The day had finally come to have our first ever surfing lesson. We figured where better to try surfing than Hawaii. Some of us had more nerves than others - deep water, sharks etc but we were keen to give it a go. We knew that we would be in great hands as we had done our homework and chosen a great company - Gone Surfing Hawaii.
After our very filling buffet breakfast we made our way to the Starbucks across the road at the Outrigger Reef Hotel - our rendezvous point for our instructors. We were met by Lopaka who walked us down to Waikiki Beach, specifically the Pops break. Here we were met by Raffi, the photographer, and Jedi, the other instructor.
Once we had put away our things we were taken to the 4 long boards set up on the beach for us. Ryan went to one side with Jedi as he was having a private lesson due to his age. David, Connor and I had our 10 minute on shore lesson with Lopaka. We got to try out what we had been taught on the shore a few times before paddling out towards the break.
Paddling out was exhausting. Connor had an easier ride with Lo Paka towing him out. I think we all got towed out at one point or other. Surfing was incredible!!! We all managed to get up. Connor and David got up on their very first wave. Ryan and I managed to get up on our second wave. We all also had a fair share of stacks too - me probably the most. The key was not to go head first as the water is relatively shallow and the bottom is a rocky reef. We were also told not to stand on the reef if possible as it has a lot of thorns.
After a little while of surfing on his own Ryan then began surfing tandem with Jedi. He had a smile on his face a mile wide. He loved the surfing and also that he was the only one who got to see a little yellow reef fish and also a large sea turtle. Ryan said surfing was one of the best activities he has ever done; it was epic!!! When we finally came in due to exhaustion, as soon as he hit the beach Connor was asking when he could do another lesson and informing us that he needed his own surf board.
Overall we had a fantastic time. We walked away with a few cuts thanks to the reef but also some amazing memories.
No comments:
Post a Comment