Day 116: Lima, Peru

I’ve never met a surfer who was stressed out about anything. Carlos, a lawyer turned surf instructor, was certainly no different. We made our way down to the beach from town to a small tent right on the beach which serves as the Pukana Surfer School (http://www.pukanasurferschool.com). Standing around 5 feet tall with abs of steel and a big smile that never left his lips, Carlos went from being a serious teacher to a fun surfer buddy as he taught Saben the essentials of surfing. Although lessons are an hour($16 including wet suit and board), the first 15 minutes is serious on-land warm-up / practice. Then you get your magnormous long board especially for first timers and it’s time to get wet. Having absolutely no interest in surfing herself, Lin was enlisted as photographer for the day, chronicling Saben’s attempts at surfing.

Saben and his crazy long... long board

Admittedly, it was pretty boring to watch for a while with all the paddling back and taking breaks for Carlos’ continued beginner’s tips. But as soon as Saben caught his first wave (2nd attempt, thank you very much!), spectating became much more exciting!

Saben and Carlos paddling out

Saben actually surfing!

Saben surfing

Of course Saben felt a rush when he realized, ”Hey! I’m really standing!” which was immediately followed by, ”Ok, now what?!”

One more...

After half an hour, Saben began to feel why Carlos is really buff. It’s all that damned paddling! By the end of an hour in the water, Saben was dragging and relieved for the end of the lesson. Exiting the water with a nicly broken toe from a bailout that landed him hard on the rocks.

Extremely white Saben and Carlos

He could paddle no more, not even when Carlos offered free rental later in the afternoon if Saben wanted to come back for more. As much as he wanted to, his arms refused, remaining in a limp gellatanous state all day long after pounding the tough waves at Miraflores. Saben had an awesome time with the very awesome Carlos and Lin can now proudly say she dates a surfer!