3 LESSONS LEARNED FROM SURFING WITH MY DAUGHTER AT 40+ YEARS OLD
Learning to surf with my oldest daughter - Demi Stroumboulis (7), with dad (41). Surfs up!
“What I try to practice daily with my kids is to be a kid myself, have fun with them on their level, then push along life lessons in this state. ”
I have to admit that I am an adrenaline junkie and I'm always looking for the next excitement, thrill or experience that leaves a smile on my face and a memory for life. So, in creating an environment similar for my daughters, I took my daughter to a surf camp in Newport Beach, California last year that really opened my eyes.
Dimitra learned from some of the coolest and best surfers California has to offer. Being in the water with her was important for me as she was only 6 years old at the time and very intimidated by the waves on her 1st day. Shoot, I was nervous for her too as I grew up in Canada with zero waves in sight.
But I never got on a surfboard during last year’s camp. Fast forward to the end of that week, my daughter was catching her own waves and loving it. Showing me how fearless she really is.
One year later, my daughter begged to do the surf camp again. 10 minutes into the camp I asked the main instructor, “can I join too?”. Mind you I'm 41 years old, and the next oldest participant was about 12 years old. They were very supportive to have me join. And I was so excited and nervous to get in there.
3 lessons from this experience stick out:
1. BE A KID WITH YOUR KIDS
It can be a major challenge trying to balance being a parent, setting boundaries, enforcing rules and still connecting with your kids. I have found that the best way to communicate with my kids and while passing along life lessons, is by creating a fun environment where they see me having fun with them. The respect grows stronger and when I need to discipline (and I definitely need to with 3 daughters), they immediately listen. Be a kid, it is good for your soul.
2. TRY SOMETHING NEW - EVERY DAY
Easier said than done. And it seems like a major challenge to do this daily, but seriously try something new and different every day. If you have kids, try it with them as you will find that learning something new, together, is an incredible bonding experience. If you do not have kids, do it with a friend, a spouse… your pet. And, it can be something as simple as ordering a different style of coffee, taking an alternate route home, or whatever. Doing this pushes you to think a little differently and that is good for the mind.
3. IT’S OK TO BE VULNERABLE
I often times like to show my kids that I do not know everything about everything. I like being able to learn something new with them or asking something that we both want to learn about so we can research it together. This shows that we are human, we need to learn daily, regardless of our ages. Surfing was exactly that. At first I felt that my daughter was embarrassed that I wanted to surf. By the third day, she saw I was talking and joking with the coaches, the kids and just having fun. I converted her from being embarrassed to feeling proud.
I had some pretty cool instructors that had patience and taught me everything I needed to know to get up and capture some waves. As I always do, asking a million questions to understand the dynamics, the physics and the details needed to be a decent surfer. I can honestly say I got a pretty good grasp to at least not embarrass myself.
Going back and forth from my lessons to watching my daughter was such an experience that I will always remember. Check out some of the photos and action shots. We even brought out Dimitra’s younger sisters to experience this with us. Needless to say, we have developed a new hobby that we both love... hang ten?!
We brought out the littles ones to get a little taste of what surfing is about - Viviana and Evangelia.
First week ever surfing. Love it!
Dimitra doing what she does best - being competitive!
Figuring this thing out, one wave at a time.
Embodying this surf culture while trying to not get stung by a sting ray.
ABOUT THE SURF CAMP: If you ever catch yourself in Newport Beach, California, make sure to take this camp that is offered right at the main pier. It is called Endless Sun Surf Camp and the team is very experienced and fun.
Established in 1963, Endless Sun Surf School is Newport Beach's original surf school. We've taught thousands of people, of all ages and abilities, how to surf, at one of California's best learning beaches, the Newport Pier. Our CPR-certified teachers are also professional surfers who have an in-depth knowledge of the sport and a passion that they wish to share with you! We always provide wetsuits and surfboards for all sizes. Voted Orange County's BEST SURF CAMP for many years in a row (Parenting OC Magazine)! Established in 1963, Endless Sun has taught thousands of people of all ages how to surf; and is family owned and operated by Tim and Amy Reda, WSL professional surfers who are both extremely knowledgeable and passionate about surfing. In this camp, professional surf instructors will teach kids and adults of all levels how to surf or improve their surfing, at a fun and very safe, beginner beach. Your time with us is spent in the water, gaining skills and confidence. Students will learn ocean awareness, safety, paddling techniques, how to catch and ride waves, how to turn, surf etiquette, and more. We can't wait for another amazing summer! Beach instruction includes water safety and surfing etiquette plus proper "pop-up" and paddling technique. By the end of the first day students will be putting all of the learned components together, catching and riding your first waves! As the week progresses you will develop your skill level and water awareness, and by week's end your goal is to independently judge, catch and ride waves with progressing maneuvers. Comraderie in the water and the excitement of advancement will be a life changing experience for you! This class is intended for anyone age 6 & above (Adults love to join in too!).
