We went to Sanur with one purpose, to begin our surfing education. The evening we arrived, after a two hour walk with backpacks to get to the right part of town and find reasonably priced accommodation, we set about booking surf lessons.

The following morning a minibus picked us up at 10am and took us to the surf school. We were here long enough to put our bags in a locker, be introduced to our instructors and put on the wet suit type surf tops we had been provided with for the day. It was then onto a new minibus and our surf destination.

Once there we were taken down to the beach and given our surf boards, after having our pictures taken next to the boards, the actual lesson began. We were given the run through of the paddling position, which directions to fall from the board (anywhere but the front) and how to get to our feet. After three attempts at the latter, not nearly enough in my mind, we were told it was time to get in the sea. A thrill ran through me as we headed towards the water, I was finally going to try surfing after all my years of wishing, and I was suddenly rather nervous!

Team Surf

After paddling out, our instructors wasted no time sending us into the waves. My first attempt was poor, not daring to take my hand from the board I stood no chance of standing properly. Paddling back for round two my instructor pointed out that if I was scared of the board, and of falling, I would never be able to surf. So after a quick word with myself I set off into the second wave determined to get to my feet, which I did, then promptly fell off.

It was onwards and upwards from here though, by the end of the lesson I was able to say I had successfully ridden several waves, and it felt incredible. I was elated. It was just as fun as I had always thought it looked and I was feeling quite proud after my first attempt. So despite leaving with an aching and bruised body, and super sunburnt legs, I can’t wait to get back out for another go!