Eighteen years on, still loving it! / PC Tilda Sheilds
Growing up, I hated sports, I was overweight and loved video games and Haribo, so throwing myself into a water sport or anything that required effort seemed unlikely, but here I am eighteen years later!
We are all on our own unique surfing journey, and, honestly, I sometimes miss learning to surf. There were countless incredible, magical moments. It feels like we're always chasing that initial thrill of finally standing up on the board after numerous (at least in my case) failed attempts. Those few seconds when everything clicked are some of the biggest stand out moments in my life.
And guess what? I'm still learning and that's why surfing is so great, it cannot be mastered, we surf because its fun!
5 Things We Loved About Learning To Surf:
1. Self Confidence
Learning to surf is not always easy, the water feels unpredictable, the waves appear relentless, and maintaining balance on a board takes time and patience. Yet, this is what makes it so rewarding! Each wipeout and tough paddle out teaches resilience, each small success boosts confidence, and every ride, no matter how brief, ignites a sense of accomplishment!
Surfing has undeniably boosted my confidence in and out of the water, I've learned how to be my own cheerleader, reminding myself of all the hurdles I've overcome.
Dawn Patrol at Watergate Bay / PC Claire James
2) Community
All of the people I socialise with today I have met through surfing, by saying hello, smiling or just cheering someone on as they are dropping into a good wave!
The surfing community in Newquay is a tight-knit, supportive network. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced surfer, there's a sense of togetherness in the line-up. You can see people celebrate each other's successes, creating a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere.
Co-ed Video Coaching Sessions with Gather & Glide
3) It's A Work Out (but its fun!)
As mentioned, I was not a sporty kid, so trust me when I say that surfing is for everyone and you don't need to be an athlete to try it.
Surfing is an incredible workout, it uses muscles that you never even knew existed! Paddling strengthens the arms and shoulders, popping up works the core, and riding the waves tones the legs. Surfing helps to improve overall fitness, flexibility, and endurance and you don't even realise your doing it!
Surfing taught me that I am strong and capable of so much more than I ever imagined.
4) Travelling
Surfing connects people from all walks of life, creating friendships around the globe.
Before surfing I had little desire to travel, but it soon unleashed this burning desire to get out there and to surf the worlds best waves and to go live life!
There are waves waiting to be ridden all over the world, I certainly haven't ticked everywhere off of my list yet, but I'm having a good go! - Its an amazing excuse to go and discover new cultures and to meet new, amazing people.
I will always be grateful to have the privilege of being able to work and book a plane ticket.
Costa Rica / PC Holalenita
5) Environmental Awareness
By spending so much time in the water and around the coastline, I have gained a great appreciation for the need to protect the environment that provides us with so much enjoyment.
Cornwall is rich in wildlife. I have had numerous incredible experiences encountering marine animals like seals, dolphins, basking sharks, sunfish, and even yellowfin tuna!
I feel as though surfers start to naturally foster a strong sense of environmental stewardship. Many people I know have become advocates for ocean conservation, participating in beach clean ups and adopting sustainable lifestyles.
I truly believe that surfing gives us an even greater appreciation for just how amazing the planet is and an urgency to protect it.
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Thanks for reading and sharing the stoke, if you are new to surfing, I highly recommend taking lessons with an experienced coach (unlike myself who had to learn the hard way ) to learn how to surf safely and to get to grip with the basics, it will definitely speed up your progression!
Gather & Glide Beginner Courses
See you out there,
Allannah
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