About a week ago, I finally got up the nerve to give surfing a try. My friend and I embarked on our adventure at Bare Wires Surf & Skate shop in Spring Lake (1315 Third Avenue, 732-359-7780). After checking in at the shop, we headed down to the beach to meet our instructor, Teddy, a young, amiable guy who splits his time between the Jersey Shore and the beaches of Puerto Rico–doing what else, surfing. He informed us that this section of the Shore–the point where Belmar and Spring Lake meet–is considered a beginner’s beach. He also informed us that he has taught surfing to all sorts of people. Two good signs, I thought.
The lesson started on the sand, with Teddy teaching us the movements we would be doing in the water. Using a longer board for stability, we learned how to properly get up and balance on the board. Once it seemed like we had our maneuvers down, Teddy took us way out on the water, to a jetty that seemed close at first glance. It wasn’t. Fifteen minutes later, arms aching from all the paddling, we were ready to catch some waves.
I got the hang of it rather quickly (it was a calm day on the water), and managed to stand up the majority of times I tried. Teddy would position our boards in front of a wave, and then yell, “Go!” So I went, remembering to keep my hands flat on the board underneath my elbows, bringing myself up to a kneeling position and finally shooting up to a standing position, proudly looking out at the piece of ocean I had just conquered.
The biggest problem I faced was figuring out what to do as I was nearing the water’s edge. Teddy said to just step off the board. That sounded simple, but mostly I plunged clumsily into the surf. I’m sure it was quite an eyeful for my fellow beachgoers.
By that point, adrenaline had taken over. Scratches and bruises from my falls? Who cares? So I had some battle scars. The important thing was to keep riding, keep crashing at the shoreline, keep getting back out to ride again.
The experience was much better than I expected; it was certainly more exhilarating than my usual sun bathing. The one-hour lesson costs $50. I hope to be back for more.