#ask surphile

[surphile]

Do surfers on a wave spray //by spray I mean like a snap off the top// water at a passing person for fun or as like a 'fuck you, you were in my way'

Both, but usually just for fun. 

[surphile]

I don't live near a beach but I've surfed a couple of times before. I really want to get good because it's something I really enjoy. It's always been a goal of mine to live near the beach and since i'm going to college in a year I want to go somewhere near the water. How long does it take to get to the point where you're actually surfing and riding unbroken waves long enough to do tricks? Is it possible to start that old and actually compete etc.??

Time in the lineup determines ability. Surfing twice a week for 6 weeks straight should get you comfortable, a lot more for airs and competing. Starting “late” doesn’t matter, if you enjoy surfing any time in the ocean is well spent.  

[surphile]

If I have been surfing for 5 years and have used an 8 footer foam top but want to learn tricks and become more skilled and want to move to a hardtop what height should i use (I surf at Butler Beach St, Augustine, Florida)

You definitely want a shortboard to up your game. But thickness and width are more important than height (or length in surfboard terms). Together, length, width and thickness give you volume, which greatly affects how a board handles. Waves in North Florida aren’t super consistent, so a board with more volume will make paddling and catching mushy swells possible. 

I would talk to a local shaper or surf shop about what shape and dimensions best fit how you want to surf. They usually know what works because that’s their home break too.