SurfXCape

1. How would you describe yourself — especially in terms of sensitivity or anxiety?

Christine: I consider myself a highly sensitive person (HSP) – I get easily overwhelmed by noise, light, smell, too many people around me, you name it. That very often creates anxiety, anticipating a situation might become overstimulating, which then also puts me into overdrive.

2. What made you consider trying surfing in the first place?

Christine: Honestly, I just thought it’s cool! 😀
But I had also tried skating once and I was so afraid of falling and hurting myself, so when I was in Muizenberg, I thought that’s the perfect opportunity to try surfing instead.

3. What helped you feel safe and supported during your first lesson with Mbuso?

Christine: I told him I was afraid of open waters and the waves, especially the current. He calmly noted it and told me we would just go step by step, it’s not deep where we go and he’s close all the time, so nothing can happen to me.
When we were in the water, he was in complete control over the board and I had nothing to worry about. He told me what to do in order to collaborate and also told me what I did great. Then he always always always told me to take my time before he pushed me on the wave. He said “the next wave is yours! You ready? And remember: Take. Your. Time.” – which I did (at least after the second or third time he said it haha).

4. How did you feel during your first surf lesson? Physically and emotionally?

Christine: I was very nervous, I was shaking. I had so much respect for the waves! They are so strong, or at least they feel very strong. And I guess, they are – you just need to learn how to manage that strength. I learned how to navigate the board over a wave when going out (well, he did most of the work, he told me to relax), I tried to feel the board and learn to balance, feel the waves, the movement of the ocean and synced with it. Which I did. And I actually managed to stand up in the first session! That felt very empowering! 

5. What surprised you the most about the experience?

Christine: I was super surprised about how good I felt afterwards, not even kidding! I was extremely exhausted because, let’s be honest, it IS very challenging – but in a good way! But especially as an HSP you gotta make sure to get some carbs and rest in afterwards. I really enjoyed that type of exhaustion. And after a little bit of rest I was super energized which surprised me even more, like kinda hyped. 

6. Would you recommend surfing to other HSPs or people with anxiety? Why or why not?

Christine: I would definitely recommend it, I think it can help you a lot in your personal journey of growth and learning how to deal with your gift. It can feel like a burden sometimes but you actually can make it work to surf and enjoy it. You gotta be a bit careful to not get overstimulated, so I would advice to:

– not put any sunblock on the forehead (it will run down your face, into your eyes and burn – the saltwater is already enough of a challenge)
– prepare yourself mentally to not be laying under a blanket in a stimulus-free zone
– eat a healthy, carby meal about 3h before going in and a carby snack (like a banana) about 30mins before going in – this way you have the energy to focus and digest everything that’s happening around you
– don’t put too much pressure on yourself: no super high goals like “I wanna be able to stand right away”. Sometimes not getting frustrated is already a win! Try to enjoy the calm rhythm of the ocean and the space of the horizon
– I personally don’t go in longer than 45mins but that’s my personal limit

7. Any advice you’d give someone nervous about their first surf lesson?

Tell you coach about it. Tell him what your nervous about and why. He will be able to handle it and adjust the session accordingly, make sure that you feel ok throughout the session, he’s prepared for it.