Remember a few weeks ago when I made one of my goals to “try new activities that are out of my comfort zone”?
Well, don’t listen to me. I’m painfully stupid. Emphasis on painful.
If you’re going to venture out of your comfort zone, make sure you’ve got it securely tethered to your ankle, because I think I lost mine somewhere off the coast of Tofino.
Three hours in the surf off Chesterman’s Beach, and all I’ve got to show for it is a sprained toe, a massive bruise and two earfuls of sand.
Ok that’s not entirely true; I also have a few photos to show for it. Lucky for you, I’m sharing these photos free of charge. You didn’t have to earn them like I did.
Speaking as someone who’s never skied or snowboarded, wake boarded or water-skied, surfing is hard. Anyone who’s attempted it more than once, I am thoroughly impressed. I’ll admit that it was pretty exhilarating being out in the cold Pacific waters. And after that first wipeout, swallowing gallons of freezing cold salt water doesn’t seem too terrifying. A big thank you goes out to my surf instructor, without him, I would likely be typing this blog post from a hospital bed.
Major lessons learned this weekend:
1. I have very weak arms.
2. Surfboards are heavy.
So what do I take away from this experience, other than the fact that I’m clearly never going to be a professional surfer? I think some strengthening exercises for my arms might be a good idea, and maybe next time I decide to venture out of my comfort zone, I should wear a full body cast in preparation.
{ 4 comments }
You HAVE to try it in Hawaii (Maui, actually)! That’s where I learned with a group called Goofyfoot. They use really long boards so you are more stable. And no wet suits because the water is warm! Highly recommend it! I tried it again with Surf Sister in Tuff City, and I agree with you. It is harder on the west coast. The tides kill you!
Good for you to try it, even though you learned some tough lessons.
I know what Goofy foot means! I must’ve learned something from my surfing lesson, afterall!
If I ever make it to Maui, I just might try surfing again. maybe.
a big maybe…
Jolene – I think your efforts merit a referral for the ORDER of BC. While you were not directly assisting people in a benefactor or
caregiving role, your recount of your personal experience has assisted many in how to “approach’ this exciting sport.
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