Learning to surf

[Captante]

First step is getting a ip68 certified device and something with a cellular data connection. You should be aware that it'll only work on the surface though. Water kills signal super quick. Those pool floaters work okay as long as the waves aren't too rough. I've surfed on one at resorts in the carribean

Actually if I'm not mistaken the signal itself actually carries better through water then through air, but your phones antenna can't receive via that medium.

I used to have a problem with early Verizon digital phones when near the shore in CT where the signal from repeaters on Long Island provided a stronger signal from the water then the actual local units did via the air. (per a Verizon tech)

 

[Exterous]

I'm not going to cheap out on scuba. I don't want to die. I'm probably going to go learn scuba at Koh Tao island in Thailand. There are more than 70 dive schools on that island and they issue 2nd most diving certifications in the world.

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/the-complete-guide-to-diving-in-koh-tao/

I wouldn't take number of certifications issued as an identifier of quality. There are a lot of certification mills that turn out high numbers by packing in a ton of students into rushed classes. Two of the people in my noob group were from mills and with 70 places to choose from there are probably more than a few mills in Koh Tao. But probably some good places to learn too. I found scubaboard.com to be very helpful in my journey and they had some helpful recommendations about how to find a good instructor beyond what was in the article you linked

 

[ponyo]

Where do you live now?

One more tip, the leash attaches to your back leg. Meaning, whatever way you naturally face when you pop up on the board, the leash should go on the leg nearest the back of the board. If you face right and your right leg is on the back of the board then you attach the leash to that leg. If you face left and your left leg is closest to the back of the board then you are goofy-footed and you attach the leash to your left leg.

Atlanta

I wouldn't take number of certifications issued as an identifier of quality. There are a lot of certification mills that turn out high numbers by packing in a ton of students into rushed classes. Two of the people in my noob group were from mills and with 70 places to choose from there are probably more than a few mills in Koh Tao. But probably some good places to learn too. I found scubaboard.com to be very helpful in my journey and they had some helpful recommendations about how to find a good instructor beyond what was in the article you linked

I'm going to research and visit the companies before I commit. I might do it at Jeju island even though it's more expensive. It's just waiting game now. I need quarantine and international travel restrictions lifted before I can do anything.

 

[zinfamous]

I think my balance is ok. I can rollerblade, ski, and ride bike and motorcycle. Never really tried skateboard or snowboarding.

I think I'm having sort of midlife crisis. I'm in my mid 40s and wondering why I'm not taking advantage of all my free time and opportunities. So I think I will start learning new stuff. Once this COVID-19 dies down and international travel restrictions are lifted, I think I'm going to go live in different areas of the world for months at a time and try to learn. I want to learn how to surf. Then scuba.

I spent the last hour researching surfing schools. Last year when I visited Jeju island, I visited a beach and watched people surfing. I think I want to do that. So I'm going to book a month in Jeju island and take surfing lessons and learn to surf. Then book a month in Thailand and learn how to scuba. I told my wife and she thinks it's a great idea. Maybe spend a year and try living in different cities and places around the world.

secretly, the wife is thinking, "that is fewer Fendi scarfs for me. Oh, he's going to pay. He's going to pay!"

 

[brainhulk]

I would also check your ankle strap often. One time it came off during rough surf and I had a very difficult time trying to body surf the waves to retrieve my board. The waves were coming non stop making it difficult to relax and catch your breath.