Surfing Week No 26 - First Time Surfing with Kalo Surf in Crete
Surfing lessons from 27 June to 3 July 2022
On Wednesday, 29 June 2022 we were able to resume our surfing activities, after a couple of days of heave wave. Extreme heat is caused by lack of wind. No wind off shore means no waves.
Luckily, the bay of Kissamos is a wave magnet and while the waves were moderate at the start of the lesson they gained power throughout and even became glassy - the surfers dream.
Everyone in our group attended a surfing lesson for the first time in their lives. Naturally, we started with the introduction of the safety rules and communication. Then we made ourselves familiar with the surfing equipment. In the first half of the lesson we learn how to catch waves on our own and to keep on gliding without stalling the board. Once we are comfortable with this, we learn how to pop up on the surfboard. Our participants today surfed many many waves on their own, repetition is key to progress in surfing.
On Thursday, 30 June 2022 we met as early in the morning as we could in order to catch the remaining wave from the swell of the previous day. Sarah and Burkhard continued practicing what they have learned in their first lesson. They were able to select and catch waves on their own and with surf coach Andy's help and ride them to the beach - no matter in what position. To catch the wave and keep up the flow is the most important aspect of surfing.
Saturday, 2 July 2022 brought steady waves to Kissamos, some mellow, some bigger and hollower with more power!
During both lessons - morning and afternoon - the participants first learned how to get used to the equipment together with safety rules and communication. Then they practiced catching waves on their own in the water. In the second half of the lesson it is always time to add the additional skill of popping up on the surfboard. Hennie and her family surfed for the second time with us today. They also learned paddling technique, sitting and turning around on the surfboard.
On Sunday, 3 July 2022 we finished off our week strong with a big and powerful swell - Kissamos bay at its finest. Our participants of the both lessons enjoyed the powerful push of the white water lines. Choice of wave was easier today, they were hard to miss! The ones that have surfed with us several times tried the technique for turning their surfboards for the first time today.
