A bit of background - My boyfriend of 5 years is an amazing surfer, we both attended a high school that focused largely around beach culture and surfing which has automatically become a big part of our lives. I have learnt to appreciate surf culture more in the last 5 years and also am a passionate advocate of the growing progression of female surfing globally which I think is pretty badass! 

Following surfers, surf photographers and surf brands on social media and also researching the sport as well as observing it has really made me more and more interested in it and the mindset that comes from getting into the ocean and experiencing that level of joy that comes from surfing. I have also had the opportunity to travel locally up the coast and see some amazing surf spots and watch my boyfriend really live his passion and hobbies. 

I love the sea - being in the sea is my favourite thing and I honestly believe that salt water cures every little thing! I have always wanted to surf, nothing fancy and nothing hardcore - just a fun longboard or mini mal at Muizies and have my own board and create my own times. I don't intend to get shacked on a monster barrel in Indo or big local spots for that matter like the boyf does, but I do want to really make surfing a part of MY life and create space for it.

Ok so learning from your boyfriend/ husband may work for some but for me I found that I was 100 percent reliant on mine to basically show me the way and I think if you are an advanced surfer going back to the basics is tricky - also if its someone you know/love you can winge, protests and wrap yourself around their neck if a piece of seaweed touches you. So after going out a few times and having a lot of fun playing around and one or two tiny cries (I am highly impatient and want to get things right the first time - things don't work that way) I finally got surf lessons for Christmas and my Birthday!

Surf lessons, schools and packages 

There are a variety of schools in Muizenberg and all of them are totally amazing! I personally fell in love with the Roxy Surf School at the Surf Emporium.

Different packages work for different needs, individual coaching,. The school has a host of coach who are all well training and totally professional! I always feel very safe in the water and appreciate what I learn from different coaches.

My package consisted of 4 surf lessons with a private instructor/coach from the ROXY SURF SCHOOL. If I add the second batch of lessons I got for my birthday I have 8 lessons in total and I have completed 5. 

My package also includes surf board and wetsuit hire as well as the use of the change rooms and hot shower at the school! WINNING

The actual lessons and getting into the water

I worked very hard to change my mindset when I got into the water. My experience in Jay bay actually made me a bit fearful and conditions were a bit much for me. Starting at Muizies is great because the waves are gentle and you feel more in control. I am naturally eager to get things right but have learnt that you need to be patient and actually learn and focus not only on yourself but also the ocean.

The first few lessons I really focused on getting up standing and worked on my placement of my feet and progressed to not using my knees each time. Different coaches have different methods and ways of teaching and its good to try them until you find what works for you.

The first few lessons you still need help getting into the waves and then getting onto them. I noticed that I have become better at balancing and controlling the board and realised I actually do need to paddle! I am still VERY much a beginner but I still push myself to think I am smashing it ;) 

As I have progressed - I have made an effort to go once a week baring the last two due to work/sick/timing. Getting up early and getting in the ocean no matter how successful the lesson was or wasn't really left me with a key emotion - happiness. The ocean is the most magical place and when you give in to yourself and your ego and do something for the sheer joy of it it is amazing what you can achieve.

I made sure to become more observant when I go for a lesson. Am I correcting myself when the coach gives feedback? During long lulus or spare moments I watch the surfers around me - how they stand up, balance and also catch a wave. I also made an effort to start learning when waves are going to break, what waves make me feel safe, am I able to control the board on my own, what triggers a moment of panic, can I force the panic to subside? I also go home and share the entire experience with the boyfriend who is incredibly patient. I have been totally trashed on a number of occasions and come out looking like a drowned rat and feeling a bit uncoordinated but its the best way to confront fears and have a quick reality check that you are in the ocean - not the backline, you can probably put your feet down and worst comes to worst you can head back to the beach!

Learning to surf has also improved my yoga and visa versa. I feel like I have a better understanding of my injury and also my strength and capability.  I am still very much a beginner and although I am getting up and staying on a bit longer I am still falling and still getting a tad trashed. But each time I try harder, give more and truly focus on taking away positives from the experience.

Having a coach means you have less chance of having a meltdown or giving up too easily. A coach is encouraging, supportive and ultimately keen to see you achieve your goals. Also great to have someone to talk to so you are not drifting around too alone. Having gone on different days with varied conditions and different coaches I have learnt a lot in a short space of time and I am practically itching to get back for the next lesson!