Anybody getting into surfing late in life?

You guys probably get a fair few of these types of questions but just wondering. I turned 30 a while back and looking for some cool hobbies to throw myself into and at least give it a shot. I’m 30, good height for surfing(5’8’’) and have i think the type of physique that would be good for it. But I don’t care yet about being good, I’m drawn to it for the lifestyle and the water. Seems something really cool about using our island and the sea that surrounds us to do something new and exciting. Also, the prospect of going back to California or somewhere else and riding some waves in more movie like surf conditions is also appealing down the road.

Just wondering if anybody started late in life and what would be your advice. Why did you get into it and was there still fun to be had even in the steep learning curve times? I’ve surfed before but was in California with the sun beaming down and getting a tan, so even though I was absolutely pox, was fun. There’s probably fun to be had in Ireland but a different type.