"Becoming a better surfer is a wave ratio; the number of waves you ride is related to how much you will improve. So get out there!" —Rebecca, Santa Monica, CA
"Go at your own pace. Placement, timing, and patience are the most important factors (besides having fun)."
—Annie, Santa Monica, CA
"Cover your head when you wipe out." —Stef, Venice, CA
"To improve, watch a lot of surf videos and see how the pros are doing it. It gets you psyched to get out in the water and can cue you on what you need to improve." —Thomas, Beverly Hills, CA
"It's all about having fun! It's okay if you go out and don't get a wave. Just focus on having a good time—that's what counts!" —Cheryl, Brentwood, CA
"If you don't go, you'll never know. It was in an advertisement in a surf magazine that I cut out and taped to the wall when I was a kid. While this mantra helps me commit to the wave and take a drop, this phrase has served me well out of the water, too!" —Lia, San Clemente, CA
"Stay focused and aware of everything and everyone around you. For example, the abilities of other surfers, turn-taking, shifting peaks, incoming sets, etc." —Donna, Ventura, CA
"Your stance should be whatever you are comfortable with. (I think he was making fun of me when he told me that!)."
—Robbie, Malibu, CA
"Surf bigger waves just like you do smaller ones—the bigger the wave, the easier it is to catch! Just stay calm and focused and enjoy the ride!" —Peggy, Aliso Viejo, CA
"Get off your board and go for a swim in some heavy surf to truly learn your limitations in the ocean."
—Mick, Venice, CA
"When you paddle out, look for the best surfers in the line-up and watch what they do—where they sit, how they paddle into waves, timing of the take-off, and where they paddle back out after kicking out. This is especially useful when surfing a new break where you may not be familiar with take-off zones and channels." —Christina, Venice, CA
"When I asked my friend John for some pointers, he said, Here's how you learn to surf: when you see a wave, lay down on your board, turn around, paddle, stand up, repeat one million times or until you get it—whichever comes first." —Ben, Venice CA
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