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EDL 630
​Modern Learning

20% Project

9/14/2014

8 Comments

 
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So cool.  For Edl 630 we were asked to choose a topic, something we are passionate about wanting to learn, and go learn about it.  




My initial brainstorm of ideas looked like this:
Learn to play piano (Specifically Against The Wind - Bob Seger)

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                  Learn how to knit (a scarf)

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                Learn to surf

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                       Learn guitar (not sure which song)


                                          hmmmmm.......
If I choose guitar, piano, or knitting I know I can find plenty of information and support online, and I have a guitar, a piano, and the knitting needles and yarn that I need to learn.  I have had these three things on my dream list of things to learn for a long time.  

The project that keeps luring me, though, is learning to surf- mostly because it involves overcoming a fear I have - of waves and of not always being in control out in the ocean.  Like the other project ideas on my list, learning to surf is something I have always wanted to do.  I have always admired the grace and ease in the relationship that surfers have with the ocean. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to feel that comfortable out in the sea.  I am very drawn to it.  Choosing this as my project isn't quite as practical as the other options, because in order to engage in the physical practice of surfing I have to leave my home and go do it.  But if I commit to it, then I will do it.  That's just the way it will go down.  I am thinking I can find technique videos online, research some surfing blogs, peruse resources like Surfline, and use my son's GoPro to capture footage of my surfing (or attempted surfing) that I can watch and analyze.  So I'm going to flesh out the details of the surfing project, and then I'll be looking for honest feedback from House Pelagic on whether this is really a good idea, or if one of the other options would make a better project.
Learning To Surf: 10 Authentic Questions:
1. What does it feel like to stand on a surfboard and ride a wave in?
2.  What is the best type of board for a beginning surfer?
3.  What other gear or equipment will I need?
4.  What do I need to know how to do before I get into the water with my board?
5.  How does a surfer know whether the surf is "good" or not?
6.  What is the optimal wave height for me to surf?
7.  What are the various weather occurrences that affect swell?
8.  Will I be able to overcome my fear of waves?
9.  What do I need to learn about the unspoken rules in surf culture so that I don't offend anyone or make anyone angry out in the water?
10.  Are there different techniques for learning to surf?
11.  Where are the best surf spots in North County for beginning surfers?
12.  How many waves does the average surfer catch in an average length surf session?
What Will Success Look Like?
I will consider myself successful if I can catch a wave and ride it all the way in- not just once, but multiple times in succession within a single surf session

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8 Comments
Sara Chai
9/14/2014 10:37:49 am

Michelle,
I love the ocean and I love to swim. However, I've only "tried" surfing once. I do agree with you that this challenge will pull you out of a comfort zone - but I think it's one that might help you find fun beach locales around SD County and learn about surf culture! (I also say this because I would love to learn this skill too! If you learn you may be asked to show off your learning and teach me!)

Reply
Michelle
9/14/2014 03:01:36 pm

Thank you Sara, for your input. If I can actually learn it, I'd love to get together & surf with you & anyone else who wants to try! What do you thinkmy questions? Do you think they are along the lines of what Jeff had in mind?

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Cecilia link
9/14/2014 01:40:58 pm

I think you should learn to surf. I have taken a couple of lessons and I would love to continue to learn. Maybe I can join you one day. My dream it is to someday move to Hawaii.

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Raquel link
9/14/2014 06:19:42 pm

Hi Michelle,
Considering that Fall is almost here I like the idea of learning to make a scarf. You could even make enough of them to give as Christmas gifts. BUT, surfing would be more fun and you would get a great workout.

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Michelle
9/14/2014 10:20:06 pm

Thank you Raquel. I like the way you think... you bring up a good idea about the Christmas presents! Ha- I'm laughing at how those first scarves would probably look (as a beginning knitter). Might have to give them to my dogs for Christmas :)

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Alicia Butters
9/15/2014 01:53:01 am

Hello Michelle, I think you should learn to surf and call it a way a day. I like how you can turn it into a mathematical equation with how many waves does a person need to catch to finally become a surfer. Great project. Also, I would suggest getting one of those long foam boards from Costco. They are cheap but work really well. That what my daughters learned on and slowly graduated on to shortboards.

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Michelle
9/15/2014 03:37:54 pm

Thank you Dr. Butters, for that very practical advice. I have heard that a longboard is the way to go, and foam will hurt less than fiberglass when it smacks me in the head :) I'm excited!

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Noura
9/17/2014 12:11:35 pm

Michelle.. I think learning how to surf is a great idea..
I believe it will be challenging in that you will need to face your fears and come out from your comfort zone. In addition, the challenge of committing to practice.. But I do believe that succeeding in it would make you extremely proud of yourself!
Best of luck :)

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Photos used under Creative Commons from The Guise Archives, Stanislav Vitebskiy, edwin van buuringen
  • Hello
  • Along The Way
  • #schooldifferently
  • SDSU/SDCOE MA EdL. Program
    • EDL 630 >
      • 20% Project: Learning To Surf >
        • Resources for Surfing Research
    • EDL 680
    • EDL 610 >
      • Habits
      • Culture
      • Leadership Platform
    • EDL 690
    • EDL640
    • EDL 655
  • About
  • Contact