African Surfing Safari

A Saturday morning surfing safari ... not the sort of safari normally associated with Africa but the coastline of the Indian Ocean, particularly near East London, is re-known as some of the best surfing in the world. Oh, and it is also known as having the worst beaches for sharks attacks in the world ... not the sort of thing that you really want to hear at breakfast as you are about to head out and make your first attempt at becoming a surfer dude! And of course Jason had to joke that the suntan lotion was seal fragrance.

Only our two Australian colleagues, David and Jason, had surfed before, but eight of us made the attempt under the tutelage of Ed from the local surfing shop. Ed gave very clear instructions as he explained how to catch a wave and while on shore we practiced how to get on a surfboard and the correct stance once aboard. After ten minutes it felt like a golf lesson with the resident pro telling you all the things you need to keep in mind as you swing the club ... but armed with this new-found knowledge we waded and paddled our way out to the breakers. Of the newbies, Marco probably did the best. Although I managed to stand once or twice it was a short-lived ride as I had difficulty ensuring that my feet were place on the proper part of the board to be well-balanced. The other lesson for next time is to wear a tight dri-fit shirt as those of us who were shirtless had scraped stomachs like a sunburn from the rough deck of the surfboard.

The water was at a record warm temperature of 26 degrees, just about the same temperature as the air. All in all it was fun ... the beach was beautiful, the sun was shining, and I did not even gulp too many mouthfuls of salt water. Surfing seems to be one of those actives that you need to try a few times to get a feel for it. Which way to the beach??