Should I take surfing lessons?

Got a question for the surfers out there:
I'm moving to Maine in May, and I'll be there for at least four years if not more. On a whim, I picked up a book for 50 cents called "Surfer Girl: A Guide to the Surfing Life" and started reading it. I don't even know why, but I was completely hooked on it, and it made me think "why not?"
I've never really been into sports of any kind. I was band geek in school, and nerdy as it was, it gave me something to work toward, something to improve on that made me feel good the better I got. I've been pretty aimless all through college on that front. It's really just been about school, and not really anything else. When I get to Maine, it's going to be work work work, and it just makes me think I need to pick something else up so I don't burn out and go nuts. Something cool and fun that will get me out of the house and doing something other than working and sleeping and vegging out. Especially if it will motivate me to stay in shape. I have a tendency to say "fuck it" and backslide...
So, should I give it a shot? Or have I been bamboozled into thinking this is a possibility for me? Do you have to be surfing from the age of 4 to get good at it or do I have a shot trying it out at 23 or 24?
And am I really going to offend someone if I say "dude"? Because I've been saying it since I was 12, and I swear to God, I'm not trying to make fun of anyone. It's kind of a longstanding habit I don't think I can break...

 

yes.

 

Well that settles it!
Seriously, I've been pondering it for a few months now, and I caught myself looking at used boards on ebay earlier today (before I stopped myself and decided to look up lessons instead- first things first!), so I just needed to hear either "do it!" or "it's really hard, you'll never make it."

 

Yes, just watch out for the little fishes


Photo of Great White Shark taken off the coast of maine



Hotwater

 

:willy_nilly:Oh damn...

 

They surf in Maine?.. You should do it. I dont think there is many sharks there though. water to cold..

 

yes but not in maine

 

Submerge yourself into ride the wave surfing.

 

I read the other day you have a higher chance of having furniture falling on you than being bit by a shark. Shark bites are very rare, so why not take the lessons.

 

plenty of opportunities to surf in maine

wouldn't worry abotu teh sharks. i'd worry more about the old people

 

I think you should go for it!!

Have fun!!

 

do you really need lessons for that?

i would just find someone who knows how to surf, get some pointers from them, and give it a try before committing to surf school.

 

Well, the local one I found is on a per day basis according to the website... I think. Plus they have a free day where you can go and try it and see if you want to pay for more lessons. Don't know if you have to pay for the rentals, but still cheaper than paying for a full lesson with rentals.
As for finding someone who knows how to surf... my fiance does have a friend who surfs, but he's going into the airforce and I don't know how soon. Plus, I'm not sure about his teaching skills. He's a really nice and funny guy, but seems a little awkward and unpredictable. He might get frustrated with me and leave me for the sharks.

 

One of the advantages of these organizations is the opportunity to learn and practice surf skills within a supportive environment apart from family or other close relationships. All one has to do is remember the horrors of learning how to drive a car from a family member to underscore the importance of this benefit.

 

Good luck at becoming proficient especially with such a short season

I mean the water temperature is still in the 40s by early June


Hotwater

 

Good luck with that cold water! I went to Maine in the dead of summer and it was still no higher then 55 degrees!

 

Yea, a wetsuit made from neoprene rubber is a must :2thumbsup:



Hotwater

 

yeah, i'll never forget when i was about 12 or so, driving on the farm and my uncle stomped on my foot and held it and the gas pedal to the floor. i about pissed myself speeding through those trees.

 

Surfing is fun and awesome, so I'd say definitely do it

 

Go nuts ride the wave, wouldnt pay for lessons just get a big enough board, the smaller the harder to stand up, ive gotten past the drowning stage half standing up stage, i dont live near a beach so it makes it hard some times, enjoy ,