Hi Graham, try that…hate this new platform.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. It takes time to learn to read the waves well, and there’s always more to learn.

Your now near the beach so spend time looking at the waves, swimming and bodysurfing, which will increase your understanding of the waves.

Maybe the board is probably a bit short for you as a lower intermediate but try things on your longer board first, then try them on the shorter board.

Relax and have fun.

That paddle back out at killers after a long leg burning ride is hard. Still remember it 25 years later! But the wave can be so good 😊

This may help

https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/home-entertainment/how-to-download-youtube-videos-for-free-plus-two-other-ways/

There are a ombe members living in Bali. Unfortunately I’m not 😞 jonas nilsson is one. Hopefully he will see this and be in touch.

Plenty of good waves for the mid-length in Tarhazoute. Not sure how big by surflies forecast as that wasn’t around when I was there. La Source ( to the right of Anka point ) is fun if it’s not too big or crowded. Hash point is right opposite Tarhazoute but can get crowded with surfers who a too stoned to get to Anka’s! My favourites were Mysteries ( in between anka and La Source ) a mid tide wave that requires patience so didn’t get crowded and killers. Killers is a long paddle ( keeps the crowd down) and is always bigger than it looks but has a number of different take off spots. If you get a good one it’s a long ride unless you fall. So you can sit in a bit and pick up the waves when a surfer has fallen. Have fun.

All the above is great advice. The main reason I Occasionally get cramps is ‘ unnecessary muscle tension’ that Anne de Groot mentioned. So add, stay relaxed to the prevention list , which if you get a cold water flush, can be hard to do 🥶

Good work Graham. Once you have practiced more , it’s trying to forget and just let it happen naturally , so you don’t overthink it!

A great listen at the right time. Am now too close to 60 and struggling with many of the things described. Competing with young faster surfers and therefore finding myself out of the correct position to catch the wave. This creates stress paddling, missing waves which then increases the stress and so on… unfortunately the head can then get in the way of an otherwise, ‘fit’ surfer. I’m definitely going to try to surf smarter.

Lots of great information. Thanks.