Welcome to Cape Town. The sun is shining and surf’s up - time to Hang Ten! I have never been surfing and before this expedition I knew very little about the sport.

Well, now I can say that I am hooked! For today’s excursion we went to the town of Muizenberg to Gary’s Surf School. The drive took about 45 minutes along the winding coast line. It was a perfect way for us to see Cape Town - probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in my life.

At the beach in Muizenburg, we met with Gary Kleinhans, a professional surfer, instructor, and the owner of Gary’s Surf School. Gary calmed any fears I had of sharks and some of the nervousness I had about falling off the board. My fellow explorers, Henry and Meredith, suited up with me and grabbed some boards. We joined Gary on the beach for a quick lesson before giving it a go in the water. Sarah, Ilana, and Jenny did not give surfing a try because they had to film and photograph today. I am sure that they got a good laugh watching us.

Gary’s last words, before heading out into the ocean, were “Keep positive thoughts. 90% of surfing is in your head.” With that in my mind, I took to the water. 

On the first try, I was anxious and fell off the board almost immediately. However, on the second try I remembered what Gary had said. I did not rush. I took a deep breath, focused on the board...and what do you know? I was surfing!

What an exhilirating day!

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