I could feel how cold the water was, even with a wetsuit on, as I walked into the ocean with my 9 foot, foam surfboard on my hip. I paddled out, watching other surfers catch waves and ride them into shore effortlessly. I sat at the end of my board, legs dangling in the water, studying the movement of each wave until I spotted the perfect wave beginning to form. “Ok, Cass. This one’s yours.” I said to myself as I turn my board toward shore. Excitement overwhelmed me so much that I didn’t notice how cold the water was as I put my hands in to paddle. Paddle, paddle, paddle and then I felt it; the wave pushed me forward. The rush was amazing. I popped up to my knees and then went to stand when all of a sudden, SPLASH! I lost balance completely and fell into the ocean. The wave knocked me around as my board continued pushing forward without me. I popped my head out of the water and took in a deep breath. Flipping my messy hair out of my face, I started laughing my deep and joyous laugh. I pulled my board back to me, hopped on it and paddled out again.
Summer 2019, I learned to surf in the beautiful beach town, Tofino. Learning to surf has been one of the greatest things I have ever done in my life. It is extremely fun and is a great and rewarding challenge. I think that surfing should be on everyone’s bucket list. Not only does it give you this insane adrenaline rush, but it also can help you get outside, build confidence in yourself, and improves mental health.
Surfing taught me some great life lessons, including:
1. It’s ok to fail.
The only way to get good at surfing (or anything) is to practice, and as you practice, you are going to fail a lot. But that’s OK! Failure builds success. Most times I would go for a wave, I would fall on my face and nearly die in the currents, but I didn’t let that stop me from getting better. I just got up, laughed it off and paddled back out. And that’s what we have to do in any situation. Failure isn’t the end of the world; it is the beginning of our success.
2. You’ve got to be willing to put yourself out there to succeed.
While I was out there looking like a fool with seaweed in my hair, there were other way more talented surfers riding waves with their shortboards. Tofino is a hot surf spot where professionals, celebrities and even the Prime Minister of Canada go to surf throughout the year. For me to succeed in my sport, I needed to risk looking like a complete fool in front of more experienced surfers. And it’s the same in everything that you are trying to succeed at. There is always going to be someone who is more experienced than you, but don’t let that stop you from accomplishing your goals. Put yourself out there and live your dreams.
3. Be present.
I have anxiety, and I dream bigger than most of the people on the planet. A lot of my day is spent overthinking, reworking my master plan to take over the world, and worrying about stupid shit that will probably never happen. Being present is sometimes hard for me to do, but it is so important. Staying present helps keep good health throughout our bodies and helps us to live happier lives. While I was surfing, I found it so easy to be present. I smelled the salty sea air, I felt the cold water hit my face, and I listened to the waves crash into the shore. The only thing I thought about while surfing was surfing. It was so grounding and made me feel happy and perfectly content.
Why you should try surfing:
I personally believe that everyone should add surfing to their bucket list because it is an entertaining and rewarding sport. There is so much more to surfing than just paddling out and trying to stand. It is about connecting with the waves and the power of the ocean. Becoming one with the water is so calming and peaceful. Once you start to get better at surfing, the rush becomes addicting, making you feel free and alive. Lastly, you should try surfing because the ocean is beautiful, and some of the best surf spots are some of the most stunning locations in the world! Why not travel the world catching waves and not feelings?! Grab a board, sunscreen and wet suit and check out these top surf destinations.
5 top destinations to learn to surf:
1. Bryon Bay, Australia
Hippie vibes and gorgeous beaches! Bryon Bay is one of the most laid-back surf towns in the whole world and is the perfect place to learn how to surf. The location gets great swell throughout the entire year and is stunning. Add surfing to your bucket list and head down under for some perfect waves.
2. Muizenberg, South Africa
Surfing is very popular all over the coastline of South Africa, but Muizenberg is one of the best locations for beginnings. It is a gorgeous surf town that has good vibes, amazing markets, and delicious food. When I was there, I saw sea lions every day as well as a few whales!
3. Taghazout, Morocco
Morocco may not be the first place that comes to your mind when you think of surfing, but the beach town of Taghazout is a hot surf location. (Get it, HOT, because it’s the desert and because it is popular.) Taghazout is an excellent location for beginners. Take a break from riding camels and roaming spice markets to enjoy a surf lesson in the stunning beach town.
4. Lawrencetown Beach, Canada
Canada’s other best surf spot is on the east coast, Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia. I have surfed here, and it was terrific. Such a great day in the cold, Atlantic. The waves are a great size for beginners, and Canada’s east coast is stunning. I surfed with East Coast Surf School, and I would recommend them to anyone wanting to learn to surf in Nova Scotia.
5. Hawaii, USA
Aloha and welcome to the birthplace of surfing, Hawaii! Waikiki beach is one of the most popular surfing locations in Hawaii and usually has a lot of tourists, but it is a great location for beginner surfers. Embrace the warm waters, tropical air and mai tai culture while you get your surf on.
Is surfing on your bucket list? Get out there and try it already! Tag me in your surfing photos on Instagram, so I can see you loving life and share them!
I hope your future is filled with gnarly waves bruh!
Love you,
