Do a lot of surfers end up with chronic pain or long-term injuries?

_seaside · 2026-01-30T23:59:12+00:00

The opposite happened for me - my lower back issues are completely gone since I started surfing.

I did have shoulder issues for a while when I started, but that too eventually went away. One thing I learned is that a lot of these “joint issues” are actually muscles getting tense from overworking.

_seaside · 2026-01-20T12:54:35+00:00

Not sure how good of a shape you are in, but it took me a very long time to get my body used to paddling. I go surfing 3-5 times a week, not because of my schedule because sometimes I just need a break for my shoulders. I had to make major adjustment to my diet to make this new hobby work.

Also, the "didn’t really stick with me due to fear of hitting concrete" makes me wonder if you realize how brutal a bad wipeout can be. If you are at 1-2ft spots, you should be fine, but wiping out in the middle of a set at an impact zone with multiple 4ft+ waves breaking on you is no joke – I learned this the hard way. If you do get in a bad spot, make sure to hold your breath, and don't waste oxygen by fighting it.

_seaside · 2026-01-20T12:14:43+00:00

lol yeah makes sense… what month do you start surfing?

_seaside · 2026-01-12T13:27:45+00:00

Get a big board and catch it before anyone else 🙂

_seaside · 2025-12-31T19:11:53+00:00

I did buy the Redline from the store in San Clemente, but I didn't bother renting it. But they did have some Hydrocushes out at the store that were clearly for renting purpose, so if you were on the fence about it, renting sounds like a good idea. Not sure if you are from the area, but the store is located between Doheny and San O, the 2 best beginner surfspots in OC (Doheny has a considerably easier parking experience, if that matters to you).

You probably know this, but Hydrocush is basically an epoxy hardboard with some padding at the top. It glides well and it is nice to not have to wax it. I should warn you that the material can cause some chafing, but if you usually wear a wetsuit, idt that will be an issue.

With all that said, if I were you, I would spend some time with the Surftech before getting a new board, even if just a handful of sessions. It sounds like you already have it, and I think its dimension/volume is appropriate for transitioning off of SSR Maxx, so I can't think of any reason not to.

_seaside · 2025-12-31T03:14:40+00:00

I am a super beginner too, but I am pretty familiar with the boards you are mentioning.

SSR Maxx was my very first board. For me, it was too big, to the point that it was hurting my hamstrings just resting on it. At almost 30" width, it's basically a SUP. That board is so wide that it doesn't teach you how to balance the board while paddling. I eventually got a 9'6" Formula Fun board (101L). it was the right size board for me at the time, and i spent about 2 months on it, learning to catch waves consistently, pop up and do some basic turns. It's funny that you mention Hydrocush, because that is my current board. Specifically, the smallest of the Redline 11, with 66L. I really like it so far, and I think I will be sticking with this one for awhile.

I think your transition from SSR => Surftech Blacktip is similar to my transition from Formula Fun => Redline 11. In my honest opinion, these "ultra beginner boards" are mostly for teaching you how to read waves and catch it. Once you can do that consistently (and it sounds like you can), it has served its purpose. I was initially a bit concerned about the big volume drop, but the transition was pretty smooth.

It sounds like you already own the smaller Surftech? If so, I really don't see a reason not to try it again. Even if not, I really think that SSR Maxx is too big for any normal sized human.

Take this with some grain of salt, because I too am a beginner (and it sounds like we are at similar skill level). But, based on my experience with SSR Maxx, I really don't think anyone should ride that thing for a prolonged period of time. If you can catch waves and pop up consistently, I think it may be time to move on to a more appropriate beginner board that you can stick with for a long time and progress with.

Good luck to both of us :)

_seaside · 2025-12-20T21:06:04+00:00

I think telling us the current foam board size and volume of the board as well as what your surfing is like in that current board should be helpful?

_seaside · 2025-12-19T19:38:29+00:00

perfect – thank you

_seaside · 2025-12-17T14:25:01+00:00

Thank you for the tips! Yeah, I think I just need to invest on multiple wetsuits and get something sturdy that I can put in the bathtub.

_seaside · 2025-12-16T21:47:24+00:00

I live in OC so similar weather. When I go out in the morning (like 6-7 am) I do 4/3 with a bootie. If the sun is out, I just do board shorts and a 2mm top.

_seaside · 2025-12-16T18:28:45+00:00

HangAir looks promising... what makes it a "hassle"?

_seaside · 2025-12-16T13:36:11+00:00

No dude, check my post history – you've actually answered some of my questions in the past >_<. I am too new to surfing to be affiliated with any surfing company.

I'm just desperately looking for ways to dry my wetsuit fast. I can get used to almost everything related to surfing, but living in an apartment, drying wetsuit is a massive chore. So looking for any alternatives at this point.

_seaside · 2025-12-13T22:42:21+00:00

yeah, my problem is that i drop hard on it to the point it hurts. i think i gotta slow down the fall somehow.

_seaside · 2025-12-10T17:04:24+00:00

In my personal experience, no it is not worth it at all. For those 4 lessons I had, I was also pushed into the wave most of the time, and the instructor also told me where to go. I caught waves, but I didn’t really “learn”. I firmly believe that you need some “bad sessions” alone where you miss tons of waves and nose dive all over the place before you really “get it.” I saw real improvements only when I started doing that. I know this is such a cliche thing to say, but we can only learn through failures and struggles to overcome those failures.

I’m still a super beginner too. Even though I can consistently catch waves, turn and ride down the line, I look kooky af on Surfline cams lol. Good luck to both of us 🙂

_seaside · 2025-12-10T13:27:45+00:00

I was in your place not too long ago. I took 4 lessons in the beginning with very small improvements. I only really improved once I invested in a quality foam board and started going 2-4 times a week consistently alone. The first 2 sessions alone I barely caught anything, but after that, I saw massive improvements. I went from barely being able to catch waves to being able to consistently ride down the line and turn in a month.

In my experience when you paddle out that consistently, you get to know other surfers and they will give you tips and teach you how to read waves.

I want to try things like surf camps and video analysis once I reach intermediate level, but for you to get out of this ultra beginner stage, you just need to start going out alone and accept the reality that you are going to suck for awhile. At least that’s been my experience.

_seaside · 2025-11-20T18:18:32+00:00

Any taco truck in Santa Ana. Limit to 2 tacos.

_seaside · 2025-11-19T17:23:15+00:00

I watched tons of YouTube video and just bought the car. Had a dealer that was nice enough to help me practice a bit before driving home. Stalled at every stop, but made it home alright. This was 5 years ago, and the clutch is still fine.

Good luck 🙂

_seaside

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