How I did it: I went online and researched surf schools in my area and made a lesson reservation. I also went to Wal-Mart about bought a pair of board shorts to ward off surfers' rash on my legs. The whole 'how to do it' part is pretty simple, just a phone call and a shopping trip. The whole surfing part itself was harder in comparison, but totally worth it. I've never felt that exhilaration in my life. It was difficult and so tiring after an hour, but standing up on that board is worth every rash, saltwater sting, tired muscle, and surfboard to the shin, which I still have a bruise from 2 weeks later.

I only stood up once, but I swear I smiled every time I caught a wave and kept it when I wiped out. If you get a chance to surf, don't even think about passing it up. I wish I had taken the lesson earlier in my vacation so I could rest and go back for another.

I will definitely surf again the next chance I get.

Lessons & tips: Wear a whole wetsuit if you have one. Even with my board shorts and rash guard shirt I still got serious rash burn on my hands, knees, and feet. Worth it in the end, but painful and should be avoided if possible. If you do get rash, my instructor said that cornstarch, baby oil, and diaper rash cream help.

Resources: http://www.hawaiianschoolofsurfing.com/

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Jul 27, 2010, 07:09PM PDT | 3 comments | 9 cheers