The weather has been fantastic around here lately so of course my flat mates and I decided it was time to take advantage of the sun. So yesterday we headed out to New Brighton Beach to soak up some rays and perhaps catch a few waves for the first time ever.

There were plenty of shops to choose from to rent gear there so we took our pick and got fitted for our wet suits and two boards for two hours. It only cost us $35 for all of it and we were ready to hit the beach without any instructions.

Needless to say the first hour was mostly spent flailing around and getting taken out by wave after salty wave.  I probably swallowed more salt water in one day than should ever be ingested by one person.

 But after getting a few tips from a local on how to keep your balance and how to time the swells it got much easier.

I was able to get as far as getting one foot flat on the board a few times before getting taken over by the water but I thought it was quite an accomplishment for the first time out. I’m still completely exhausted and my arms are so sore from trying to push myself up on the board over and over again.

In the end it was really tiring and a lot of fun. There will definitely be a round two in the future.

Location: new brighton beach, NZ