Q: I don't swim that well, am going to get better at it
A: No it is not too late!! When I started surfing in 1966, there were very few older persons starting to surf. Surfing was not a 'family' sport back in the 'olden days'. I started at 13 or 14, about the same age as most of my friends. Things are very different now, my grandchildren (5 of 'em, ages 5 through 9) are all at various stages of learning to swim in the ocean/boogie/surf. But that was pretty rare years back. My son started at 11 and my son-in-law was around 25. I see lots of guys in their 40s just starting. From five to fifty people are starting to surf everyday. Surfing is an ocean sport, that should only be practiced by persons who are already competent ocean swimmers. Swimming in a pool is neat, but it's not ocean swimming, with undertows, rip tides and sometimes BIG waves. I have seen lots of great pool swimmers get rescued. Before you start to surf is to be at home in the ocean. Lessons are the best way to start. You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don't want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave. There are already way too many dangerous people in the water. A danger to themselves and other surfers. Don't join their ranks. Good luck. Once you try surfing (and learn the 'right way') you'll have fun for life. Take the time to check out the links, especially surfingforlife. http://www.surfingforlife.com/history.ht... http://www.mckevlins.com/nopopstory.htm http://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-t http://www.surfing-waves.com/beginner_su... http://www.surfing-waves.com/beginner_su... http://www.avalonsurfschool.com/index.ht... http://www.explainthatstuff.com/surfings...