Along for the ride
What I love about school holidays is the lack of routine; no lunch boxes to make, busy schedules to keep up with and the thing I dread the most; smelly sports gear to wash. I think breaks are necessary, not so much for the kids but for all the hardworking parents who do the constant juggle throughout the school year. The one challenge though that the long Christmas break brings is keeping our overactive children entertained.
Our 11 year old Dayne, who loves trying new things recently showed a keen interest to learn how to surf. My husband Lance, being the hands on Dad that he is thought it would be a perfect opportunity for them both to have some bonding time during the holidays and tackle the training together. The boys enrolled in a week of intensive lessons with Robbie Sherwell’s XL Surfing Academy. If you’re a local then I’m sure Robbie Sherwell doesn’t need much of an introduction. Robbie has had an impressive career as an internationally acclaimed surfer, is much respected and just an all-round top guy. The surf school is based on the beach in Mooloolaba and the crew of trainers led by Robbie’s equally talented Wife Carlene are professional, passionate about what they do and most of all, make it fun!
Being the over-protective- fun-police kind of Mum that I am couldn’t help myself but be beachside to watch the classes every day. It was fascinating to observe the precision with how the coaches moved through each important step of the training process. Once the students, not just kids but several adults as well made their way into the water each day I was awe of the focus on safety and the fact that there were a large amount of trainers to keep a watchful eye on the group. There was also a strong focus on the individual meeting their goals depending on skill level. Team leader Carlene kept everyone motivated with constant words of encouragement and guidance. The academy offers a large range of surf lessons for all ages and I’d highly recommend you giving it a try. I think sometimes when you live in this beautiful part of the world it’s easy to forget all of the great things on offer to do during the school holidays right on our own doorstep.
It was an awesome feeling to watch my son and husband smile, laugh and high five each other during their week of surf lessons. Dayne’s confidence grew a lot from the experience and it was wonderful to see him develop a new interest. One of the things Lance and I value most as parents is investing time into our children. Experiences like these are what memories are made of.