Beginner's surf class with Nigel-aka motley crew in a downpour

[Lbeale]

Okay--so it was crazy to take your first surf class with small craft advisory and high seas warning posting not to mention a drenching downpour--but at least I had good company--once we figure out exactly where to surf--NIgel gave us some pointers under the awning of the Tides Restaurant such as keep you boat straight when landing on the beach, watch out for shoulder injuries in the high brace and, don't put you hand down on the sand to stop your boat when landing in the surf--already soaking wet from the rain, many of us taking the class felt we already got our money's worth just from Nigel's shore presentation--and to be honest, an image of a hot cup of tea and slippers was calling to me more than the mixed up surf I was looking at --

At the put-in, the six of us were given instruction again on leaning the boat into the waves with a low brace--by the way, no surf rescue and no paddle leashes--if we did a wet exit swim to shore--

Dee, Bob, Bill, and Rick were there to help us get and stay in our boats and, keep us in the surf--often, these more experienced paddlers would give me helpful hints on surfing which was an added bonus--like how to punch a wave with the paddle blade to keep going forward and remain stable (thanks Rick, Bill, Suz, Pat, Dee and Bob)--too many hints to mention--

Nigel would partner up with each student on the water and work on getting boat control based on individual competence--never once did I feel that Nigel tried to push me beyond my comfort zone although he did challenge me to get into the surf--with his direction, kindness and skill I could take on pounding waves straight and ride waves straight some of the time--with my back to the wave all I could do was hear this rumbling behind me and hope for the best as I was being picked up and thrust forward--

I can't tell how many times I went over in the surf because I gave up counting--all I know is now I'm really good at doing wet exits in cold water and it's no big deal (check that your spray skirt loop is in easy reach and loose before leaving the shore)--

I am usually the baseline on trips for the first to get cold giving my weight and metabolism--but for some reason given the number of times I was dumped in the cold water --I did not feel the cold until much later in the day and then I stopped--

Each time I had to swim there was always someone on the shore waiting to help me back in my boat with words of encouragement and advise-always to try again--at last, I was able to ride a wave to shore without dumping--many of us in the class had similar victories including Karen who rolled in the surf (twice)--

The extra high was watching Nigel dance on the waves--worth the price of admission--here is some pics that Bill took while standing/swimming in the waves--a motley crew indeed!

http://www.kayakpics.com/gallery/101505