep the foamie they are good fun once you get the hang of things.You can go either way both short or longboarding,you will need the try both and see which you like best.

If I was 55 I'd have a shortie in my quiver thats for sure

Good luck
doggie
doggie
WA
15849 posts
WA, 15849 posts
2 May 2011 10:16am
DaisyParker said...

Thanks everyone!
Now i kinda know what i'm doing I had no idea about those beach cam things-theyre so cool! I can watch sunset lying in my bed! I'm around 55kg- more after easter I Have a 7' foamie, which seems to be alright for me :) Just one more thing, two more things; If a foam surfboard is slippery do i still use wax? and i know that you wear wet suits, but its so F*@%$ing cold during winter, do people really still surf
Cheers again


I think I can help you
DaisyParker
DaisyParker
WA
6 posts
WA, 6 posts
2 May 2011 1:42pm
doggie said...

DaisyParker said...

Thanks everyone!
Now i kinda know what i'm doing I had no idea about those beach cam things-theyre so cool! I can watch sunset lying in my bed! I'm around 55kg- more after easter I Have a 7' foamie, which seems to be alright for me :) Just one more thing, two more things; If a foam surfboard is slippery do i still use wax? and i know that you wear wet suits, but its so F*@%$ing cold during winter, do people really still surf
Cheers again


I think I can help you

please do

doggie
doggie
WA
15849 posts
WA, 15849 posts
2 May 2011 2:34pm
DaisyParker said...

doggie said...

DaisyParker said...

Thanks everyone!
Now i kinda know what i'm doing I had no idea about those beach cam things-theyre so cool! I can watch sunset lying in my bed! I'm around 55kg- more after easter I Have a 7' foamie, which seems to be alright for me :) Just one more thing, two more things; If a foam surfboard is slippery do i still use wax? and i know that you wear wet suits, but its so F*@%$ing cold during winter, do people really still surf
Cheers again


I think I can help you

please do




I have a mate that may have a wettie that might fit you, altho his boobs may be smaller or larger <<jokin
If that dosnt work Surfboard Room in Scarbough has a rack of old stock wetties and I saw a few girls ones in there and they were small so check that out, you could pick up a cheapie. I was in there on the weekend getting a new wettie, $520 lighter in the wallet but am the proud owner of a Psyco II which used yesterday and highly recomend
smh
smh
NSW
7269 posts
smh smh
NSW, 7269 posts
2 May 2011 5:23pm




I have a mate that may have a wettie that might fit you, altho his boobs may be smaller or larger <<jokin



You're one smooth act Doggie.
doggie
doggie
WA
15849 posts
WA, 15849 posts
2 May 2011 3:52pm
smh said...





I have a mate that may have a wettie that might fit you, altho his boobs may be smaller or larger <<jokin



You're one smooth act Doggie.


I have moments of clarity
OceanBlue64
OceanBlue64
VIC
980 posts
VIC, 980 posts
2 May 2011 5:55pm
doggie said...
I was in there on the weekend getting a new wettie, $520 lighter in the wallet but am the proud owner of a Psyco II which used yesterday and highly recomend


I picked up a ONeil psycho freak on Saturday - talking about a warm wettie!!! I wont mention how much it cost though.
doggie
doggie
WA
15849 posts
WA, 15849 posts
2 May 2011 4:06pm
OceanBlue64 said...

doggie said...
I was in there on the weekend getting a new wettie, $520 lighter in the wallet but am the proud owner of a Psyco II which used yesterday and highly recomend


I picked up a ONeil psycho freak on Saturday - talking about a warm wettie!!! I wont mention how much it cost though.


Compared to my old eBomb its chalk and cheese!! Best wettie Ive had since my old Ultimate elalasto from 5years ago. I think RipCurl have lost the plot a bit, Ive three ebombs and tbh they went that great and never sealed as well as the Psyco II.
GPA
GPA
WA
2529 posts
GPA GPA
WA, 2529 posts
2 May 2011 4:08pm
OceanBlue64 said...

doggie said...
I was in there on the weekend getting a new wettie, $520 lighter in the wallet but am the proud owner of a Psyco II which used yesterday and highly recomend


I picked up a ONeil psycho freak on Saturday - talking about a warm wettie!!! I wont mention how much it cost though.


Please do... I'm in need of a new steamer and havn't had the pleasure for a few years - I think I paid $240 last time for a second from top-of-the-range Billabong... I was thinking north of $350 this time round...
DaisyParker
DaisyParker
WA
6 posts
WA, 6 posts
2 May 2011 4:29pm
doggie said...

DaisyParker said...

doggie said...

DaisyParker said...

Thanks everyone!
Now i kinda know what i'm doing I had no idea about those beach cam things-theyre so cool! I can watch sunset lying in my bed! I'm around 55kg- more after easter I Have a 7' foamie, which seems to be alright for me :) Just one more thing, two more things; If a foam surfboard is slippery do i still use wax? and i know that you wear wet suits, but its so F*@%$ing cold during winter, do people really still surf
Cheers again


I think I can help you

please do




I have a mate that may have a wettie that might fit you, altho his boobs may be smaller or larger <<jokin
If that dosnt work Surfboard Room in Scarbough has a rack of old stock wetties and I saw a few girls ones in there and they were small so check that out, you could pick up a cheapie. I was in there on the weekend getting a new wettie, $520 lighter in the wallet but am the proud owner of a Psyco II which used yesterday and highly recomend


Yea,sweet. I'm prob going scarborough this sat, will their "surfboard room" be open?
doggie
doggie
WA
15849 posts
WA, 15849 posts
2 May 2011 4:38pm
DaisyParker said...

doggie said...

DaisyParker said...

doggie said...

DaisyParker said...

Thanks everyone!
Now i kinda know what i'm doing I had no idea about those beach cam things-theyre so cool! I can watch sunset lying in my bed! I'm around 55kg- more after easter I Have a 7' foamie, which seems to be alright for me :) Just one more thing, two more things; If a foam surfboard is slippery do i still use wax? and i know that you wear wet suits, but its so F*@%$ing cold during winter, do people really still surf
Cheers again


I think I can help you

please do




I have a mate that may have a wettie that might fit you, altho his boobs may be smaller or larger <<jokin
If that dosnt work Surfboard Room in Scarbough has a rack of old stock wetties and I saw a few girls ones in there and they were small so check that out, you could pick up a cheapie. I was in there on the weekend getting a new wettie, $520 lighter in the wallet but am the proud owner of a Psyco II which used yesterday and highly recomend


Yea,sweet. I'm prob going scarborough this sat, will their "surfboard room" be open?


Yea it will be DP but this Saturday will be a great day for surfing, have a surf in the morning then head on down to Boardroom, its on the corner of Scarbough Beach rd & Westcoast hwy, its open untill 4pm on Saturdays. If you need anymore help just PM me you number and I will help you out
62mac
62mac
WA
24860 posts
WA, 24860 posts
2 May 2011 4:40pm
I don't know about you guys in the west,but over here on the GC some stores have a family and friends discount for staff members.I am lucky I guess,between my son and I we do very well and do not be scared to ask as I was was first time around.

Last winter we dropped into a shop looking for one wettie only and walked out with two steamers,a watch,a pair of sunglasses and more goodies.The guy serving us went to school with my nob.

Just watched the news and KS is in town towing in at J the secret spot one of few left.

One guy lost at Burleigh today and not been found.

Young mac surfed Snapper today and said it was on and he has just returned from Bali yesterday and surfed Ullu at 8 foot the day before,so Snapper must have been good as he does not get excited unless its ON
smh
smh
NSW
7269 posts
smh smh
NSW, 7269 posts
2 May 2011 7:17pm
Its on down here too. Just got to work on night shift and our waverider bouy is reading 1.7 - 2.0 m on a period of 16 seconds. Should be good tomorrow.
DaisyParker
DaisyParker
WA
6 posts
WA, 6 posts
2 May 2011 6:10pm
doggie said...

