Has anyone been surfing?

[makelab]

I have done a quick look through some of the boards, and have not seen anyone's comments on the surfing lessons at TL. Has anyone out there ever done it? Want to get some opinions before I make a reservation. Thanks.

Brian

 

[allforpooh]

My DD 17 took surfing lessons at TL July 2, and she loved it.

We had to be there at 5:45am and the class started at 6:30, that time was used to process the your charge card and walk to the wave pool.

There were 3 instructors and about 10 students. The students comprised of both male and female, along with a variety of ages from 12 to 60. Some of the students had surfed before, but most had not.

The instructors were from Coco Beach and very professional.

I was able to go and watch, but not swim.

We both felt it was worth it, she had never surfed before and was able to get up and stay up on the board by the end of the class.

Please let me know if you have other questions.

Denise

 

[makelab]

so, you think it would be too much for my 9 year old DS? i thought about including him, too. but, it might be a little too intense for him. he can swim well, but not for extended times.

 

[makelab]

also, the stuff i've read about it say it starts at 7:30am, but you say 6:30? and you have to get there early to do the other stuff? I guess that is so you end by 9am for the park opening, yes?

 

[Muffy]

Thanks for the info on the surfing at TL. I think you 13 y/o DD would enjoy this. She loves to boogy board so this would be fun for her. I'm going to look into it for our next trip!

 

[BounceyOne]

DS is doing this for his second time in august. He LOVED it! The first time he had to be there for 6:30 this time I was told 7:30.

He was 12 the first time and will be 13 this time.

 

[allforpooh]

Makelab,

I think letting your 9yr old would depend on the individual kid. I know by the time my DD 17yr (varisty soccer player) was done she was exhausted. She went back to the room and slept for 4hrs. Of course some 9yr olds have as much energy as a 17yr old.

If he was tired he could set out a couple of turns. I know on the day my DD went there was an older gentleman late 50's early 60's that skipped a couple of times.

As for the time, it might be 7:30am depending on the time of the year. When we were there it was a 2.5hr class and TL opened at 9:00 so we had to be done before the opening.

Denise

 

[allforpooh]

Makelab,

Thought I would add somemore info to help you decide.

You get there at 5:45am - around 6:00 once everyone is there they give you a form to sign -standard they are not at fault form. Once you sign they process you Credit Card and take your form.

It's now aroung 6:15, the CM then walks you to the wave pool at the top near the lifeguard stands and introduces everyone to the instructors.

The main instructor gives a brief history intro on their school and experience and introduces the 2 other instructors.

Then he goes on to explain how to position yourself on the board while it is on land, explains how to get up etc.

After that 2 of the instuctors take a board laying on the ground and have a student on each board - they go over the positioning again and let you try it a few times on land each with some suggestions.

Then you hit the water.

There are only 2 students in the water at a time on each side of the wave pool with an instuctor.

You start with the first instructor, try your first wave with their help starting you off. At the end where they tell you to take a dive you get back on your board and paddle to the other side.

This way you get 2 try's each time you are in the water. Once you are done with the second try/ride you exit out at the end of the wave pool and walk back up to the top where the other students are in line. Since there are about 10 students for each class you get some time to practice on land your positioning/ rest etc while you are waiting for your next turn.

They also have different size boards, and these are a type of training surf board which are not as heavy as a regular board.

Then at the end they give all of the students Certificates...

 

[makelab]

Allforpooh,

Thanks so much for the description.