Surf's Up

False Bay & Surfing           

            On June 25, after a long week, our group went on a search for adventure and stress relief.  Taylor, Stephanie, Kristen, and I made our way to the Rose Bank train station to catch a train to False Bay.  We hopped on the afternoon train to Muizenburg.  I had made arrangements for surfing lessons at 2:00 with the Surf Shack.  We arrived at the Muizenburg beach with our towels, swimsuits, and spirits of adventure in tow.  I was eager to meet our instructors and get into the water.  I couldn’t wait to touch the ocean and attempt to catch a wave. 

            Up until the surfing lesson, I had never had the opportunity to swim in the ocean.  I had, of course, walked along beaches and let the water come up to my calves, but I had never swam in the ocean.  The instructor thought I was joking when I asked if I should be worried that this was my first ocean experience.  As I squished in a wet suit, I wondered if I should be concerned about swimming in the ocean, but adrenaline and my friend’s encouragement quickly erased all my fears.

            After a short discussion about shark safety (False Bay hold a large portion of the Great White population), we grabbed our boards and followed our instructors into the great blue.  The ocean was freezing, salty, and beautiful.  I don’t think I have ever felt so amazing in all my life. 

            For over an hour, Kristen and I met wave after wave with no fear.  I pushed myself up on my board time after time riding the wave for a few seconds before falling off.  By the end of the day, my feet were numb, my abs were sore, and I was incredibly happy.