I'm new so help me on,first A Great New Year to all, I've am trying to get back to the surf after a major back OP in 2006. The rocks are out but I think I can do the beach- any suggestions about stability

What are you thinking by stability? I would think with a bad back you would be better on level flat rocks over drudging through sand.

I think pier or level jetties would be in order......good luck.......:)

gradually work up to longer times casting and wear some back support... use a rod that is easy to cast and plugs that cast well.... canal pencil, polaris popper, etc

be a bait fisherman for awhile
and let the fish come to you.

My father has had two major back operations and does fine in the sand. He cant do slipping around on rocks, like the ditch is out of the question for him. But he could do jetties

Probably depends a lot on what exactly was/is wrong with your back. I'd suggest talking to a pt for suggestions and strengthening exercises to do over the winter. If you don't want to do that, start with level stable ground and light tackle and work your way up to were you want to get, paying attention to how your body responds along the way.
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Back braces can be sketchy because they can give you false confidence. I think they cause more injuries than they prevent.
I agree with Josh. Talk to a PT and see if they can give you some conidence.
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i have this white rock /boulder by the corner of my house
and the dog run rope got caught on it "one too many times" in 2010

out of frustration and the POPEYE syndrome
(that's all i can stand, i can't stand no more)

i did a snatch and grab and moved it INwards
to a non snag location... for the damn tie out rope

I haven't been able to turn over in bed
and have even more trouble even sitting up in bed

contemplating putting a huge eye bolt thru my
bedroom ceiling so i can add a rope and pull myself
to an upright position ..... just to start my day...

inching towards a full recovery but its a slow process :wall:

My F.I.L is 71 and he still fishes. This is what we do when we go out...

Tackle: 10' graphite rod with a balanced reel
Method: chunks on bottom
Hot Spots: beaches with easy access (ideally with Beach Buggy access)
Seating: Bring a folding chair that sits up high and has back support (not a beach chair, they are too low)

On beaches without Beach Buggy access, transport your gear with a beach cart or sled.
He should ONLY carry his rod.

My F.I.L never goes alone.

Good luck!

bicycle or a segway and an air canon

Thanks to all for your excellent suggestions, I think I will talk to a PT person to fine some exercises that will build up my core muscles.

you need to become a stretching expert first

or you'll strain them even more or again

hydrotherapy is also the answer

water massage cannot be beat

Do the PT exercises for a few months and you will know whether you can handle it or not based on the progress you make on the exercises. Anyone over 40 should do some exercises before starting serious surf fishing each year. Even just a couple of weeks will make a big difference.

Bend and stretch , reach for the stars , here comes Jupiter there goes Mars
Bend and stretch , reach for the sky , stand on tippy toes Oh so high! :)

Raven - I was there in November. took 2 months to get to a point where I can lift my legs to put my pants on. And I'm not even that old... :wall: