A new wetsuit, and no more excuses

Monday, October 28, 2013
So, I bought myself a wetsuit last week. It was on sale, and then another 30% off the sale, so it was a bargain that I couldn't refuse. I have a surfboard, we live across the road from the beach, and now with this wetty purchase I have eliminated all of my excuses for not getting back out surfing again. It feels like a long time since I've surfed. I spent a lot of my childhood on the beach, I've been around the ocean for as long as I can remember and I feel like it's such a big part of who I am. Sunday mornings growing up were often family surf days that finished with us begging Dad to buy us pies and sausage rolls from the local shop. I was never a great surfer by any means, but I could stand up and kind of bottom turn, ride the wave and that was about it. I'm sure now though that most of that basic skill has been lost, I'll be lucky if I can even paddle out with these jelly arms, and if I stand up at all it will be a slow clamber rather than a 'pop up'. But I have to start back somewhere right. I miss sitting out in the ocean and just bobbing around waiting for the waves (and scanning for sharks eeeek), I miss that exhilarating feeling when the strength of the wave propels you forward, the feeling of the waves crashing over you when you duck dive and the sense of relief when you actually make it down the face without wiping out.


But these days I have to keep reminding myself that just because I have small children and I'm demand breastfeeding, doesn't mean I have to give up all the stuff I once loved, I don't have to become boring old Mum. I find it is easy to get caught up in the day to day mundain tasks and put the things I want to do in the 'too hard' basket. I need to keep getting out, living life, and enjoying it. I need to challenge myself and do some things just for me, just because I enjoy them, and just because I'm tired and life is demanding shouldn't stop me from tackling things full on and having adventures!
Do you ever feel the same? And, is there something you've been wanting to get back into, start up or challenge yourself with since becoming a parent?






8 comments on "A new wetsuit, and no more excuses "
  1. Karen, I would love to learn to surf but I have no sense of balance. The only thing holding me up is gravity. I know-excuses, excuses!! I wish I could balance my "me" time with the kids or family time. It often seems all or nothing at the moment. Best of luck riding the waves x

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  2. Good for you! I have a wetsuit that I whip out once or twice a year to go waterskiing, which was a huge part of my past. And so was being in the surf, but I haven't been in for years, I just stand knee-deep watching my 3 year olds splash around in the shallows. Which is nice, but I might have to take the plunge this summer. I hope you enjoy getting back into it!! xx

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  3. How wonderful that you used to have family surf days! I have to say I'm a little bit envious! We moved to Busselton a little under two years ago and I've been longing to learn how to surf, but so far pregnancy number two and breastfeeding on demand has put that dream on pause for a while. I think the first step is always the hardest though, isn't it? If I find someone who's got some time to teach me then after I've got out there the first time, I think it would get easier from there on. I'd be stoked if I could just stand up on a board even just once in my life! Good luck with getting back into surfing - I bet you'll feel amazing because of it :)

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  4. Hi Karen, I'm planning to get back into surfing this summer too. I used to be crazy keen but then babies happened and I've only been out a handful of times over the past couple of years. I find my ribs and neck get super sore when I haven't been out for a while and even when you're fit, it is something entirely different to be surfing fit. Good luck with it! I look forward to hearing how you go! Kate at www.quittingthequickfix.com coming through from FYBF x

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  5. just had a look at your about me page and we seem to have a lot in common. I'm married to an American, got married at 21 and moved to the States (Ohio) but didn't last to long cause of the family and ocean call :) I'm just on the other side of the country though (Gold Coast). Glad to have found you!!

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  6. Go for it! I have wanted to get back into ju jitsu for ages, since not long after having my now 19 month old. But I haven't been able to find the time, the money or the motivation. Maybe you'll inspire me!

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  7. What!! We have sooo much in common, how come we are not friends already!! I'm so glad you found me too!! xx

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  8. I haven't gone out yet, but I am sooo not even fit never mind surfing fit, it will be a HUGE shock to the system I know!! Oh the rib pain, I forgot about that!!!

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