As many of you know the boys got surf boards for christmas and they have been chomping at the bit to get started. Unfortunately winter time on the island lends itself to very windy conditions and big waves. The boys are taking surf lessons at the Quicksilver Surf School at Le Galion on the French side of the island. The surf spot is out on a reef so we have to take a boat out - the boys were really excited.
Surf Central
this is the boat that takes us and our boards out to the reef
the boys boards - ready and waiting
dillon was pretty excited to get things going
the boys were checking out the anchor system
of course we brought Alexi along (she had no idea what she was in for)
the surf shack from the water
although it appeared to be perfect weather when we arrived as we were riding out on the boat the weather turned on us - some gusty wind and rain clouds began to appear
the boys were a little apprehensive
this photo is a little grainy - alexi could not find the zoom button hehe and she was on the boat - which is a little ways from where you catch the waves - but I am on the left with the two boys. they braved the conditions and gave it a try - although ro required I swim out by him (really wishing I had brought a board at that point)
ro resting on the boat after some time in the rough water
Alexi planned on coming with us just to check things out - she was interested in giving surfing a try but wanted to how it all worked first. Well, little did she know she was going to give it a try right then. I think she had a good time - even in rough conditions we got her hooked. So that was our first day of surfing - a bit of a rough start but as we were going to bed that night the boys and I chatted - it would take some time getting used to a new surf spot and when it is sunny and less windy we would have an even better time. The plan was to go back the next day.........
with the sunshine out and the plan for mom to paddle out with him (this spot is unique for the boys - you dont walk in the water from a beach and go catch a wave - you are in the middle of open water and it can be a bit intimidating keeping track of your surroundings)-ro was feeling a little more postive about day 2. dillon immediately commented that today will be a better day when he looked out on the water and the conditions were much more appealing
dillon made sure we brought his thick surf shirt to prevent the purple lips and shivering he had the day before
alexi was ready for a full on lesson this day
we think she is a natural for sure (the funny thing is the waves look tiny in this photo and they definitely were not) perfect for learning though
dill catching a nice one - day 2 was definitely a success, we all caught at least a few waves, the sun was out, it was not as chilly, the winds were gone and we all had a super fun time. I took the boys for another lesson later that week - it was another successful surf day. The next week conditions were a bit big for the boys but their instructor Frank told us a northern swell that was coming should bring some good waves to Plum Bay, one of our favorite beaches that is close to our house. We invited our friend Karla and her three boys to come hang out with us at the beach and she so kindly took pictures of Dillon and I out in the waves (that ended up being really fun) and some really great ones of the rest of the boys playing on the beach.
getting ready to head out
the waves in the middle of the bay were big enough for dill to catch and we did not have to paddle to the point but this was still a ways out there
they were definitely rolling in - but with no rocks or reef under him to worry about dillon was going to try to catch some
the water was constantly changing colors
dillon did great
great action shot - thanks Karla
I do not have my own board (hoepfully that will change soon) so I borrowed Ro's to paddle around and hang out with dill (there is no chance I will ever catch a wave on his little board)
the water was amazing to watch as it changed
love this one with the beautiful sailboat in the background
haha - dill got caught a little side ways on this one
just hanging out together
dill and I had a great time - it was exciting to see him gain the confidence to go to a new spot and find some waves, learning how read them and give it a shot - it feels good to figure it all out on your own - to paddle hard and catch your own wave. I have really enjoyed getting out in the water with dill and ro and look forward to many, many more surf sessions together. This week we went back for another lesson and Ro caught some really beautiful waves - his eagerness to keep catching waves is kicking into gear (he is also happy just chill'n on his board in the middle of water). Yesterday I was so proud of the boys out on the reef - they really support each other - dill told ro "I saw you get that one - it was really big - good job" and vice versa from ro - this is what you always hope for with your kids - to see the loving support they give each other and at the same time enjoying one of natures most amazing gifts the ocean. Now the hard part is finding ways to record/photograph all this fun........Karla thank you so much for taking these photos, it means alot to me - so much fun to look at them and remember that fun day - I am going to do a post with all the great kid photos you took of the boys that day.
