I’m not going to lie. Nerves and butterflies plagued me in the weeks leading up to 4pm on Friday the 2nd of March. I think it was mainly fear of the unknown, and the dread that I wouldn’t have 100% control over what I was about to do. As the day grew closer, I began to think of ways I could pull out. Maybe I wouldn’t fit the wetsuit? Maybe Hilary and/or Rosie wouldn’t be able to go? On Thursday night, I decided to take a leaf out of Hilary’s (very organised and forward-thinking) book, and watch some YouTube videos. Predictably, the “beginner” videos made it seem all too easy. Trying to “pop up” from the carpet in my bedroom to my feet proved to be pretty much impossible. Due to my weight, I actually physically couldn’t get to my feet in one motion from a planking position. In a panic, I sent some snaps to Rosie and Hilary expressing my doubts. “#wereallinthistogether” “Nope, we are going!” they replied. We were going as a united front, no doubt about that. The next day, Durrie reassured me that I’d be fine. I wasn’t getting out of it that easily! We pulled up opposite Starfish in St Clair. Kussi, Durrie, Jennine and seven students were there waiting. This was happening! Rosie, Hilary and I were issued our wetsuits and excitedly headed to the changing rooms to struggle into them. It was my first time even wearing a wetsuit, and ohmygosh! I am going to get myself one so I will finally be able to brave the arctic Dunedin sea - something I assumed I would never ever do. Getting the surfboard from the hire van down to the beach was a real struggle. When we finally reached our instruction point, I was almost ready to pack it in. After some instructions from the instructor that again made surfing seem like child’s play, and an obligatory photo opp, we were off into the surf. Thankfully the ever-ready Hilary had thought to ask the instructor one last essential question before we got to the water: What were some good phrases to yell when we caught the waves? We had been practising “cowabunga” “hang ten” and “surf ‘n’ safari’’ - were there any others we should know? ![]() Being in the water was so much fun, but absolutely exhausting. I really did feel like a learner, and I began to draw parallels between my experience and that of our students. From my waist-high vantage point in the white water, I watched as Hilary charged right out the back, all guns blazing. She charged through the whitewash and started with the experienced surfers. I watched Rosie frolic around, enjoying the challenge but not pushing herself to her limits, instead watching and examining the environment. I watched as one of our students, Emma, took instructions and then successfully caught her first wave on her first attempt! I watched Jennine try a few times, and then with the help of an instructor, stand up! As for me, I struggled to balance, even just lying on the board! I kept positive and kept trying. I pushed through my fears and gave it my all. I accepted the help and encouragement of others. I reminded myself that even Kussi and Durrie had to start somewhere - they were once kooks too! The encouragement of my fellow first timers, the students (SUPER encouraging) and Durrie and Kussi really kept my spirits up. The instructors were calm and helpful too. My eyes stung, but my wetsuit meant I didn’t feel cold at all. I was getting smashed by the white wash, but I kept going. I caught a few waves, but I got no where near to standing up. In the end, about fifteen minutes before the end of the actual lesson, I was ready to get out of the water. I was completely done. I had no more energy! The main things I learned about being a learner were really just an unfortunate list of cliches:
All in all, I loved my time in the water. My plan is to get a bit more fitness up before I try again, as this will improve my overall enjoyment and ability. We have already decided on our next collaborative learning mission: horse riding! ~Regan Carroll, Rosie Joyce, Hilary Sutherland.
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June 2019
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