View Full Version : OT: Surfing
Nooch
12-07-2016, 02:51 PM
Another way off topic thread for the day here..
My old man had bariatric surgery last year and is down like 120lbs.. His goal is to surf for his 65th birthday next year..
I wanted to get him something small along those lines for Christmas, but I'm at a loss -- I don't know poop about surfing.
Anyone happen to have any ideas?
AngryScientist
12-07-2016, 02:53 PM
surf lessons?
livingminimal
12-07-2016, 02:56 PM
surf lessons?
Agree with this 110%.
I grew up on the water, bodyboarding, and then surfing for years, now I don't do anything, but wish I still do. Maybe I'll get back on.
I would put him on the water with lessons. he will be able to figure out what he likes, doesn't like, what kind of board he wants, etc and go from there.
He will almost definitely certainly be totally hooked.
Vientomas
12-07-2016, 03:03 PM
Wetsuit or rash guard depending on water temp.
Mzilliox
12-07-2016, 03:14 PM
where will he be surfing? gloves and booties territory or somewhere warm?
wax, leash, video to get stoked on, lessons with some hot young gal, company?
i love surfing, need to get back into more of it
Nooch
12-07-2016, 03:28 PM
His plan is to fly out to Hawaii, I believe, next year for his birthday.
He lives in CT. Grew up in the bronx and used to surf out on Far Rockaway.
It's just been 30-40 years since.
Perhaps on the sentimental (and cheap side...): Anyone in California up for shipping me a jar of sand from Huntington Beach?
livingminimal
12-07-2016, 03:32 PM
His plan is to fly out to Hawaii, I believe, next year for his birthday.
He lives in CT. Grew up in the bronx and used to surf out on Far Rockaway.
It's just been 30-40 years since.
Perhaps on the sentimental (and cheap side...): Anyone in California up for shipping me a jar of sand from Huntington Beach?
I could facilitate that. PM me.
adamhell
12-07-2016, 03:52 PM
i was just down at the ggb surf spot & caught this epiccc footage
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNpNMDhj-Gb/
Hank Scorpio
12-07-2016, 06:05 PM
i was just down at the ggb surf spot & caught this epiccc footage
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNpNMDhj-Gb/
Fort Point localz only Bru!
As far as a real answer if he is flying out to Hawaii best option is to rent something long with a lot of foam when he gets there. Airlines are killing surfers with bag fees that can be $300 each way for boards. There are plenty of rental shops that will have something decent for him to ride. Most will be Bic's or other pop outs but for getting back into the sport plenty good. If he or you need more local nj knowledge PM me. I can't have my best spots getting kooked up with bike guys!
Hank Scorpio
12-07-2016, 06:08 PM
His plan is to fly out to Hawaii, I believe, next year for his birthday.
He lives in CT.
How far is he from the Wall? I only stopped there once but there is a rental shop across the street and the break looked pretty forgiving and wide open.
http://cinnamonrainbows.com/surf-cam-report
That might be pretty far. He may be better off heading down to NY to rock or LB.
rinconryder
12-07-2016, 06:36 PM
I would get him a SPF rash guard (long arms). He won't need a wetsuit in Hawaii and this will keep him from getting burned as well as protect his chest from rash on the board.
I was thinking a Costco Wavestorm board until you said he was going to Hawaii - they run about $99 I think.
SlowPokePete
12-08-2016, 03:28 AM
Grew up in the bronx and used to surf out on Far Rockaway.
Hmmm...I wonder if he knew this character I grew up with in Port Chester named Brian James...
SPP
titans
12-08-2016, 05:50 AM
http://www.waterbike.auto-mart.hr
Get him one of these:)
Hope your dad has wonderful birthday!
classtimesailer
12-08-2016, 03:26 PM
Get him a Fitness Trainer who is also a "serious" surfer. I started surfing this year atm 58 and screwed up my shoulders. One rotator cuff torn more than the other. I bet your dad needs some exercises to get him ready. (My situation is a little different. Had two open heart surgeries 5 years ago and my posture is a wreck).
I never met this guy http://surfstrengthcoach.com but I wish I watched his shoulder videos before I started surfing.
rrudoff
12-08-2016, 05:32 PM
Learning in Waikiki on a foam top long board will likely be the most pleasant and least frustrating experience for him. When I say long board I mean 10 to 11 feet for an older adult with no experience. The Costco 8-9 foot boards will be very difficult for a 200 lb or so adult to learn on. Just a rash guard is needed, the paddle out is a bit long but easy without strong current and there are a lot of other learners, so you won't get stink eye. Do a bit of research on a surf school and get several private lessons if you are not already wave savvy. They will help you with the paddle out, take off, timing, and you will experience longer and much more successful rides then trying to learn in a beach break.
As others have mentioned, he will find the hardest thing is paddling, it is a lot more upper body work than one would think and the repeated paddling out will wear you down more quickly than expected. I have often taken out non-surfing friends in Honolulu on a 10'6 board and they mostly do okay if they are patient, but lessons really help at the start and it is not as easy as it looks. Now if you are a 90 lb 13 year old, it is a different story....
Louis
12-08-2016, 05:57 PM
I have to post this (image is from a Kelly Slater video taken in Oz):
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2600276/Surfing-legend-Kelly-Slater-posts-video-riding-wave-dangerously-close-great-white-shark-Australia.html
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/04/09/article-2600276-1CF3E50700000578-341_634x377.jpg
wooly
12-09-2016, 10:00 AM
Nooch , I have a surf instructor on Oahu that I can connect you with. He will provide the boards and anything else you need. He's a giant Hawaiian named Willie. Been a lifeguard all his life. Amazing guy. I had him give my kids surf lessons while we were there. I borrowed a board from him and surfed while my family was out. With the long paddles out to the breaks in Hawaii one of the big surprises was that Willie would catch a wave after my kids and literally put his big foot on the nose of their boards and tow them out after each ride. The paddle out was a hundred plus yards and after a couple of waves the kids were gassed. Willie was a life saver and kept them out having fun for hours. Let me know.
Nooch
12-09-2016, 10:09 AM
Learning in Waikiki on a foam top long board will likely be the most pleasant and least frustrating experience for him. When I say long board I mean 10 to 11 feet for an older adult with no experience. The Costco 8-9 foot boards will be very difficult for a 200 lb or so adult to learn on. Just a rash guard is needed, the paddle out is a bit long but easy without strong current and there are a lot of other learners, so you won't get stink eye. Do a bit of research on a surf school and get several private lessons if you are not already wave savvy. They will help you with the paddle out, take off, timing, and you will experience longer and much more successful rides then trying to learn in a beach break.
As others have mentioned, he will find the hardest thing is paddling, it is a lot more upper body work than one would think and the repeated paddling out will wear you down more quickly than expected. I have often taken out non-surfing friends in Honolulu on a 10'6 board and they mostly do okay if they are patient, but lessons really help at the start and it is not as easy as it looks. Now if you are a 90 lb 13 year old, it is a different story....
I think he'll be good with the paddle out -- he's been a swimmer even when pushing 400lbs, routinely doing miles upon miles in the pool. That was always his thing when his hips ultimately failed when he was bigger.
<sigh> now he weighs less than me at present..
I'm sticking to sand for Christmas -- maybe a little something else if I find anything. But will keep in mind everything else for his 65th (next August).
verticaldoug
12-13-2016, 06:15 AM
http://www.surfline.com/video/webisodes/another-north-shore-love-song_143903
If it is feeling frosty out there this morning, Another North Shore Love Song.
Click and get wet
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