SURF'S UP

Sorry no picture, we wer too busy surfing!

While the boys were at a Father's and Sons camping trip, the girl's hit the beach for surfing lessons! We had to wake up at 6am on a Saturday morning in order to reach our destination by 7am. Now, that must be dedication! No sleeping in on a weekend! After a brief instruction and going over the basics on dry land, we were thrust into the water! Actually, we had to thrust ourselves into the water. As most surfers will say, the hardest part is getting beyond the breaking waves. Even though Kierstin was properly dressed in her board shorts and rash guard, she had to get beyond the fear of being stung by man of war that littered the beach! She is not dumb, she knows that if they lie on the shore, there are more in the water. I too was prepared with proper clothing so figured I was pretty well covered! Jessica just didn't care, she wanted to get up on the board! After about 30 minutes, Kierstin realized no one was getting stung so she ventured into the water. I was proud of her bravery! Kierstin's last attempt she was able to get up and rode the board all the way to the shore! She was all smiles! I too was able to get up! It was quite thrilling and actually quite instinctive! Jessica struggled and could not quite get herself up completely. I think she should try right foot forward as that is how she would snowboard and ride a skate board! Also, her sprained ankle does not quite have full mobility yet. Oh well, next time. Yes, we all said we would definitely come again!!! How about this saturday?

How to get up on a surf board.

1. Leave the sandy beach and jump into the water with your board!

2. Once water is deep enough, lay in the middle of the board. Your weight must be distributed so the front of the board is about 6 inches above the water. You may need to move forward, backward, or shift weight from left to right.

3. Once you are balanced, paddle with your arms beyond the breaking waves.

4. When you spot the wave you want, begin paddling towards the shore with your arms.

5. The board will begin to pick up speed. At this point, move your arms on the side of the board at your chest. In one motion, push up with your feet and arms to a standing position. Ta da!!! If you managed to put your feet into the middle of the board and balance appropriately, you are now riding the wave!!! If not, enjoy the splash into the water and try again!

Once you know how to get onto the board, you can learn to turn by shifting your weight forward, backward and left to right! Doesn't that sound fun? Come visit us in Florida and you can try too! Besides with our small waves, what a great place to learn!