Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 13:06:26 -0500 (EDT)

Laura

I was wondering if you would like to answer a few questions about learning to surf for people ages 35-55.

What advice would you give someone that age learning how to surf?

I suggest understanding your limitations and then going out and having fun is the best advice. Don't go out on a day when the surf is too big for your ability, when it's breaking fast in shallow water, or where conditions are overly crowded with experienced surfers. Stay out of other surfers way and you will have more fun. Remember, if you are inexperienced, you are not going to be able to surf where the waves are breaking the best. Settle for places on the beach with less consistent surf and you will catch more waves.

Why choose surfing as activity over something else?

Surfing conditions your entire body, keeps you flexible, and helps you get a great tan. Its a personal sport where you constantly test your own limits and abilities against the ocean. You don't need a partner of equal ability to enjoy yourself. It's also an inexpensive sport after you own your own board and whatever else you need. What other individual sport offers all these advantages.