Hey Folks!
So we have worked through the wetsuit, the board, and transportation. The last subject in this starter pack is quite possibly the most important component to surfing:
Your Very Own Surf Gang
As I said in the past, I was determined to become a surfer. Getting the proper materials can be complicated, but truthfully, it can also be an independent and personal endeavor. In other words, it's easy to do it alone so long as you know what you're looking for (see previous postings for guidance). Finding people to surf with isn't always easy. If you are surrounded by people who surf, you have a leg up, but it's not that big of an advantage. They are usually better than you and are only willing to take you out on occasion, which is fair enough. Finding the time to jump in the water can be difficult, so the precious opportunities those more experienced surfers get...well, let's just say they would rather not be watching over someone else. Then all of a sudden you find yourself in the same position as someone who doesn't have any surf friends and you are forced to get creative.
Why can't I go alone?
Imagine that you are out alone in the cold water as a very new surfer. Meaning you have yet to develop an acute oceanic awareness. You go for a wave that is too big for you, your leash snaps, your board drifts off and you find yourself being pummeled by the waves. This is what the French called being "Le Fucked" because the ocean shows no mercy. You need surfing buddies primarily for safety reasons. As a newbie, you essentially have the coordination of a toddler. We all know toddlers are accidents just waiting to happen. As you get better, you can start depending on random people who are surfing at the same time as you, but even then, it's just a better idea to go with someone who has your back.
Secondly, surfing with people is always more fun. There is A LOT of waiting time out there, you might as well have a friend to goof off with until the next set.
Friends also provide motivation. There will be times when you feel lazy and cold water just sounds dreadful (like me at this very instance), that is when a friend comes in and drags you out. I find that I usually have the best surf session of my life under these circumstances.
Lastly, you can learn from each other. You can compare boards and fin set up. You can compare surfing styles and mimic or correct accordingly. You can learn to look before you charge since your friend just accidentally cut off the scary old dude with the yellow board. A friend is both a teacher and a student. They are invaluable to your own path.
Moral of the Story:
Don't be a moron. Find friends.
Okay, so how do you find friends? I will gladly tell you what I did, but I encourage you to brainstorm a solution that works for you. I found a meet up group. I realized they would have organized sessions every week, so I would have many opportunities to surf and meet more people. I now have a pretty solid group of people that I can surf with at different times of the week. Consider meet up groups, clubs, or find people who are also eager to learn! Sometimes surf shops will have clubs or something of the sort you can join. Go to surf shops and the beach; expose yourself to the culture. The surfing community is filled with many wonderful people, you just have show self motivation. If you live in the SF area, you can use me as a surf buddy to get launched too. I would be glad to usher in more motivated surfers!
Here is my first attempt at a GoPro video. In the video are some of my friends from the Pacifica Meet up Group including, Courtney, Sam, and Oz. It's not an awesome video, but here we are suiting up to surf Bolinas in Marin. (Note: I fit two, yes TWO, surf boards into my little Honda Civic! You go, Civic! <3 )
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