- Baleal Surfing Camp: Day 3
- Weather: 71 degrees, blue skies with white clouds
Morning Lesson: Cleaning up pop-up techniques. Video taping students.
Begin surfing by choosing the right wave, a wave with time before the next wave. Time to paddle, feel the wave carry the board, pop-up, and ride. Happy times are when belly-on-board you gently roll over the oncoming waves in anticipation for the right wave.



My learning zone is the white water where oncoming waves crash and rumble towards you at face level. It’s a speeding train of water. It’s a Hollywood film where the waves destroy everything in its path. At the brink of a white wave, place palms on the board and arch your back. You and the board go straight up and crash down the back side of the wave. I feel as if I’m a carved figurehead on an old wooden ship taking the brunt of each wave in my face and arms.

Afternoon Lesson: Review in slow-motion video of morning surfing. Dorian critiqued the best and worse we had to offer. He demonstrated how to take our skills to the next level.
Instructor Kaby from Africa tells me the abrasions on the top of my feet are because I don’t lift my feet when I pop-up. I’m dragging them on the board. My latest VISA opportunity is a $35 pair Neoprene booties. It makes walking on the beach, in the surf and on the board much more comfortable. Putting them on is a bit like like Cinderella’s step-sister trying to squeeze into the glass slippers. The same can be said about squeezing into a wetsuit.


Though inspired by the video critique of morning surfing, I am too played out to do much more than tumble off the board. There is the occasional ride. Progress is being made by all. We show as much enthusiasm for other’s success as our own.


Wow! You are so brave to be trying this, Linda. Love the photos and your descriptions and thoughts😊. Especially love the one of you on top of the board! Don’t think those ‘booties’ would make good mountain stream crossing boots🙃. Be careful with you💕.
LikeLike
Linda,
I am loving following your surfing adventure!
Thank you for sharing both your photos and your comments!
What a wonderful addition to your memory bank!
Linda 🇨🇦
LikeLike
Glad to hear from you. Yes lots of deposit in memory bank. ~linda
LikeLike
YOU SURFING – YAY! Congratulations Linda 🏄♀️👏
LikeLike
Where’s Andrew when I need his altheletic skills? ~linda
LikeLike
OK Linda, that picture of you surfing is pretty amazing. Apparently your athleticism is not limited to running! Congratulations! Sincerely, Bill
LikeLike
Like running, it takes hard work. Thanks Bill. Linda
LikeLike
You continue to inspire me. Cherish every moment
<
div>Tom
Sent from my iPhone 12 ProMax Mobile: +1-925-330-3934Email: tomwelte1@gmail.com
<
div dir=”ltr”>
<
blockquote type=”cite”>
LikeLike
Thanks Tom. I can’t believe so much has happened in such a short span of time. ~linda
LikeLike
Hey hey hey!!!Congratulation!!!You made it…Danielle is so impressed…❤️👍
LikeLike
As I am impressed with her running and walking. Thanks. ~linda
LikeLike
This surfing camp sounds like an absolute blast! The description of catching the right wave and the anticipation it brings is so vivid. It’s clear that the afternoon lesson was incredibly valuable, with Dorian providing constructive feedback to help everyone improve their skills. It’s funny how something as simple as not lifting your feet when popping up can make such a difference, but it’s great that Instructor Kaby pointed that out. And those Neoprene booties sound like a lifesaver for comfort. The camaraderie and support among camp participants is heartwarming to hear about. Surfing is not just about individual progress; it’s a community that cheers each other on. Keep riding those waves and enjoying every moment of it! 🏄♂️🌊😊
LikeLike
Thanks for the full reply. Sounds like you enjoyed reading this blog as much as I enjoyed writing it. ~linda
LikeLike
Good morning, Linda! You must have many wonderful memories of this summer’s trip! What an adventurous gal you are to even try surfing!
Jeff and I are currently at our “vacation condo” at Ashby Ponds, but I look forward to getting together soon and hearing all about your trip!
I have an appt. with my ophthalmologist in C’ville next Tuesday, Sept.19th at 10:00. Any chance you might be free after that for coffee/lunch?
Check your dance card and let me know!
Linda ❤️
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLike
I’ve reserved Surf Camp 2024! Will email details about meeting. ~linda
LikeLike