Im going to Maui for the first time in may. Any advice for a 1st time surfer?
964209
go to honolua bay and just watch.  you won't learn anything useful, but the kind of talent coming off that island right now is unreal.  just sit back and enjoy and contemplate how hard they have worked to get that good.
825146
Hey there Nashville! I live there too!\n\nHow about a Hawaiin Luau?  It's fun for all ages and can be done on a low budget.  You can get little tiki straws, hula skirts, etc.  Make it a Luau on the "beach" too.  If your parents will allow it, crank the heat WAY up to make it hot hot hot and have a small wading pool and beach balls. (FYI, I attended a party like this when I was 16, complete with sunglasses and summer gear, and it was one of the funnest parties I ever went to!)
194576
Try flying a kite first.  Then pick up surfing....then maybe then you should look into getting a rig.
483829
learn the "rules" of the water. Know who has priority on the waves. Know where to be without getting in people's way. As far as the actual skill of surfing, practice paddling. That's the most difficult part for beginners. Your shoulders and arms will tire out so quickly. Just keep practicing until you get better conditioned.
574481
There aren't too many good beginners spots that are sand bottom. Waikiki wave to learn on because the waves are slow and non-threatening. The bottom is rock/coral and the break is CROWDED. There are other breaks like Cockroach Bay (near Sea Life Park), Bellows, and Kalama Beach (north Kailua Beach) that are well known beginners spots. The waves there are non-threatening but are sometimes sloppy because of the winds. Both Bellows and Kalama Beaches are sand bottom and the scenery is awesome.
580848
You'll be fine.  Better than that, if it's your first time on a coaster with contacts (instead of having to take your glasses off), you'll actually enjoy the ride in a whole different ride because you'll be able to SEE where you're going. I've been told it's trippy. Just bring along some eyedrops in case you get dried out.
385972
Go I'm sure you will have a great time. they generally bait your hook for you and take care of the catch for you. if you get motion sickness be sure and take some dramamine and no matter how nice the weather be prepared for wind rain and possibly cool temperatures because the boats tend to leave EARLY in the morning and it is best to be prepared. wear a good pair of jeans Tennis shoes and sun glasses. just go and try it. I love it so much that I have gone deep sea fishing at least once a year since the first time I went out about 28 years ago. it's ok to be the only girl on the boat. just be yourself live for the moment and have a great time. \n\n              NOTHING VENTURED NOTHING GAINED !\n\nif you don't go you will always wonder . if you go and don't like it then you will know how you feel about deep sea fishing for future reference. Good Luck You are going to have a G~R~E~A~T TIME !!!!!!!    (:
44603
Any break in the surf line that has water running through it is a pretty safe bet.Jetties,marsh grass,any structure can be good.Also,watch for gulls feeding,they make their living finding fish.As I fish from a kayak,I generally do one of the above,because the ocean is a big place.
127600
I think for your first time it is best to take a class at the beach, that way you don't have to buy anything until you know you like it.  YOu can also rent boards at some shops.  If you want to buy, you should go to a place like play it again sports so you don't have to spend too much money before you are good!
77016
I've been surfing for years and don't think I'll ever have 'learnt' it! However, if you have the right instruction, board and waves you should be standing up on the board within an hour or so.\nBefore you try, I'd advise swimming as an appropriate exercise. Another good tip is to lie face down on the floor, then jump straight to your feet quickly (don't use your knees). This will help set your 'muscle memory' correctly for when you stand up on your first wave.\n\nYou don't say where you are, but there are surf schools on most coasts that have waves.\n\nGood luck!
1166531
Well, gotta know the specifics first.  Time, place and do I need to bring a swim suit and towel??
50874
Try here:\n\nhttp://www.lanikaivacationrental.com/kailua-beach.htm\n\nLooks like paradise to me.  Have a fun vacation!
