A few other tips: use a standard leash- there is a lot of water moving and comp-lite leashes break; if you have FCS2 fins screw them in as well- URBN has a whole bucket full of fins knocked out on the bottom; if the water is cold (it's Melbourne! today is 13 degrees water temp- Winter might be 8!) change in and out of your steamer in the hot showers; if you don't have a 4/3 steamer can hire for pretty cheap daily rate- similarly if it is inconvenient to fly in with a board there is a good range to choose from and if take a daily rate you can swap out multiple times and try lots of boards ( and it maybe cheaper than paying for a board on Jetstar); on advanced barrels set it up then stay at the bottom of the wave- take a higher line and you will get pitched - suggestions were to aim the nose 45 degrees or to aim for the watch tower. Like Chris said on advanced barrels the takeoff is easy with time to setup the barrel- more like a backdoor than dropping straight in. Intermediate sessions don't have a lot of wall to hit so maybe draw out the takeoff bottom turn and aim to hit the breaking lip instead of a cutback off the wall. Last ip, save your energy and don't try to paddle to the sides- stand up where it is shallow and walk most of the way. Lots of fun but won't replace Indo.
comp leashes never cross my mind, as I have never used one, nor ever recommend them. why do people honestly ever use them!? but yeah, that wall, and the water force could be a leash breaker, and board breaker~! and the pool is like every reef in Indo, covered in FCS 2 fins. haha!
Great intro. On the way to another 9 day at URBN Melbourne . Staying across the road its so easy . Did this twice last year in warm weather so the pool is over 17 . If you can surf start on progressive turns or intermediate to get the hang of it .
haha! glad to hear I was spot on. It was essentially my experience, so I figure if that was mine, it was very likely the same for everyone else. next time there will be more comfort, more familiarity, more fun.
I bungled a takeoff and whilst i was grabbing my board in whitewater was run over and copped 3 fins in the head. 20 minutes into my first ever session. Great points Chris. “Warning…surfers are closer than they appear”.
Yes! Just this. Had a blast the first time surfing the Bristol Wave. Grabbed a floaty board and was in full on fun mode. Didn't miss a wave. Great staff in the water handing out tips like candy. Second time went up a level, hadn't had much water time leading up to it, took a performance board in and had a shocker, totally psyched myself out after bailing twice in a row, I really struggled after that No staff in the water and I had earplugs in so couldn't have heard even if any advice was passed from the shore. My mate filming from the pontoon caught my two ridden waves, many fails and my paddle of shame at the end as the power was turned off.... Advice I'd add - do some mental and physical prep to make the most of your time and money.
ha! the yin yang of experience. you've felt it! too many variables changed too quickly. now that you've had that experience, your awareness will have slightly changed and possibly allow for a calmer experience, unless however you psyche yourself out mentally and throw too much self pressure and anxiety onto yourself. the woes of surfing! endless opportunity for progression, embrace the challenge. now you need to consider your board choice for the wave, what skill set you may be lacking, and then start filling gaps. best of luck!
3 years old but this video is gold. Surfed URBNSURF for the first time just recently on Intermediate and to be honest, definitely found it difficult... Melbourne winter meant the water was 9 - so be prepared. It is a different level of cold! I've been surfing for 20 years in Vic but it felt like starting all over again, then the self doubt creeps in and you ask yourself "what the f*** am I doing wrong here?" - agree with other comments here to start on the 'cruiser' or 'advanced turns' wave and get a feel for it, which is what I should have done. If you're pro then forget that advice, but for the average weekend warrior like me, you'll want some warming up. Thanks for the great advice here.
Great advice. As one of the coaches at the The Wave in the U.K. this is exactly the same advice we give newbies. We have hosts to help surfers now the best take off spots. Chris is right about board volume. What we have found is that once you get used to the take off you can ride smaller boards and less volume. What is important for advanced waves and above is nose rocker. Flat rocker boards are difficult to take off on because the waves are steep.
Legend, Thank you Julian. I tell all my clients to link up with a coach for their first time. Makes it such an easier transition process. rad job you have!
Went yesterday Would have loved this two days ago- totally agree with everything 3 session is a must. 1st session = kook level 2nd session = I got this 3rd session = getting the thing dialed I noticed that is not the best surfers getting the best rides- it’s clearly the ones that know the wave Btw The water is sooooo cold- 11’C in April
Great advice in regards to sticking to the same wave first time. Surfing the Bristol wave pool in a few weeks, just changed my second surf to stay on the left.
Good call. surf the right eventually, but you'll be appreciative you have the second session on the same wave. there will be more familiarity and awareness the 2nd time around, so you can feel things out a bit better.
