Surf’s up!

Learning how to surf has always been on my bucket list and I had decided to give it a try this year. At the start of the year, I decided that I wanted to be intentional with the things I chose for myself whether it be in the form of hobbies, food, people, places and things.

It also comes with the realization that life is moving, and age is increasing so why TF am I holding myself back or waiting for the right time? Generally, I like to try out new hobbies and see if I like them, after the first try I usually know if it’s for me or not. For example, Zumba, I tried once and I didn’t enjoy it. With diving, usually the pool session is the decider and for me, I really enjoyed it and diving is another hobby of mine (which reminds me, I need to dive more!).

Anyway, back to surfing! I decided to reach out to Chantae and seek a recommendation from her, given that she and her husband are both avid surfers. She suggested, Dream Surf Fiji and they are based out in the west.

Which made it a perfect excuse to get myself out of Suva and spend the weekend with my parents. Inia from Dream Surf Fiji was super helpful and provided all the information I needed. He also mentioned that closer to Saturday, he would update me on conditions and also confirmed that we would be learning at Natadola Beach.

My family friend Leena just so happened to message me asking if I had plans for Saturday and if I was interested in playing model so that she could try out her new camera. I told her I was going for my first surfing lesson and if she was ok to try out her camera there. Leena is a talented photographer and you can see more of her work here. Thank you again Leena for your amazing photography, it really makes me look like a pro surfer!

We headed out to Natadola and were told to meet at 1pm. Atu was the instructor I was going to work with. He had 3 other kids and me to teach. Those kids did such a good job at it when compared to me. After a brief demonstration on the beach, we headed into the water to learn how to surf small easy waves.

I was so glad that I had been consistent with my workouts at Box it Up Fitness Fiji because surfing requires a lot of arm strength for the crazy paddling that you will have to do. I managed to catch small waves even though I fell every time. Atu was super encouraging and patient with me, once I got the hang of it I was able to prop up off the board and then splash into the water. The fact that I could actually surf albeit tiny waves, made me so proud.

Two hours went by so quickly! I was so happy and really enjoyed myself. The next day the only pain I could feel was from my upper core area given the back arch on the board.

I have a few more sessions to go back for and I am already looking forward to that! Once I have mastered it to a certain degree, I think I will then be able to join the gang that goes out to the lighthouse here in Suva.

To you reading this, life is too short to wait around for the right time. So go ahead and challenge yourself. Turn those words into actions and make it happen. This way, you won't be wondering what if and if only!