Sumner Beach, where Im learning to surf.

… because that’s mostly what my “surfing” lessons consist of at this point. Sure, I have an 8ft soft top board and a nifty wetsuit to keep me from freezing, but I’ve yet to actually get up onto my feet. After two 3hr sessions the closest I can get is onto my knees.

In my head, I understand what my body has to do to (I’m working on the Pop Up, see video below), but actually getting there just isn’t happening. This is partly because of my crap knees, and partly because I’m not used to hauling my bodyweight (which is more than I would like at the moment) upright by my arms.

I feel as though I spent most of the time on Saturday fighting the waves, which of course is why I was so exhausted by the end of the day. I think I need to sit back and watch the waves and wait for ones that have more energy to them, instead of trying to get things going on every wave that comes my way. I figured this out towards the end of my session and by then was completely spent and without any oomph at all left in my muscles. I’m getting stronger though, I’m nowhere near as sore after my second go as I was my first, so as long as the frustration doesn’t do me in, I will get there eventually.

I’m planning on heading back out to the beach Thursday after work or maybe on Friday in the morning before heading out to the Royal New Zealand agriculture show. Friday is actually a Stat Holiday, Canterbury Anniversary Day, but is timed to coincide with the show, and horse races (which Kat has mentioned wanting to go to) are held then too. I’m not really that interested in the races (although I’m told it’s a great excuse to get frocked up and drink lots) as I’m off to Wellington on Saturday for the Toast Martinborough Wine and Food Festival, and would rather not overindulge or spend a lot of money before the day.

Possibly related posts:

1. Scarborough Beach