Props to you for putting this video out. I had no idea the take off spot moved, on my very first go the wave went under me! Wtf what do l do now??? Shit I’m in the way so l paddled for the second and missed that too.... talk about social pressure l wanted to shrivel into a ball and get the hell out of there. I went in grabbed a board with bigger volume and l was sweet. I would add to your recommendations that even if you’re intermediate start with a cruiser session just to get the feel. Then progress from there because it does feel different and takes a bit of getting used to
yeah, the takeoff spot shift caught me by surprise, and many others in the session. it's a strange embarrassment, hahah! gotta laugh it off. I'd agree with your wave suggestion as well (depending on someone's abilities). certainly helps to grade the progression into the sessions.
Awesome video. You’ve nailed it! Wish I’d found it two days earlier before I visited Melbourne Urbnsurf. Still had fantastic time but was struggling first 30 mins of the session to sort the take off. 🤙🏾
..... I know there's a lot riding on it, but it's all psychological. Just gotta stay in a positive frame of mind. I'm going to execute a button-hook pattern, Super Slow-Mo.
Thanks for sharing! Very useful and I wish I had seen this video before my first time at UrbanSurf. Now I understand what I was missing some random take offs... I have just booked two sessions in a raw on the left in June! 🤙
Epic tips as always bro! Heading there this week for a few days of waves and keen to see how the bigger pool compares to the UK version! For me the take off was the weirdest transition - but once you've got your head around that things are heaps fun! Man that take off is so much pressure!
shouldn't that just go with the territory? If Melbourne is cold, the pool will be DAMN cold!!!! I guess should be mentioned, but I just assumed a surfer would probably know this. but yes, that Melbourne cool can get frigid... un-fun frigid
Ha this is comedy gold Cris..!! Have you considered a career in stand up..??!! Seriously though , great vid and info , i hope to go down there one day ,although they are building one in Sydney .
yeah, it can be a big shift for people. then the added mental pressure of failing at takeoff and being in the way. I know the pool in melbourne continues to tweak and add new wave settings.
I think it starts coming down to consistency and accuracy for "advanced" surfing. I have moments, but the consistency is lacking. I think after running a lot of coaching trips I / we use a more "strict" grading level, more realistic in our eyes.
Thanks for this, didn't know the takeoff spot shifted! Hoping to do a surf trip to the Bristol pool this summer and a Mentawai boat trip with you guys in 2022!
Unfortunately probably more like 2023.... sad face. We still have a back log of boat trips we are trying to run, and there’s such a back log of trips with operators most of 2022 is already full unfortunately. We have a few dates set aside, but unsure if we can run. I’m HOPING!!!!
Good stuff man....New level of respect for you partly because of your honesty....But mostly because of the Ace Ventura reference..) I remember the rhino scene every time I sruggle out of a wetsuit..
@@SurfStrengthCoach Haha..had to check it out again when you reminded me..people in the comments are like..WTF did I just watch..)..ok back on topic..really hope ya do more vids when you take the go pro out into the water and talk wisdom in between sets.
@@middleagedshred yeah, I should start throwing the gopro in the car when I surf. When I was living in Indo it was easy, as I was surfing nearly everyday (and some good surf). my surfing volume has dramatically dropped since I've been back in Australia. time for a move to a more consistent surf destination again. but yeah, i'll get some in the water stuff again. I've had a few beachy days that have PUMPED lately and wish I had the go pro
@@SurfStrengthCoach I thought Australia had some decent consistent surf....yea always take the go pro out...I,ve took one out for that long it would be strange to not take it.
@@middleagedshred australia gets good, very good, but nowhere near as consistently as indo. as for the camera in the surf, so much of my life now is varied aspects of social media, emails, app stuff, video editing, customer service, youtube.... that being in the surf is my time to shut off. often, the last thing I want to do is think about making youtube videos. in indo it was easy, as I was surfing everyday. in australia, I maybe surf 1-2x's per week, so the balance of work / rest can be hard to equate at times.
awesome advice. thanks for posting. at the risk of sounding completely ignorant, how do sessions work at a wave pool? from your vid and the comments i gather that you have to sign up for a one hour session and a wave “side”? then what? you get in the pool at your allocated time with how many other surfers? then you get literally in line? and when it’s your turn, you have to catch that wave? what do you do if you miss it? how many waves do you get in one hour?
