Rips make life easier because the incoming water has to go back out somewhere.

Clay explains this in one of the videos.

I made my own from the slats of an old bed 👍

Chest zip suits have less of an issue with water flushing through when you wipe out.

I have heard of zipless suits, but I don't know how difficult they are to put on.

I use a Tiki 4/3 for most use, adding hood boots and gloves when it gets colder.

I've also got an O'Neil 2mm Rashie with built in hood which adds extra insulation in really cold conditions.

Lorraine Huber That may be too big. Can you edit it down?

Cath Gito Can you help?

It sounds like you've definitely Leveled Up on your surfing, but if you ask that question, you'll get a dozen different recommendations of people's favourite boards which won't necessarily be good for you. The best thing to do is to talk to local shops and see what they recommend and, if possible, rent or try out a few.  Also, whilst you're doing this, chat to people in the line up who are of a similar skill level to you and ask them what they're using.  Maybe you can swap and try one for a few waves.  OMBE has a very good "Which surfboard should I buy?" page here: https://www.ombe.co/guides/surfboard-buying-guide

Peace, man✌️

You look very stiff and hunched over which I think is stopping you from compressing and extending completely.Try lifting your elbows more to straighten your back and breathe in as you go up, out as you go down.

Will Swait I think you're right. The board is flat and the nose is up in the air, both of which will slow you down.If you turn your back foot so it's at 45 degrees from the nose, this will let you turn your hips to get more front on and stack on the front foot.Once you have that, it will be easier to get on rail.

Something that I've always thought would be helpful would be an OMBE Trouble Shooting chart.   A lot of the stuff in the Lives etc is Clay telling different people the same things eg Positioning for the wave, doing the Oreo take off, looking down the line, stacking on the front foot, keeping the coffee cup arm forward etc.   I've sometimes considered going through the videos and making a list for example:   Problem: I keep missing waves or nose diving on the take off.  Solutions:

1) Look for the Treasure Map [video link]   2) Practice the Oreo take off [video link]   3) Look down the line as you glide [video link]

etc