Becoming A Surf Chick!

Item 56: To be able to stand up on a surfboard

Two weekends ago I headed to Newquay with a friend and a company called Big Friday who whisk you from London to Cornwall for a weekend of surfing. Its the second time I've done it, I wasn't very good the first time, but I did really enjoy it.

My aim for the weekend was to be able to stand up, and I made sure the instructors were aware of this!! During the first lesson on the Saturday, I didn't really manage it. You are taught a 4 step movement which is supposed to make it dead easy to stand up.

Step One - Lying the board facing straight ahead (not as easy it sounds that one!) see the waves coming and paddle paddle paddle like crazy!
Step Two - From legs out straight bring your knees in, with your hands on the rails (side) of the board. I managed this most of the time if I'd caught the wave properly.
Step Three - Keping your hands where they are, bring the lead foot forward so you are kneeling on only one knee.
Step Four - Put your kneeling foot on the board, and then raise up into a crouch, twisting so your body is facing along the beach, but your head looks forward to the beach and thats where are you arms go too.

At least, that was my understanding of it :)

I did manage to stand several times, in fact thinking about it, Saturdays instructor saw me do it as he thought it hilarious that I got up into a crouch/standing position and yelled "that counts! I've done it!" and promptly fell off!

I also stood up several times on the Sunday (always immediately coming off) and I was spotted by others in the group. Unfortunately there is no photo. Although if you were in the water and moving it wasn't that cold. We soon discovered if you stopped to take photos it becomes cold pretty damn quick!

I think I will be back again for another try, but I am pleased with achievement. I am relieved I didn't get bitten by the surf bug, as I have neither the time or cash to get involved in another hobby. There were some on the trip who had spent most weekends of the summer in Newquay and had all their own equipment. I don't think I'll be doing that, but I would like to take Dan along. Its all part of my love of Cornwall, being there and playing in the sea that I usually stand and look at gives another perspective to my favourite place.