Yep, you pretty much nailed it. Sign up, sometimes weeks in advance depending on how busy the pool is. For example, Melbourne, the rights get booked out weeks in advance. Sign up for an hour, hop in the pool, and wait in line for your turn. #of waves depends on the pool and their technology. At urbn surf, I can’t recall specifically, but you get at least 10 waves in the hour. If you miss it... usually it’s back of the line! Pressure is on. Haha!
In Melbourne there’s up to 18 surfers each side, lined up and taking turns. I usually surf intermediate and get 10-12 waves at least. Miss your wave it’s back in line and wait for the next set. Intermediate is 12 set waves with a minute break, so it’s all go - feels like 2-3 hours Ocean surfing packed into one hour. Best thing is the vibe - no drop ins, snaking or hassling!
A few other tips: use a standard leash- there is a lot of water moving and comp-lite leashes break; if you have FCS2 fins screw them in as well- URBN has a whole bucket full of fins knocked out on the bottom; if the water is cold (it's Melbourne! today is 13 degrees water temp- Winter might be 8!) change in and out of your steamer in the hot showers; if you don't have a 4/3 steamer can hire for pretty cheap daily rate- similarly if it is inconvenient to fly in with a board there is a good range to choose from and if take a daily rate you can swap out multiple times and try lots of boards ( and it maybe cheaper than paying for a board on Jetstar); on advanced barrels set it up then stay at the bottom of the wave- take a higher line and you will get pitched - suggestions were to aim the nose 45 degrees or to aim for the watch tower. Like Chris said on advanced barrels the takeoff is easy with time to setup the barrel- more like a backdoor than dropping straight in. Intermediate sessions don't have a lot of wall to hit so maybe draw out the takeoff bottom turn and aim to hit the breaking lip instead of a cutback off the wall. Last ip, save your energy and don't try to paddle to the sides- stand up where it is shallow and walk most of the way. Lots of fun but won't replace Indo.
comp leashes never cross my mind, as I have never used one, nor ever recommend them. why do people honestly ever use them!? but yeah, that wall, and the water force could be a leash breaker, and board breaker~! and the pool is like every reef in Indo, covered in FCS 2 fins. haha!
Great intro. On the way to another 9 day at URBN Melbourne . Staying across the road its so easy . Did this twice last year in warm weather so the pool is over 17 . If you can surf start on progressive turns or intermediate to get the hang of it .
Is there a hotel nearby? Cool. I'll try and find. Thx
This advice is bang on ... surfed it twice now ...
glad to hear you've felt the same about the process. it's incredible what they've built!
love your honestly about the pressure cris ! Thanks for the video
it's the truth! we all feel it in various intensities when surfing, most people just don't acknowledge it.
Omg Chris you nailed my first experience the pressure and all the feelings afterwards! What just happened lol
haha! glad to hear I was spot on. It was essentially my experience, so I figure if that was mine, it was very likely the same for everyone else. next time there will be more comfort, more familiarity, more fun.
I bungled a takeoff and whilst i was grabbing my board in whitewater was run over and copped 3 fins in the head. 20 minutes into my first ever session. Great points Chris. “Warning…surfers are closer than they appear”.
heavy.... hope you didn't require stitches, or too many stitches. those damn surfboards are dangerous.
Yes! Just this. Had a blast the first time surfing the Bristol Wave. Grabbed a floaty board and was in full on fun mode. Didn't miss a wave. Great staff in the water handing out tips like candy. Second time went up a level, hadn't had much water time leading up to it, took a performance board in and had a shocker, totally psyched myself out after bailing twice in a row, I really struggled after that No staff in the water and I had earplugs in so couldn't have heard even if any advice was passed from the shore. My mate filming from the pontoon caught my two ridden waves, many fails and my paddle of shame at the end as the power was turned off.... Advice I'd add - do some mental and physical prep to make the most of your time and money.
ha! the yin yang of experience. you've felt it! too many variables changed too quickly. now that you've had that experience, your awareness will have slightly changed and possibly allow for a calmer experience, unless however you psyche yourself out mentally and throw too much self pressure and anxiety onto yourself. the woes of surfing! endless opportunity for progression, embrace the challenge. now you need to consider your board choice for the wave, what skill set you may be lacking, and then start filling gaps. best of luck!
3 years old but this video is gold. Surfed URBNSURF for the first time just recently on Intermediate and to be honest, definitely found it difficult... Melbourne winter meant the water was 9 - so be prepared. It is a different level of cold! I've been surfing for 20 years in Vic but it felt like starting all over again, then the self doubt creeps in and you ask yourself "what the f*** am I doing wrong here?" - agree with other comments here to start on the 'cruiser' or 'advanced turns' wave and get a feel for it, which is what I should have done. If you're pro then forget that advice, but for the average weekend warrior like me, you'll want some warming up. Thanks for the great advice here.
