Aug 7 - Surfin' USA

We slept a bit later and got breakfast going at 9:45. Our lesson was at 11 again and this time it was with Mal’s brother Phil. Phil looked more like a typical surfer… tall, lean, blonde long hair… and he got us warmed up and back into the water. Today’s waves were a bit smaller so we didn’t get thrashed as badly, which was nice. I actually got up fully once and made it to the squatting position quite a few times, but the water was actually colder that day, so I got out after an hour. I went up to the car and changed and got warm, then brought my camera down and took some pics. We all got out Level 1 basic surfing certificates! YAY!! It says I have learned: reading surf conditions and IDing dangerous situations (aka – ask a local surfer); basic fitness for surfing; paddling; catching broken waves (basically like body boarding); wave zone negotiation (1 step forward – 2 steps back is more like it!); wiping out safely (dude, I rock at this); equipment for surfing (duh); sun smart behavior (wear sunscreen – my choice was Bullfrog 36); sports safe behavior; and environmental awareness. Cool.

After showering and lunch (I was SO hungry), we hit the road for a bit more sightseeing before leaving. We walked along this gorgeous trail on the West Cape to do some whale watching.



No whales spotted, but there were these amazing shells lining the way and I really wanted to take one, but I didn’t. It’s not allowed in the state parks. But they are perfect and beautiful.

We finally made it back to the school around 11 and I was dropped off at 11:30 and crashed pretty quickly. It was a really good weekend and the town could not have been nicer and the beaches any prettier.