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Then while still on the beach, we
were shown the proper technique to paddle, catch a wave,
and stand-up. Hmmm... the group I was with are pretty much
accustomed to looking like dicks in everyday life, so we
didn't really mind the bit of the ground school where we
had to lay facedown on our boards, paddling sand like crazy
then jumping up on the surfboards pretending to surf. Although
it seems silly, the exercise does teach you the proper technique
to paddle, press and stand which are fundamental to surfing.
We then had a few minutes jog to warm up before entering
the water. Adrian kept close supervision on the group and
he offered tips and encouragement. By lunchtime most of
the group were able to stand up and surf a little (even
if were for a brief second or two) which is a major achievement
for us and although our technique wasn't the best we were
able to improve it over the following days. Oh, and when
say 'improve it', I mean we were able to surf most of the
waves we went for, which were pretty small things and nothing
like the big barrels you see on television. Our early days
of surfing were spent catching small or already broken waves
(foam), surfing in a straight line (turning the board and
going along the wave came later) and wipeing out.
Surfing was a lot more fun and physical
than any of us thought it was going to be and now we are
all pretty much hooked on the sport.
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Getting
started
NEW! Surfing
events listing 2008 - See
our listing of surfing competitions and events taking
place this year (includes useful links to organisors).
Click here...