Hahah, just got back and everything you say is gold! Be careful back to back in winter, too cold, you will be numb!
Seriously fun though!
FRIGID..... absolutely frigid.
Great advice. As one of the coaches at the The Wave in the U.K. this is exactly the same advice we give newbies. We have hosts to help surfers now the best take off spots. Chris is right about board volume. What we have found is that once you get used to the take off you can ride smaller boards and less volume. What is important for advanced waves and above is nose rocker. Flat rocker boards are difficult to take off on because the waves are steep.
Legend, Thank you Julian. I tell all my clients to link up with a coach for their first time. Makes it such an easier transition process. rad job you have!
Went yesterday
Would have loved this two days ago- totally agree with everything
3 session is a must.
1st session = kook level
2nd session = I got this
3rd session = getting the thing dialed
I noticed that is not the best surfers getting the best rides- it’s clearly the ones that know the wave
Btw
The water is sooooo cold- 11’C in April
Great advice in regards to sticking to the same wave first time. Surfing the Bristol wave pool in a few weeks, just changed my second surf to stay on the left.
Good call. surf the right eventually, but you'll be appreciative you have the second session on the same wave. there will be more familiarity and awareness the 2nd time around, so you can feel things out a bit better.
I loved your analogies on this one! Lol.
thank you! bit of humour thrown in there....
Hi Chris
What a amazing place
First time is surreal
Great tips relax and have fun
I am heading there in two weeks and you covered every great point 👍
Thanks for putting this video together for us 🙏
Props to you for putting this video out. I had no idea the take off spot moved, on my very first go the wave went under me! Wtf what do l do now??? Shit I’m in the way so l paddled for the second and missed that too.... talk about social pressure l wanted to shrivel into a ball and get the hell out of there. I went in grabbed a board with bigger volume and l was sweet. I would add to your recommendations that even if you’re intermediate start with a cruiser session just to get the feel. Then progress from there because it does feel different and takes a bit of getting used to
yeah, the takeoff spot shift caught me by surprise, and many others in the session. it's a strange embarrassment, hahah! gotta laugh it off. I'd agree with your wave suggestion as well (depending on someone's abilities). certainly helps to grade the progression into the sessions.
Awesome video. You’ve nailed it! Wish I’d found it two days earlier before I visited Melbourne Urbnsurf. Still had fantastic time but was struggling first 30 mins of the session to sort the take off. 🤙🏾
Yewwww nice one Cris, thanks bro.
I'm ready to go in coach, just give me a chance.
..... I know there's a lot riding on it, but it's all psychological. Just gotta stay in a positive frame of mind. I'm going to execute a button-hook pattern, Super Slow-Mo.
I’m ready to go coach just lend me some cash 😂
Thanks for sharing! Very useful and I wish I had seen this video before my first time at UrbanSurf. Now I understand what I was missing some random take offs... I have just booked two sessions in a raw on the left in June! 🤙
I hope your next session sees some improvement!
Epic tips as always bro! Heading there this week for a few days of waves and keen to see how the bigger pool compares to the UK version! For me the take off was the weirdest transition - but once you've got your head around that things are heaps fun! Man that take off is so much pressure!
Let me know how you go and your perception on differences. I'm curious to know. And yeah, that takeoff, hahahaha! most pressured takeoff in surfing.
Spent last week surfing the pool. I think you need to mention water temperature. Its not pleasant if not prepared, but overall its a blast
shouldn't that just go with the territory? If Melbourne is cold, the pool will be DAMN cold!!!! I guess should be mentioned, but I just assumed a surfer would probably know this. but yes, that Melbourne cool can get frigid... un-fun frigid
Ha this is comedy gold Cris..!! Have you considered a career in stand up..??!! Seriously though , great vid and info , i hope to go down there one day ,although they are building one in Sydney .
100% agree on the intermediate setting. There needs to be an intermediate minus . Otherwise such a huge jump from beginner level.
yeah, it can be a big shift for people. then the added mental pressure of failing at takeoff and being in the way. I know the pool in melbourne continues to tweak and add new wave settings.
@@SurfStrengthCoach In the UK Wave Pool, they have a Wakiki setting which is supposed to cater for this jump...
Urbnsurf added a cruiser setting which is a fairly soft waist/shoulder high wave setting. 10 wave sets 30 second break nonstop for the hour!
