Mers who Surf?

[Joy&RaptorsUnrestrained!]

Hey guys,

I was wondering how many mers (and mertenders) surf as well?

I've only begun to learn how to do it, and am pretty awkward so far, but it is a good workout and I have fun doing it, even if I keep falling off the board.

Obviously, it would be impossible to surf in a tail, but surfers otherwise have a mer-compatible outlook on the environment and a general sense of style similar to mers (i.e. long hair, necklaces, waterproof clothing, showing skin, etc).

Also, if there are other surfers, does anyone have any advice about timing? I tend to "pop up" too soon.

[Blondie]

I used to surf a lot when I was a younger teenager! My parent's weren't too keen about it though so I had to stop.

It's a great work out and fun! I think that you really just have to become "one with the bored". Eventually you'll figure out timing, balance, and speed with your bored. I find it helpful to keep you knees a little bent when you surf to perfect your balance. Don't worry too much about getting up RIGHT away. Let the wave take you, crotch, find your balance and then slowly stand. If you move too fast you'll just fall.

[Spindrift]

I do it, but am not as good as my father, uncle, or brother. My brother did competitions for a while, I think, then became a sponsored longboarder.

[FreshWaterMermaid]

I used to surf a ton in oceanside California. I loved it! I still have my board, but since I'm in Washington now, I haven't had the chance.
Long boarding is the way to start in my opinion. It gets you used to paddling out, getting up, and cutting waves. Once you go to short boards it's harder to get up.
I love my short board! Miss it!
Have fun! Lucky!

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

[MermaidBrittany]

Im in Washington too so there isn't really much of an opportunity to surf :( I have always wanted to though! I hope that sometime in the near future i will be able to learn.

[FreshWaterMermaid]

As long as you've got a wetsuit, some gloves, booties, and probably a hood, I imagine there could be some sort of surf available... it ain't the east coast. Lol
Hey if anyone who does surf in the Washington/Oregon area wanna shout out any good surf spots?
^_^

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

[Joy&RaptorsUnrestrained!]

Yeah... as someone who DOES live on the East Coast (and worse, Pennsylvania, albeit fairly close to the NJ border), I have to say it is tough to find more than superficial surf areas and activity. I've taken surfing classes (on longboards... I know not to attempt a shortboard anytime soon) in Ocean City NJ, but there (and Bethany Beach in Delaware) are probably the main beaches I go to (and Bethany barely has any surf to speak of... despite there being a surf shop in the center of town... go figure.

I understand that parts of New York and Florida are a bit better, but my experience is notably limited.

[Blondie]

East coast surfing is sad xD But it's something!

It's nice when there hurricanes move through.

[Mizuko]

I used to surf a bit- wasn't exceptionally good at it, but I just did it for fun :) My Dad's a keen surfer though, he's out any chance he's got! We've got some amazing secret spots here in South Australia <3

[linda]

Meee, but I prefer a kayak. What’s the best type of kayak for someone who wants to do a mix of fishing and casual paddling? I don’t want anything too heavy or hard to handle.

[phinie]

Linda, so, I’ve been kayaking for a while, and I totally understand the struggle of choosing the right one. Have you checked out these types of kayaks (https://americankayak.org/different-types-of-kayaks)? It’s packed with info on what each type is good for. I wish I had something like that when I started! Finding the right kayak really amps up the whole experience. Don’t just go for what looks cool; think about where and how you’ll use it! That’s the key, my friend!

[timothyferriss]

It's awesome that you're diving into surfing—it's a great workout and a lot of fun, PolyTrack (https://polytrack.org/)even if it feels awkward at first!