Let's Surf Schooly
by Surf Sista Amy
posted 2006-08-31
I couldn't believe that all of the schoolies had just given up! Oh well, it was actually better for me because I didn't have to wait in line for the other schoolies, since I was one of the two troopers left. When the lesson was almost over, and I noticed that my thighs were stinging REALLY, and I mean REALLY bad! I looked down and saw that I had a BRIGHT RED rash all over my thighs! It must have been from paddling while laying on my stomach. So, from then on, I paddled while wearing board shorts over my bikini bottoms. This helped a little bit. But, by the end of my lesson, I had a bright red rash all over my thighs and knees! O' well, the experience was definitely worth two bright red knees and two bright red thighs. I was the last one out of the water. I just kept on paddling back out to Renton to catch more waves. I absolutely loved surfing and I didn't want my lesson to end! But, I guess all good things have to come to an end or at least a pause.
photo by Rick Schultz
Once they finally got me out of the water, I wrapped my leash and Renton carried my monster board back to the surf shack. That was really nice of him. Then I rinsed my booties and rashguard and took a really quick shower. Once my parents came to pick me up, I told them all about my fun filled surfing experience. To tell you the truth, I really didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay in the water until the sun went down, surfing the rest of the day away. But, since the lesson was over, I had to stop surfing.
I wanted to continue surfing long after my stay in Maui, so I asked Renton what board and beach I should surf in South Orange County. He told me without a moment's hesitation, I should try using an 8'6" longboard to begin with and that I should try surfing at Trestles in San Clemente. I am going to take his advice and start surfing at my favorite beach. Later, I found out that Renton had told my dad, "Don't worry about your daughter not being able to surf. All of the boys will let her cut in line, since she's such a cutie." I hope Renton is right because I want to surf as much as I possibly can now that I have experienced the thrill of catching the perfect wave!
My surfing experience was more than I had ever hoped for. The instruction was phenomenal, the beach was gorgeous, the waves were perfect, and the instructors were fun and really easy going! By the end of the day I was transformed from a *pousuer to a schooly and into a *grom. If you ever get the chance to visit Maui, you absolutely, and positively can't leave Maui without trying to surf. You will have a blast, guaranteed!
photo by Rick Schultz
After my super surfing experience, I thought I should let you in on a few tips that I learned.
Tip #1: WEAR BOARDSHORTS! especially if you're a girl. I know you think it'll be cool to show off your brand new bikini while schooling all the guys. But, trust me, DON'T! You will end up with an alarming, bright red rash on your thighs that will burn every time you go into the water.
Tip # 2: JUST RELAX! Believe me, if you just relax you will surf much better than if you tense up. "Be one with the board."
Tip #3: DON'T BE A KOOK! Don't try all that crazy stuff that the pros do until you're ready. It is better to progress slowly, and at your own pace.
Tip #4: JUST HAVE FUN! If you get all wrapped up in not falling on any wave, you won't have that much fun. If you remember Tip #2 and remember to just be yourself, even if that means falling off the board a few times, you will have a blast anyway, just like I did!
Tip #5: DON'T GIVE UP! Remember the old saying, "If you fail, try, try again." Well, that saying will help you a whole lot in surfing. If you wipe out on a wave, don't give up. Just get back up on your board and go for it again! It's the only way to get better!
*Pousuer - Wannabe surfer who dresses the part, but really is clueless about surfing.
*Schooly - Someone surfing for the first time or taking surf lessons.
*Grom - A young surfer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amy is currently a 13 year old 8th grade student that breaks her study time with sports. Playing sports has been a major part of her life since she was 4. She currently has a 1st degree Black Belt in Karate, a 3rd degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo and plays club basketball as well as plenty of SCUBA diving and surfing. Amy loves to tryout new sports and outdoor activities, and she also enjoys writing about her adventures and experiences.
