Surfing A.U.S.!

We woke to cloudy and rainy skies for our surf lesson but that didn't dampen our spirits. Learning to surf was one of the original items on our Australia "bucket list" and we couldn't wait to finally "give it a go!" Our lesson was scheduled from 10 until 11:30am at the Cronulla Surf School. I researched surfing in Sydney and we could have gone to Bondi or Manly but Cronulla was a highly recommended surf school by several people and it would not be as crazy for our family as some of the other beaches. I had been in contact with Mark from the surf school for a couple of weeks and was excited to finally get there.

We drove through downpours and with cloudy skies for the entire hour on our way. We tried to be positive talking about how we would be wet anyway and that at least it was warm - all the while hopeful that our lesson wouldn't be cancelled as it was the only day we could do it. Just as we came into the Cronulla beach area, the rain stopped and the sky cleared - it was perfect!

We gathered our towels and beach stuff and headed over to the surf school entrance. We met Mark, the owner, who was just as lovely as I thought and he introduced us to our instructor, Ian or "Muzz" as they called him.

Muzz was once a competitive surfer who now enjoys giving lessons and has a teenage son who lives at the beach on his board. He was a perfect fit for our family! He was encouraging and kind and even got Jack involved with the lesson. It was a great experience for us all!

First, we got suited up in our wetsuits and rashers (swim shirts) - even Jack! We also got our boards and then, Muzz took us over to the "pool" to give us some board basics. The pool is actually a sheltered area of the ocean whereby concrete stairs and a rail as well as a partial wall make it a great place to learn. We bellied up on our boards and learned to paddle out and how to "push up" when a small wave is coming. We also learned how to flip our boards in the case of a big wave (sort of like a kayak flip). Muzz put Jack on his board so that Jack could practice pushing and paddling with us. Once he felt we were ready, it was off to the surf.

We went off to the beach and learned in the sand how to get up on the board. We did some dry land practice of paddling, pushing up and then standing and balancing. I felt suddenly nervous about trying it in actual water! So, while Muzz took Sam, Jake and Dan out to the surf, I volunteered to stay back with Jack. Muzz waded with the boys out through the waves and then they would get on their boards and he would tell them to "paddle paddle paddle". He would push them into the wave and then they would try to get up. Jack and I watched them get up - and then down, up and then down ... each time they would turn back and head with their board back out to the waves.

Dan came in and sent me out. Muzz told me to hop up and "paddle paddle paddle", which I did. I caught the wave and just rode it on my belly, enjoying the speed and getting a feel for how easy it was to steer and turn the board. Now, to stand. I got off and headed back out to the waves. Each time, I did as Muzz said and paddled and tried to stand but each time, I ended up in the water. Finally, I found myself standing and SURFING - screaming, "Woo hoo!" all the way to shore. It was the best feeling - the combination of the power of the ocean and the delicate balance of standing, arms out like you're flying over the waves. I can see how addicting it can be! Muzz gave me a high five and I took a couple more turns and then went to shore to give Dan another go.

It was a successful lesson as Sam and Jake also caught some waves. What a fun family activity! even Jack got in on the action as Muzz took him out on the board and they rode several waves in on their bellies. Jack had the time of his life in the waves and in Muzz's expert hands he had fun and wasn't scared. (Kudos have to be given to Gillian Lee here for her hard work in helping Jack overcome his fear of the water. This fun day would not have been possible if not for her - thanks Gill! XXOO)

The hour and a half flew by and before we knew it, we were done - but not before hooking us on this awesome sport! We will have to find some surf as a family once again one day as this was a totally gnarly experience! Dan and I were already starting to feel the sore and stiffness of the all over body workout that surfing provides. The boys were, of course, just warming up!

Our thanks go to Mark, Muzz and the Cronulla Surf Club. We had a perfect experience and we thank you for introducing us to this awesome sport!

You can see more of our surf lesson by clicking the video link below: