It Begins

This week began my surf adventure, and I gotta tell ya- I'm excited and having fun already.  I decided to start at the beginning- to try to learn some of the basics before I head into the water.  Since technology is a tool we must use as part of this project I started with quite a few learning-to-surf videos that I added to a playlist I created on You Tube.  After watching about 10 videos I have come to the conclusion that there are a LOT of cheesy surf videos out there. I was forced to edit and add to my playlist as I encountered videos that featured music that drowned out the instructional audio, or more footage of the instructor surfing than actual instruction.  As I embark on this 20% project I keep in mind that I would like to do this with my own students, so the lesson I am learning from Part 1 of my project is the importance of evaluating resources.  Every topic is going to have its nuances in terms of how to spot quality resources, and so far with surf instruction videos I can see I have to look for good audio, an open and laid-back, but thorough, instructor who remembers what it was like to be a beginning surfer (by the way, beginning surfers are aptly called kooks).  In my search for resources I also found a few great sites that offer definitions for the many words that make up surf lingo, and these sites also offer lots of beginner tips.  So far from my videos I've learned a lot about equipment and I've begun learning and practicing the "pop up."  I'm searching for some good videos on the topic of duck diving, as I know that is a skill I will need as well.

Equipment:  I have a foam longboard that I will be using as I learn.  It is light and soft, so hopefully it will provide good buoyancy and will go easy on my noggin when it inevitably pops up and smacks me. My surf vocabulary lessons have taught me the parts of the board: nose, tail, fins, rails, leash, and deck. My husband and sons are excited about me learning to surf, and so I welcome their advice and expertise as well.  Scott, my husband suggested that we shop for a wetsuit this weekend, as the water temps are dropping a bit, and I'll be more comfortable in the water if I'm not freezing.  So this weekend we did just that.  We found a great deal on a women's Rip Curl, so I just made the investment and called it a day. By investing in the wetsuit I am stating my intention to really learn this and incorporate it into my life. Scott and I take many surf vacations so that he can check out the wave experience in exotic locations (my favorite trips have been to Bali and El Salvador).  Usually on these trips I run or just enjoy the beach while he surfs.  Maybe this project will help me want to get in the water with him on our next adventure!  

I had some long runs to do this weekend, as I am preparing for a big relay race in two weeks, so I didn't get in the water.  But next weekend I'll be tapering off my running, and my boys are excited about the plan to hit the beach both days.  I should have some great embarrassing footage of my beginning attempts on the board, so stay tuned! This week I'll continue my search for the best instructional videos and add to my surfer vocabulary. Here's me making my first investment into surfing:

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