DaisyParker said...

doggie said...

DaisyParker said...

doggie said...

DaisyParker said...

Thanks everyone!
Now i kinda know what i'm doing I had no idea about those beach cam things-theyre so cool! I can watch sunset lying in my bed! I'm around 55kg- more after easter I Have a 7' foamie, which seems to be alright for me :) Just one more thing, two more things; If a foam surfboard is slippery do i still use wax? and i know that you wear wet suits, but its so F*@%$ing cold during winter, do people really still surf
Cheers again



I think I can help you

please do




I have a mate that may have a wettie that might fit you, altho his boobs may be smaller or larger <<jokin
If that dosnt work Surfboard Room in Scarbough has a rack of old stock wetties and I saw a few girls ones in there and they were small so check that out, you could pick up a cheapie. I was in there on the weekend getting a new wettie, $520 lighter in the wallet but am the proud owner of a Psyco II which used yesterday and highly recomend


Yea,sweet. I'm prob going scarborough this sat, will their "surfboard room" be open?


Yea it will be DP but this Saturday will be a great day for surfing, have a surf in the morning then head on down to Boardroom, its on the corner of Scarbough Beach rd & Westcoast hwy, its open untill 4pm on Saturdays. If you need anymore help just PM me you number and I will help you out


Cool, cheers for the generosity. But ar, looking at your profile pic i may have to pass on the PM my number ai . Besides you could be in danger of being a bit pedo? Un-intentionally of course, just depends on how old you r i guess
62mac
62mac
WA
24860 posts
WA, 24860 posts
2 May 2011 6:45pm
Trust me doggie is all good,he traveled over here the east coast and had a blast.

But hey I have no clue
doggie
doggie
WA
15849 posts
WA, 15849 posts
2 May 2011 6:59pm
62mac said...

Trust me doggie is all good,he traveled over here the east coast and had a blast.

But hey I have no clue



I'm guessing I'm a bit old lol
OceanBlue64
OceanBlue64
VIC
980 posts
VIC, 980 posts
2 May 2011 9:02pm
GPA said...

OceanBlue64 said...

doggie said...
I was in there on the weekend getting a new wettie, $520 lighter in the wallet but am the proud owner of a Psyco II which used yesterday and highly recomend


I picked up a ONeil psycho freak on Saturday - talking about a warm wettie!!! I wont mention how much it cost though.


Please do... I'm in need of a new steamer and havn't had the pleasure for a few years - I think I paid $240 last time for a second from top-of-the-range Billabong... I was thinking north of $350 this time round...

Well I think the Psycho Freak retails at around the $650 - I paid $405. Tonik here in Barwon heads have a 20% - 60% off sale at the moment. Loads of stuff discounted, and great helpful staff. I cant recommend them highly enough.
Tomayama
Tomayama
QLD
43 posts
QLD, 43 posts
10 May 2011 6:59pm
picked up a Peak 2/2 sealed steamer last week for $100 !!!!!!
stoked since i had the number 450 in my head
and yes, 2/2 plenty warm enuf for me

rarely need more than my 3/2 sealed springy unless windy cond
Tomayama
Tomayama
QLD
43 posts
QLD, 43 posts
10 May 2011 7:14pm
Tomayama last week at Lennox

yeeew

did it work?
im terrible with computers
Tomayama
Tomayama
QLD
43 posts
QLD, 43 posts
10 May 2011 7:39pm
Tomayama at Lennox
yeah dont know how to add a pic

off topic?
62mac
62mac
WA
24860 posts
WA, 24860 posts
10 May 2011 5:39pm
Tomayama said...

Tomayama last week at Lennox

yeeew

did it work?
im terrible with computers


All good Tomayama good to have you backJust got to find that Billboard on the highway somewhere is he
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