Spot X Surf Camp

OK I deserve a medal - firstly for being brave enought to post photos of me in a wet suit on the internet and secondly for having a go at surfing!

Despite the fact that it was a very cold day I decided that I still had to give it a go (harping back to my things to do before I die philosophy!). The first part of the lesson was spent in the classroom where we were basically told that you have to look cool at all times (I'm wearing a wetsuit for god sake and carrying a surfboard that is too big for me), that you musn't pee in your wetsuit (OK that's fair) and that you must try and avoid rips (that's in the sea, though one in your wetsuit wouldn't be too good either!).

After our classroom lesson it was time to head down to the beach for a practical lesson - oh good grief it was hard work! All of you get down on the floor on your stomach, bring one of your feet up to your other knee and then try and jump to your feet in one move - was that easy? Well now you know how I felt, though of course I voluntarily chose to put myself through this anguish.

When we got into the sea it was very choppy but I found the whole thing really exhilerating. At first a combination of help from the surf instructor and feeling fit meant I could get out, on the board, ride the wave and even attempt to stand up (on more than one occasion!) but as time passed it just got more and more like hard work. By the third hour I was exhausted and the waves were knocking me off my feet before I was even able to get on my board. After a few near drownings and a surfboard in the ribs (very painful!) I decided to call it a day.

I did absolutely love it and if I lived here I would definitely give it a go again but in much smaller time chunks - 3 hours for an unft novice like me is just too long!