1003787
If your anywhere near Yorkshire, I could do with a crew, for sailing trips, both in Yorkshire and the Lake District, Been sailing since I was 7, so should be able to show you what to do?\nDon't be scared to get wet, but an RYA level 1 or 2 course will give you a good starting platform.\nI would suggest going on a course, as there is so much you pick up that is very hard to put into writing, such as wind awareness etc...
448210
The waves are best in the summer, the dry season - June through September - when the tradewinds blow west along the legendary Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu, Padang Padang, etc.) \n\nHowever, that's also the most crowded time of year and you'll typically find every spot, from Kuta Beach to Uluwatu completely packed with Aussies, Brazilians, Japanese, and American surfers, all trying to lock into some of that famous Indo juice. \n\nWith that said, you can try the winter months, the wet season, when the winds blow east. Then, lesser known spots along the east side of the island, especially in places like Sanur, start to fire. However, it rains a lot and there aren't quite as many great reefs as there are on the other side. \n\nIn the past, my friends and I have tried to go in May, which is just the beginning of the dry season and tends to be much less crowded. However, we've also gotten some pretty bad weather and crummy conditions...which makes it a semi-risky proposition. \n\nMy advice would be to go in May or June, and if the crowds start to drive you mad, hit the road. There are hundreds of nearby islands, including Lombok, which are chock full of great, uncrowded surf spots. Plus, traveling is half the fun.\n\nExplore. Have fun. PULL IN!!!\n\n(Before you go, get "Indo Surf & Lingo" by Peter Neely, as well as Periplus Action Guides' "Surfing Indonesia". Both are invaluable books and can be ordered from Amazon.)
922550
Speak to your local surf shop. Try out some few boards and see how they respond. These shops should be able to offer boards that people can test (i think you have to leave credit card details to prevent boards getting nicked). There's bound to be a shaper there, or they will know one so you know you'll get a good advice.\n\nTry the big foamie ones (yes, the beginner board). Otherwise, an egg-shaped board, around 7'6 will be good fun (example McTavish Egg). Find something with rounder rails. Your aim at this time is to catch more waves as much as you could to get your pop-ups perfect. Then do your bottom turn next, etc. \n\nAnd then you can progress to riding 6's (since you skateboard/snowboard, i gathered you're geared towards shortboard-riding?). But if you are a soul-surfer, then perhaps try a long board. Again, the type of boards you'll be riding is dependent on the type of waves you'll be surfing.\n\nHappy shopping.
1097238
I've been riding for 20 years, and I would suggest starting off on a slower model before moving on to one with more power.  A  early to mid-1990s Sea Doo GTX is a good beginner model.  Very stable and not too a ton of speed with full throttle (but still enough to have a blast on!).  \n\nMake sure that you know all of the laws in the area that you will be going to.  If it's chilly wear a wetsuit, if it's hot make sure to wear tons of sunscreen.  Make sure that your lifevest is a Coast Guard arrproved Type III vest.  There are some out there that are approved by the Coast Guard but not Type III, so be careful.  \n\nIf you're starting off as a driver, remember that jet-skiis don't steer if you don't give it any gas!  So if you get in trouble, don't shut it off or pull out the key because you won't be able to manuver it.  If you're starting off as a passenger rather than the driver, hold on to the person in front of you, not onto the seat strap (if there is one).  \n\nIf you want to ride a stand-up first, make sure you give it gas to pull you out of the water.  It's easiest to start by floating in the water with your knees on the ski rather than on your stomach.  In rougher water they get bouncy, so balance is tricky.  \n\nThat's about it, but if you want to know more, go to the website for the area you will be visiting or to any national park website.  You'll find a link there to safe boating guidelines.
711404
I live in Hawaii. It kind of goes with the territory. It is a workout and a rush. Nothing but good times, it can be dangerous too. The ocean is a living thing, and doesn't slow down for you. I recommend it but don't go alone and make sure you bring your A game that day. Good luck.