Learn to surf

I don’t know when this happened in my life,it seems like I just woke up one morning and there it was. It was in me, the need to learn the art of surfing. There are a lot of reasons why I think this calls out to me in my life right now. I can’t say for sure because have yet to try but it seems like you would have a hard time finding another sport that offers so much personal challenge, reward, spirituality, independence and connectedness. Not forgetting the view all around you while your doing it. It seems like the perfect gift I could give myself.
I have a few minor obstacles in my way, like location. I live in downtown Toronto where the only waves around are that of traffic and the closest thing I have to surfing is trying to keep my balance on the subway without holding on to anything. Then there is always the cost of the trip, and lack of knowledge (where, when, etc). I think these things only make me want it more though, the ocean wouldn’t taste as sweet if it was right at my doorstep.
So I have this growing craving to make my way to the waters edge and put myself to the test but I’m preparing for it in all the ways I can think of and I’m always open to suggestions. I can swim, but plan on taking swimming lessons this fall to brush up my skills, I’m looking to find a good balance board, and of course I have been watching every surfing video I can get my hands on. My target is 1 year, go out and try my hardest and see if the ocean will accept me. If I start now, I could still have a good 30 – 40 years of surfing in my future.