Great video. In my rating, 'Fins above the lip + barrel' is higher than 'Solid intermediate' :)
I think it starts coming down to consistency and accuracy for "advanced" surfing. I have moments, but the consistency is lacking. I think after running a lot of coaching trips I / we use a more "strict" grading level, more realistic in our eyes.
Thanks for this, didn't know the takeoff spot shifted! Hoping to do a surf trip to the Bristol pool this summer and a Mentawai boat trip with you guys in 2022!
Unfortunately probably more like 2023.... sad face. We still have a back log of boat trips we are trying to run, and there’s such a back log of trips with operators most of 2022 is already full unfortunately. We have a few dates set aside, but unsure if we can run. I’m HOPING!!!!
Sad news man, I'll keep my eyes open though!
I need help learning how to pump backside.
Good stuff man....New level of respect for you partly because of your honesty....But mostly because of the Ace Ventura reference..) I remember the rhino scene every time I sruggle out of a wetsuit..
haha! thanks. I believe that rhino scene is one of the best movie scenes ever. Absolutely hilarious on every level.
@@SurfStrengthCoach Haha..had to check it out again when you reminded me..people in the comments are like..WTF did I just watch..)..ok back on topic..really hope ya do more vids when you take the go pro out into the water and talk wisdom in between sets.
@@middleagedshred yeah, I should start throwing the gopro in the car when I surf. When I was living in Indo it was easy, as I was surfing nearly everyday (and some good surf). my surfing volume has dramatically dropped since I've been back in Australia. time for a move to a more consistent surf destination again. but yeah, i'll get some in the water stuff again. I've had a few beachy days that have PUMPED lately and wish I had the go pro
@@SurfStrengthCoach I thought Australia had some decent consistent surf....yea always take the go pro out...I,ve took one out for that long it would be strange to not take it.
@@middleagedshred australia gets good, very good, but nowhere near as consistently as indo. as for the camera in the surf, so much of my life now is varied aspects of social media, emails, app stuff, video editing, customer service, youtube.... that being in the surf is my time to shut off. often, the last thing I want to do is think about making youtube videos. in indo it was easy, as I was surfing everyday. in australia, I maybe surf 1-2x's per week, so the balance of work / rest can be hard to equate at times.
Great video thx
Glad you enjoyed it
awesome advice. thanks for posting. at the risk of sounding completely ignorant, how do sessions work at a wave pool? from your vid and the comments i gather that you have to sign up for a one hour session and a wave “side”? then what? you get in the pool at your allocated time with how many other surfers? then you get literally in line? and when it’s your turn, you have to catch that wave? what do you do if you miss it? how many waves do you get in one hour?
Yep, you pretty much nailed it. Sign up, sometimes weeks in advance depending on how busy the pool is. For example, Melbourne, the rights get booked out weeks in advance. Sign up for an hour, hop in the pool, and wait in line for your turn. #of waves depends on the pool and their technology. At urbn surf, I can’t recall specifically, but you get at least 10 waves in the hour. If you miss it... usually it’s back of the line! Pressure is on. Haha!
In Melbourne there’s up to 18 surfers each side, lined up and taking turns. I usually surf intermediate and get 10-12 waves at least. Miss your wave it’s back in line and wait for the next set. Intermediate is 12 set waves with a minute break, so it’s all go - feels like 2-3 hours Ocean surfing packed into one hour. Best thing is the vibe - no drop ins, snaking or hassling!
"First time getting laid" gold!! Thanks for such a candid video, sadly I only have a couple of hours up my sleeve so will have to just suck it up! :)
Big board kook lord approved video. Thoroughly enjoyed the first time wave pool first time getting laid analogy
I'll be gentle...... haha! the reality of being mind blown for the first time, shear excitement mixed with anxiety and nervousness
Thanks brother
ACE VETURA!!!!! F&#^ YEAH
a cinematic masterpiece
Why didn't they let you film? Do they provide such service?
You can hire a videographer. I wasn’t at all
Willing to pay that rate when I actually had a videographer with me. Wouldn’t give me approval to film!
Yes Ace Ventura...!!!!
I think I need to try and start slipping in ace quotes into every youtube video from now on
@@SurfStrengthCoach allllllrighty then...!!
Laces out
LACES OUUUUUUUUTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!
Einhorn is a maaaaaan???
You just cost me $25k polly
I wish I could post a gif here... cause there's some legit polly fight scene gifs
Finkel is Einhorn!! I kissed a man!!
this is quickly becoming the best comment thread I've ever had on youtube. we just need to fill it with Ace quotes
Easily one of the most quoted movies of my formative years! Kills me when I drop a line these days and get nothing... whats wrong with people