Surfing: check!

Hello second half of 2016!

I'm making a promise to keep on moving, learning and making time for the things that matter to me.  And that includes writing!  I'm too rusty at this but please bear with me as I try to breathe some life into this blog again.

My Ate just left again for Dubai this morning after three weeks of vacation.  We tried to do as much as we can, the family spending time together as often as we could during her short stay.  My personal favorite was a quick trip to Baler with Ate since I finally got to do something I had always wished to try - SURFING!!!  My two dear friends Michy and Liel tagged along with us, making the trip more enjoyable.

arrived just in time to witness the sun beautifully rising at Sabang Beach

I was hesitant to try surfing before, for one reason.  Probably because I am flat-footed, I am an idiot at keeping my balance.  I was so scared that if I fail to be friends with the surf board, it would cost me my front teeth.  But I guess my love for the waters (and adventure) will always win against my silly fear of being bungi. =D

We went at the time of the year when the waves are not at its best.  They were tame, almost shy to kiss the shore.  I thought it was perfect for someone a little scared but hoping to learn how to ride them.

intro to surfing

my sister and I (not in photo, just the board)

As expected, my first attempts to stand up the board were a disgrace to Sabang Beach. Haha!  Fell face first, sometimes pwet first, flailing arms next.  Hurt my knees, bruised my legs and my ego too!

Kuya Arwin, the instructor, was too patient with me or maybe just very good at hiding his sniggers.  He did not agree when I called me kulelats, so I stopped calling myself that and put on my SURFace (uy, I coined a term!).  I tried to focus and remember his instructions.  Next thing I knew, I was slowly making my first wobbly, ungraceful, imperfect proud stand up the board!  I tried and tried many more times and stopped only when it got dark and my stomach asked for dinner.  

On our second day, I woke up without an alarm, checked the waves (like I understand them) from our terrace and put on my rash guard.  Was still with a bedhead, drinking my coffee in haste when I went to tell Kuya that I will surf again.  Even when my body's sore from the day before, I surfed for two hours.  With Liel and our instructors, we paddled farther to the deeper part of the sea where the water was still.  Practiced to stand up some more, then just lay down on the board enjoying the calming sound of the sea.  Surreal. :)

with Liel who surfs like a local

I have been catching myself daydreaming about waves since the day we came back from the humble, lovely province of Aurora.  I am so so excited to go back. ;)

with Kuya Arwin