LokalSoul mentioned in his Facebook wall which earned a lot of likes and agreements the other day:
“an observation: nothing beats the stoke of a beginner. the things you do as a you progress are just attempts to replicate that first stoke – only that you are doing better maneuvers.”
– and I totally agree! I’m always stoked after surfing, but nothing beats that stoke when I first stood up with my instructor pushing me… the first time I paddled and surfed with a guide just coaching me… and the first time I caught a wave without a guide at all…. Even the first time I successfully turned and had gotten a long ride! Everytime I do something new, something I never thought I’d be able to do at that moment, I get that same first stoke!
Last weekend I brought my friend, Bryce, to La Union where he learned how to surf for the first time. Bryce’s goal for the weekend was to conquer his FEAR: The sea!!! And he did an awesome job. We surfed in Bacnotan over the whole weekend because waves were just too strong in Urbiztondo. Bacnotan had small gentle waves for beginners so it was perfect! By the third day, Bryce was already surfing on his own (with his awesome guide, Nano).
I was so proud (like how a surf mommy is proud of her surf baby :P) because it took me 2 years before I gathered up enough courage to conquer my fears and to paddle and surf on my own (i.e. without my el paborito instructor Tisoy who who would do anything including tow me using his leash just to get out to the lineup and would make sure I caught every good wave by pushing me when my paddling seemed insufficient — which was 90% of the time). In fact, up until this weekend, I never paddled out without Tisoy. I guess it was a blessing in disguise that he was competing in Rimat Ti Amianan that weekend so I had to paddle out and reach the lineup by myself!
Meet Tisoy
One thing I’ve learned over the years I guess is that it’s OK to be afraid. Courage is not being unafraid, but instead, accepting your fears and still being in action. As long as I don’t let my fear cripple me, I can do it, eventually, with practice & perseverance. No one was born a pro. :D
Nice read! Was there that weekend as well. Loved this part too…
“One thing I’ve learned over the years I guess is that it’s OK to be afraid. Courage is not being unafraid, but instead, accepting your fears and still being in action. As long as I don’t let my fear cripple me, I can do it, eventually, with practice & perseverance. No one was born a pro.”
I’m still learning the ropes (heading out to the lineup, surf etiquette, even strength and conditioning). Hopefully soon, I’ll be owning a board, paddling out on my own, and catching those waves. Even more so, stoked like there was no tomorrow! :D Cheers!
thanks for reading Gerry — i hope to see you in the lineup soon! :D one thing i love about the surfing community here (manila peeps and the locals) is that everyone is friendly and is more than willing to help you learn and progress. i get sooooo many tips in the lineup and so much moral support from strangers hahah
So true. Kuya Boy and the boys (think they’re a few of the many relatives of Kuya Nano, haha), have been teaching me ever since. Now I call them “coaches”, hehe, and almost everyone here in Manila and back there as well have good advice that can help starters like me enjoy surfing. I’ll definitely see you in the line-up soon! Cheers Kara!