A Beginner’s Guide to Surfing

From a 42-year-old Overthinker (who likes to chill and sleep)

When I planned for our trip to Siargao Island, my main priority was mounting the healing retreat. Everything else came second. Surfing was not even on our to-do list, except that it was part of what Punta-Punta Surf Retreat was offering – so I said “Okay”.

Without really thinking what that “okay” would mean later.

Retreat and Relaxation

Part of the retreat preparation was my recovery period. I intended to have a week of fun and relaxation after the retreat, which would just entail relaxation and simple island living. We enjoyed everything the island could offer. Great views. Great vegan/vegetarian food. Great vibe.

Eventually, Yan and I got bored and just said YES to surfing with a local instructor we just met. I thought nothing of that decision until I was in the middle of the ocean with a raging wave crashing on my face and I could not comprehend what was happening.

I was suddenly a child clinging on to dear life with my newly met surfboard and I was overly stimulated.

Wave after wave. My body and arms were aching. I couldn’t seem to pull myself up from the surfboard and my feet couldn’t stand. I thought I had a good balance with yoga but I couldn’t fake this one.

The board knew right away when my balance was off and it would throw me into the ocean with no apologies.

Inner Child Play

More than the physical challenges facing me, I was also being haunted by my childhood trauma. Things I did not think would come up with surfing.

I was born in Tacloban and grew up near the ocean but the Leyte shores are unforgiving. I have seen people drown and they were just having fun. I desperately wanted to learn to swim because I was afraid of drowning.

You see, the real issue that was coming up was SAFETY. I did not feel safe as a child and now, as an adult, I needed to tell my inner child that I AM SAFE NOW.

When I finally recognized that, I coached myself and while balancing on that surfboard, I repeated affirmations. 

I was able to catch some waves and although my body was aching, I was having a lot of fun.

So for those who are thinking of trying surfing for the first time, I’d like to offer these tips, so you don’t end up like me – in the middle of the ocean, clueless!

Surfing Preparation Tips

Do 1 hour of yoga before surfing.

Oil those joints . Warm up the abs and arms and yeah balancing poses.

Expect to fail and laugh at your mistakes

Even when your instructor is frustrated with you. You’re not here to please. You’re not here to perform. Keep falling on your face. You’re doing great!

Let the inner child play

Be in the moment. Disengage from repetitive thoughts of self doubt and fears. Let the waves wash away your fears (and your ego). After ingesting a lot of saltwater, there’s a good chance you will

Forget all of  the above and just have fun

Remember that your first time will not be about achievements . You’re here for more than that. Use this opportunity to discover parts of you that you may not know existed. Connect deeper with nature and surrender to the might of the ocean. 

You are feeling ALIVE again. The fact that you are out there – making waves – and eager to learn something new even when it’s very hard – that makes it all a WIN.

One more thing

Develop a relationship with your inner child and ask her what she needs.Whether you end up on a surfboard or not, ask your inner child how else she wants to play.

We are never too young or too old to play. And we can always do it our own way.