Learning To Surf In Sydney for the Over Thirties
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Other.
Learning to Surf in Sydney After Thirty
Discovering the Waves in Your Late Thirties
A few months ago, a friend called with an invitation that caught me off guard: a surfing lesson. Two images flashed in my mind. One was of my nearly forty-year-old, slightly worn-out body trying to surf amid confused tourists and eager school kids. The other was my friends’ reactions, the ones with kids and settled lives, if they found out I was considering it.
Having swapped Sydney’s suburbia for the lively northern beaches, I was the prime suspect for trying to recapture lost youth. I hadn’t been seen in a red convertible or near a Botox clinic, but there were whispers about mixed touch football games, bar hopping, and clubbing. Activities, they warned, unbecoming for a man my age.
"Sure, count me in," I said. Better to face the fun police than admit to body boarding with flippers. Besides, one lesson wasn’t a commitment?"it was like a speed date. Meet some boards, have a laugh, and then disappear.
The day arrived, and everything went as expected. Paddle out, flail like a puppet, catch a wave, attempt to stand, and fall off. I thought I'd soon be back at the pub, claiming injury after a legendary wipeout.
Then something bizarre happened. I caught a gentle wave and stayed upright! Gliding across the water, with the sun on my face and salt on my lips, I felt exhilarated in a way no happy hour ever had. By the end, I knew a surfboard was calling my name.
I've always loved Sydney beaches?"face-planting in the sand, running across hot sand for ice cream and pies, and watching the golden-tanned girls. My first surfing lesson left me wondering, "Why didn't I try this sooner?"
Fear had held me back. As a teen, it was terrifying to be spotted at the beach with my parents. In my twenties, I had a career and travel. Tales of sharks and territorial surfers kept me away.
But post-lesson, I realized those fears were unfounded. Surfers emerged with both torsos and dignity. It was time to live my surfing dream!
I bought a big fiberglass board and rubber suit, trying not to feel like I was chasing lost youth. Seeing beachgoers stare, I imagined them judging. But as the water called to me, I shouted, "You'll never catch me alive!" and plunged into the sea.
I've been practicing for a while. I still tumble often, but that doesn’t matter. Like a golfer hitting one perfect drive, one smooth ride on a perfect wave keeps me coming back. The only true fear now is never having tried to surf.
Four Tips for Late Starters:
1. Health Benefits: Surfing is excellent exercise. Studies show surfers’ fitness compares to elite athletes. Plus, it helps with those budding man-boobs and love handles.
2. Beach Etiquette: Male surfers can ogle women a bit longer if they pretend to study the waves. Women, keep being appreciated!
3. Wetsuit Wisdom: Invest in a quality wetsuit. It conceals excess body weight nicely.
4. Wetsuit Reminder: Always wear your wetsuit with the zipper in the back. Trust me.
Best Surf Schools in Sydney
- Manly Surf School: Classes at four northern beaches year-round. [manlysurfschool.com](http://www.manlysurfschool.com)
- Bondi Surf School, Let's Go Surfing: Year-round classes at Sydney's most iconic beach. [letsgosurfing.com.au](http://www.letsgosurfing.com.au)
Embrace the waves and let surfing rejuvenate your adventurous spirit!
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