Many surfers surf on a schedule, so they want as much time as possible, and the thrill gets to them, as does warming up a bit before getting there. Also, most individuals will want to observe the sets for a few minutes before going into the water in order to timing their paddle out and get a sense of the peak. This allows them to find the best waves and avoid crowds. There are two main types of surfing: nose-first (also called point-sitting or peeling) and head-first (or barrel-rolling). In both cases, you need a board that is long enough to reach from the nose, where you stand, to the tail, where you throw it. The choice of which type of board to use depends on your experience and what kind of waves you're looking for. If you're new to surfing, we recommend you start out with a shorter, less-expensive board that can be replaced if you damage it. As you become more confident, you can try a longer, more flexible board that will let you ride bigger waves. Surfing requires balance, agility, and skill. It's not easy! But once you learn how to catch waves and turn over your feet, you'll love it. And when you see others enjoying themselves, this will only motivate you to practice more.