There were around 70 of us (out of the 80 on the program total) so it was extreme bonding time! The rooms were of 6 people, so I stayed with Hanna, Justina, Belinda, Alex, and Jessica, though we didn't spend much time other than sleeping in the room.
It was about two hours from Sydney at 7 Mile Beach (You guessed it, it's 7 miles long), Gerroa. We got there Friday and settled in and they directed us to the beach. It was super dark out and there were so many amazing stars! The moon was pretty low and a beautiful gold color. We stuck our feet in the water and it was pretty cold but I got used to it quickly. I love night walks along the beach.
The next day we had 2 surf lessons, for 2 hours each. Each time we went surfing we had to wear our wet suits. At first, everyone had them all the way up and zipped on the walk over, but it was funny to watch during our 3 lessons fewer and fewer people kept the suit all the way up because it was just too warm and not so comfortable for the walk.
Justina and I in wet suits unzipped
At first they just taught us how to push up on the board. I was good at that. Then they taught us how to stand.
1. Paddle hard
2. Wave hits, paddle 3 times
3. Thumbs to chest, push up from so your lower back is arched with the bottom half of the body still on the board
4. Bend your back leg so your foot points outward about even with your other knee.
5. Bring your front leg between your hands facing forward
6. Push straight up to a standing position, turn your front leg slightly, bend your knees, stay low, and put your hands out like with bow and arrow.
ALWAYS KEEP LOOKING STRAIGHT!
To figure out which foot should be front or back, we stood straight and one of the instructors pushed us lightly and whichever foot fell back is our back foot. Mine was my right, so I'm a regular. If it's your left then you're goofie.
On land, I was a pro. In the water, not so much. I'll be totally honest, waves make me nervous in general, so this was a bit scary for me. But I did try, though I think maybe I could have tried a bit more. Regardless I had a lot of fun. I'd be lying if I told you I stood up, but I did get to safety position a few times, which is the step just before standing, and a bunch of times I body surfed or just came in on my knees. That being said, there were many many times I wiped out, contributing to my battle wounds. I got hit in the head by my board at least 3 times. Thank goodness for the learners boards that are foam and have soft fins that won't cut you.
Anyway, it was really nice how supportive everyone was of one another. We were split into smaller groups, mine being the Sexy Dingos, with Nick and J something as our instructors. (I'm blanking on his name). So my group was with Christian, Kayla, Brianna, Lindsay, Chris, Justina, Belinda, Jessica, Tiffany, Angela, Brett, George, Calvin. It's possible I'm missing a few. I spent some time out scared away by the waves with Jessica (I told you I'd be completely honest), and Drew, one of our RAs who came with us hung out with us. I became the official zipper, so when people's wet suit zippers came undone they came over and I rezipped them (just while I was out). Brett and George also took some water breaks so I spent some time chatting with them when they were out of the water. While it was a good breather, I probably would've been more successful with more time in the water, though I still did enjoy myself.
I made sure to spend the whole of the last two hours today in the water really trying. Some people went out to harder waves, but I had no plan of that and liked the smaller ones. It was fun having everyone cheer one another on and try to coach and count down and various people would try to ride the same wave. I got so close on one with Lindsay, then we both quickly wiped out. The last wave of today we all tried to catch together. I'm pretty sure we all got it in, whether standing or not (like me). I know my mom thought I'd be good enough to go out with Leora back home, but I have a feeling that might be too rough for me.
Overall though, I loved the trip. They were great to vegetarians, with these fun potato burger things and a potato and cheese delicious something. And last night was hilarious at the "pub" in town. We all expected some small little pub, but it instead looked like it used to be a bowling alley, and there were kids there too. It was pretty funny. Brian and Lauren even managed to convince some people that at midnight there actually was bowling. They had a guy playing guitar though and we danced with the locals. It was quite a sight and very entertaining for everyone. There was this hilarious 45 year old woman who was really into dancing and every so often would do a split. I don't think I need to describe her any more.
At the end of both days they showed us slide shows and videos of all of us. It was fun and embarrassing, but again, we were all in it together. I'm so glad I went.
Here are the videos!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tILEZCQcOro&feature=share&list=UU0kF4zQOO_wI88Wm1ZCvGAg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcSNNV0rVA8&list=UU0kF4zQOO_wI88Wm1ZCvGAg
I think I'm going to give my aching body a break now, and it's finals week this week (though we still have classes until finals) so it's off to bed for me!
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