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Original poster

Please reassure me about surfing as a middle aged woman

24 replies

Squirrelsnut · 02/08/2022 21:00

So... booked surfing lesson for me and a relative tomorrow - they can't make it now.
I'm in my 50s. Never surfed before. Reasonably decent swimmer. Always wanted to try surfing. I'm scared though.
Will I be OK?!

OP posts:
OReillyTheOneEyedTelescope · 02/08/2022 21:02

Yes you'll have a wonderful time

Hellocatshome · 02/08/2022 21:03

You will be absolutely fine. I did a surfing lesson as an overweight middle aged unfit Mam with my 2 super sporty kids. I was the only adult there (apart from the instructors) I had a fabulous time. Didnt manage to stand up but did some good surfing on my knees and it was so exhilarating I understand why people who can actually do it love it. Your arms will be very sore the next day though you dknt notice how much hard work it is at the time.

Original poster
Squirrelsnut · 02/08/2022 21:05

Thank you! I'm embarrassed to say that I'm most worried they won't have a wetsuit that fits me. I'm size 14/16 and tallish.

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Mushroomlady · 02/08/2022 21:06

I have no idea. I've never done it. But I think you're doing a service to everyone that would love to surf but doesn't feel like it's for them. I'm always inspired to see older women doing stuff like that. Enjoy it!

whywedrink · 02/08/2022 21:09

Just being in the ocean is fabulous.
Its a tough sport - but its just so fun and energising.
One of the few places left where you really cant be on your phone ! Its just you your board and some waves.
where are you going ? most schools are used to beginners , and will definitely have a wetsuit that fits you I promise.

Hellocatshome · 02/08/2022 21:09

Squirrelsnut · 02/08/2022 21:05

Thank you! I'm embarrassed to say that I'm most worried they won't have a wetsuit that fits me. I'm size 14/16 and tallish.

They definitely will they have all sorts of shapes and sizes, dont worry about things like that just enjoy it and give yourself a pat on the back for still going without your friend.

Muddlewitch · 02/08/2022 21:09

I haven't done surfing but have done sea kayaking with the kids and loved it and last week we did paddle boarding which was great fun. I'm the same size as you and no problem with them have a large enough wetsuit if that puts your mind at rest.

Original poster
Squirrelsnut · 02/08/2022 21:11

😚

OP posts:
tresleches · 02/08/2022 21:29

They will have a wetsuit. Your swimming means you'll be great at paddling out. Popping up is an acquired skill, so don't worry if it's not easy the first few times. The great thing about surfing is that it's brilliant fun even when you're getting it wrong!

Watchthesunrise · 02/08/2022 21:53

Surfing is way harder than it looks!
have fun.

DobbyTheHouseElk · 02/08/2022 21:56

You will love it. Yes there will be a wetsuit to fit.
I bet you have the best time ever.

floppybit · 02/08/2022 21:58

Come back tomorrow and let us know how it went

Original poster
Squirrelsnut · 02/08/2022 22:03

I will!
Thank you, I really appreciate the boosts.

OP posts:
Alloutatsea · 02/08/2022 22:16

They will definitely have a wetsuit to fit! You will feel AMAZING afterwards, firstly because the sea does that too you but secondly because you got out there and did it, overcame any fear or embarrassment and went for it!! Please come back and update us after. Have the best time!!

TwoMonthsOff · 02/08/2022 22:20

enjoy (Laird Hamilton) ❤️

Catonaroof · 02/08/2022 22:21

I'm mid 40s and similar size. I had a lesson last year and I loved it! Wetsuit not an issue, and while my upper body strength (or lack thereof) meant I couldn't do anything but stay laying on the board... The instructor had the skill to manoeuvre me into waves, so I could belly surf and paddle all the way to the shore! Not pretty, but I loved it! Enjoy!!

Buzzinwithbez · 02/08/2022 22:39

I bet you'll come away feeling invincible and so glad you tried it.

olympicsrock · 02/08/2022 22:46

I’m mid 40s , size 18 and a very average swimmer- I’ve recently bought two wetsuits because I wanted to try sea swimming and stand up paddle boarding.
what I have learnt is that they are supposed to be tight to keep you warm. The first one I bought ( a shorty wetsuit from decathlon ) is too big. Was about $40 . I highly recommend the two piece leggings and jacket from two bare feet. Not crazily expensive either.

Any way I have hugely enjoyed the exhilaration of having a go and letting go of bodily hang ups. I really enjoyed being in the water and having fun. Go for it!

Branster · 02/08/2022 22:57

Zero personal experience but I have a 60 year old friend who took it up as a mild hobby about 5 years ago and she's now running a club and all sorts! I guess it can be addictive. She tells me her circles are mostly mature ladies and it sounds very popular and absolutely doable at any age.
Go for it and enjoy it!

colouringfoxes · 02/08/2022 23:47

It'll be so fun! I'm disabled so a bit different as I tried it at a specialist disability surf club, but even though I couldn't stand up or anything (special prone surfing board) it was amazing, if you like swimming and the sea I bet you'll love it

Hellocatshome · 03/08/2022 20:35

@Squirrelsnut how did it go?

Original poster
Squirrelsnut · 04/08/2022 22:05

Fabulous thanks! But my god I was shattered after!! Loved it.

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 04/08/2022 22:38

@Squirrelsnut yes its definitely hard work! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

Sandrogoewey · 07/06/2023 20:36

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