I'm Surfing!

Another cross out on my 30before30 list - Surfing! Yey! You probably may be wondering where I got the courage to try surfing when I'm a non-swimmer? First, I got envious from my friends who seem to be having a lot of fun in the waves. Second, I prayed and asked God if I should try it, and He gave me the sun as an answer.. ♥

To Surf or Not to Surf? To Surf!!

The one-hour surfing lesson starts with a short briefing about the parts of the surfboard and some quick safety reminders. These are just based on what my instructor taught me.

I used a softboard - soft because it is made of foam. He said that this is best for beginners. Other types are fiberglass and plastics but those are for pro surfers. The nose is the forward tip of the board while the tail is rear. The fin is the curved thingy at the bottom of the board near the tail. My instructor said that without the fin, it would be impossible to surf. And the leash, the cord that attaches your leg to the board.

The softboard with my uber gwapo/macho model

Safety Tips from my Instructor:

• The seafloor is a bit rocky so you should not dive. Obviously, I won't because hey I can't swim, remember? 

• When you fall, the first thing to look for is your board. Make sure it won't be between you and the coming wave or it could knock you down. Luckily, that board cooperates!

• Make sure to cover your head with your arms when you fall. That's something I never remembered though.

• Don't panic and jump if you must! Okay, I had problems with the jumping part, lol!

How to stand up? Start with a position like you are about to do a push up. And then.. do whatever it takes to stand - It's just that simple, lol! One important thing, bend your knees, it will make you more stable (remember about the center of gravity in science class?).

As I've said on my previous post, my first attempt was a fail! When Jash pushed my surfboard, I was startled.. I did try to stand up but I slipped and ended up sitting (and laughing!) on my board.

And that happened a few times. I fell and even hurt my foot, but that didn't stop me. I told myself I won't give up unless I get to stand at least once. Zaicy and the others did it, so I could too, right?

So yes, I did! And not just once.. :D

I was so happy and proud of myself. Okay, I know I may have not been really "riding the waves" because someone was just pushing my board and my stance may have not been perfect at all but I proved to myself that I can do it if I just try harder.

And the best part? I conquered my fear! Thank You God!!

*To see the whole La Union adventure, click here!

FYI:

San Juan Surf Resort

Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, Phillipines

Per Hour Swimming Lesson Rate: PhP400 (except with Luke Landrigan)

http://www.sanjuansurfschool.ph