Beginner Surfer feeling frustrated!!

[aviata]

OK,

I'm a late starter, I'm 23 years old and I've just taken up surfing. I've had some lessons with the surf school at Bondi Beach but have failed to stand up much at all. Here's the other problem I have; when I see the wave 2 M behind me I start to paddle, but for some reason when I paddle, I don't move forward! My gut feeling is, it has to do with the current, because I know I'm using the correct technique (from surf school), but yet other surfers seem to catch the waves fine! It's getting really frustrating!

[DaneAU]

Its all about timing. Also you can be paddling with the 'correct' technique but still fail to move because you are not using enough strenght in your stroke. It could be the current, also it could be the waves you are catching. If they don't break for a while after they pass you then you probably would have been unable to catch the wave.

Basically the only way to get better, is to get frustrated and keep surfing, in time you will notice things clicking into place and eventually catching a wave will be the least of your worries as a beginner

Have a read over this section
http://www.surfaus.com.au/learn-surf/learn-surf-23.html

[aviata]

Thanks for the advice, hopefully things will click in to place sooner than later! Little bit hard to practice in low tide at the moment though, constantly having a fear of a shark attack!

[DaneAU]

lol don't worry about sharks mate. If a shark wants you it will have you, they are always there and attacks are pretty rare

[WoolleyShaping]

I was also a late starter. Same age as you and not all that fit when I started. Had the exact same problem as you, I was using a board that was way too small for my size.
And forget the sharks. They live there, they are always there, dont let them ruin your fun. Also when you are out there stressing about not getting the waves, paddle out the back, sit on your board, look out to the horizon and realize how damn lucky you are that you started surfing. That will keep you in the water when you feel like giving up. Let us know when it clicks and keep at it.

[DaneAU]

If you're in the ocean, just respect you are in their domain. Its impossible to learn on a board that is too small. You really need something a bit bigger rather than smaller.