Surfmamas Vandredi
Stacey asked if I'd like to go surfing with the Surfmamas on Friday, my response was YES! I wasn't entirely sure what I was signing up for. However, my fingers were crossed that this is a beginner-friendly situation. The info is: Surfmamas is a group coaching session organized by a couple. We meet at a surf spot where they offer valuable pointers, give us a little push into the waves, and everyone gathers afterward to chat and savor some pastries or sweet treats. The payment covers the entire season, and the atmosphere is laid-back and suitable for all skill levels. Sounds like the perfect way to improve my surfing skills while having a good time! Stacey swung by to pick me up, and together, we strapped my board to the roof of her car. Afterward, we made our way to pick up her friend Ashley. The three of us then drove to Erretegia Beach. It's always interesting meeting new people, and despite having just met these girls, it felt incredibly natural, as if we've been friends for years. They have an easy-going vibe and showed such thoughtfulness – definite chargers, no doubt!
We arrived late, and by the time we got there, the girls and coaches were already in the water. We carried our surfboards from the parking lot down to the beach. The journey down was a breeze, but I knew that the return trip would be a workout. We stretched and paddled out. The initial introduction in the water was awkward, as I was the newbie and wasn’t sure how to say anything but '“bonjour”. So, I decided to play it cool and simply smiled as we paddled around in the ocean. My focus shifted to catching waves. I managed to catch three waves. The first two rides were wobbly and less than impressive, but on the third one I rode that wave solidly. The second wave, unfortunately, ended with me wiping out and getting caught in the subsequent wave set. Admittedly, the waves were small, but I'm not in the peak of physical fitness, and, well, I must confess, I'm a bit of a wimp!
After an exhausting battle against the waves, I finally perched myself on my board, panting, and mentally preparing for another go. The coaches soon called out, "last wave," and we gathered at the surf school storage trailer. There, we sipped on tea and ate Gateau Basque. Initially, it was just the three of us - Stacey, Ashley, and me - chatting away. However, a few of the other girls moseyed over and introduced themselves. One of them playfully remarked, "Ah, the American camp!" We all shared laughs, and to my delight, everyone was super kind. Most of the girls speak English. Which is a double-edged sword. While it made communication a breeze, it also posed a challenge to my French-learning aspirations. I kept insisting, "Please, speak French. If I don't understand, I'll ask." But despite my best intentions, conversations inevitably drifted back to English. Learning French is going to be even harder than I thought based on the fact so many people speak English and WANT to speak English. My mission now is to track down a French-speaking woman who doesn't know English for a language exchange.
Today, overall, was simply awesome. I've never participated in an all-girls thing like this before, as it's not typically my first choice. However, it's shaping up to be an incredible way to level up my surfing skills and forge new friendships. I'll be joining the group for the entire season, which means I'll have group surf lessons every Friday through mid Decemeber. Stoked. 🤙
