Learning to Surf at 30: My Surf Camp Revelation

Pre-Surf Camp

Surfing. It's one of those things that always seemed appealing from a distance, but up close, it never quite clicked for me. Despite dabbling in it here and there during my travels, from Costa Rica to The Philippines, I never felt that rush of excitement I expected. For me, the effort-to-reward ratio just didn't add up. Unlike snowboarding, where you hop on a chairlift and glide down the slopes, surfing felt like a constant battle against the waves, with more wipeouts than successes.

Still, there was a nagging curiosity that lingered—a desire to understand what others found so captivating about riding waves. I felt like surfing was something I should like, even love, because I love sports, activities, and the outdoors. I was also constantly traveling to places meant for surfing. However, it never clicked for me.

So, with a mix of hesitation and determination, I booked myself into a week-long surf camp at DreamSea in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. It was a simple ultimatum: give surfing one more shot, and if it didn't click this time, I'd accept it wasn't meant for me.

During Surf Camp

DreamSea offered a comprehensive package—surf lessons, theory sessions, accommodation, meals, yoga classes and daily activities. I’ll share more details about my experience at DreamSea on my blog.

The initial surf lessons felt like a harsh reminder of why I had never quite warmed up to surfing. Even with an instructor by my side, I found myself struggling to catch waves, my efforts weren’t fruitful. My biggest challenges? Paddling technique and wave navigation. The relentless onslaught of waves left me battered and breathless, each attempt to paddle back out feeling like an uphill battle. It would take me, what felt like, 15-20 minutes each time to paddle back out to the line up. The relentless churn of the ocean left me disoriented and exhausted, my arms burning with exertion as I fought against the relentless barrage of waves.

By the third and fourth lessons, a subtle shift occurred. Though still far from proficient, I found myself embracing the rhythm of the waves and relishing the simple joy of being out on the water. With each passing day, my paddling grew stronger, my wave selection more strategic, and my confidence more resilient. However, I was still not sold on the idea of surfing.

And then, on the final day of camp, it happened. As I paddled out into the lineup, a sense of determination washed over me. And then, as if by magic, everything clicked.

With perfect timing, I caught a wave, then another and another, feeling the exhilarating rush of momentum beneath me. In that moment, all the struggles and doubts of the past week melted away, replaced by a profound sense of accomplishment and joy. All the things I battled with became less daunting; they started coming together—stronger paddles, better management of waves, and feeling the euphoria of riding a wave.

It was a turning point—a moment of revelation that transformed my perception of surfing from a daunting challenge into a thrilling adventure. I am still very much a beginner and nowhere near calling myself a “surfer” but I was able to get over the beginner hurdle that kept me at bay for so long.

Post-Surf Camp

As I bid farewell to DreamSea and ventured to Popoyo for more surfing adventures, I couldn't ignore the transformation within myself. No longer bound by skepticism, I embraced surfing with a newfound excitement. While I may never rival those who've been riding since childhood, I've come to cherish the journey of progress over perfection. I’ve learned to love and look forward to the still moments in the water and enjoy being in the moment.

Quick development… While soaking in the sun and saltwater in Popoyo, I was presented with an opportunity that seemed tailor-made for me—a chance to manage a team of volunteers at an upscale surf hostel for the next two months. This serendipitous offer felt like the universe's way of allowing me to continue honing my skills on the waves and practicing my Spanish, but it also offered a glimpse into the world of hospitality—a field I’m considering as a potential career path.