Waiting for the waves at Taylor's Mistake

Amazing day yesterday — went out to Scarborough Beach in Sumner for my first ever SURFING LESSON with Kat and Florence. Woah boy, that was fun. I’m sore as today, but cant wait to get back out there. The first time I slid across the water flat out on my board I think I squealed with delight, which of course turned into all out laughter when I toppled over at the end of the run. I’ve yet to actually get up on to my feet though. In fact, I counted it a good run if I was able to get up on to my knees at all! One thing I wasn’t expecting at all was what an intense upper body workout surfing is, but it makes sense: you start out prone on your board,then snap (allegedly) to your feet by pulling your feet in and pushing upwards with your arms. When you look at it that way, I did three hours of push ups yesterday — no wonder my arms and back are super sore!

I was expecting the water to be freezing, this is Christchurch after all and not the balmy subtropical waters of the North Island, and was super grateful to be wearing a wetsuit that came along with the board and lesson. I was a little nervous squeezing myself into the suit, and once on felt like a sleeker version of the creature from the black lagoon, but it wasn’t that bad at all! Actually, it made being in the water super enjoyable and while you could feel the water’s chill through the suit, not once did I feel cold (not even on my hands or feet, which were exposed).

Have already booked a board and bodysuit rental for next Saturday afternoon, but will try and get out again one night this week as well. I’m in love with surfing and want to go at least once a week — its a fantastic way to spend the day, gets me out of the house, and is exercise to boot (and people, I need to rid myself of this pukunui that Ive acquired!)

Sadly no photos were taken (even though I had made a point of bringing my camera), so here is a shot of a wee fella and his body board that I took while out at Taylor’s Mistake (where there were absolutely no surf-worthy waves at all) a month or so ago.

Possibly related posts:

1. It’s a good thing I like swimming…
2. Almost tiki-tour time!