Hi all and welcome back to Cintsa
The guys have really been working hard during this section of the trip. After the relaxed vibe of J-Bay it was time to get back down to business and focus on the more serious side of the course and get trained and ready for all the various assessments that await our crew in Durban.
On Sunday we did our Rider Diary session with the group where the guys got their lecture topics for their presentations. As part of the Surf Instructor’s qualification the group are required to present a lecture on a particular topic relating to surfing. Some of the topics include, Considerations when buying a new surfboard, Safety in surfing from a coach’s point of view and different kinds of surf breaks. Once a rider has his topic he then needs to research the subject and compile a 10-minute presentation that will be assessed by Dene Botha in Durban.
Earlier on in the day the group also got in some lifeguard training doing beach runs and swims to prepare them for their SPA lifeguard awards. As part of the course riders are required to perform a number of physical exercises within a certain time limit to ensure that they are fit enough to qualify for their award. It wasn’t all hard work though as the group got involved in some touch rugby on the beach as well.
In the evening we all decided to hit the water and get in some surfing time. We split the group and half the guys stayed with Nikki to surf the Cintsa beach break while the rest came with me to check out Yellow Sands just down the road. It was a classic end to a really busy day and it was no surprise then to see everyone turn in for an early night.
On Monday we decided to head into the city to do our timed swims at the East London pools. It’s been a little while since we were last in the pool, but the guys put on some good times with vast improvements by most even in the longer 50m pool. We followed up the swims with a little swim training, just to work on some technique and breathing before we headed back to Cintsa.
Yesterday we decided to give the timed swim another bash and headed back into East London for the morning session. After the swims it was time for some more fun as Steve taught us all how to play water polo. It’s an intense game and one that takes a lot out of you but it was so much fun and a real good way for us to keep fit in the water. Before we headed back Pat stunned the crowds with his springboard diving skills. He put on quite a show and very soon he had the rest of us trying to imitate his acrobatics, but to no avail.
Back in Cintsa and we decided to head out for an evening surf at a spot called Glen Eden. The waves weren’t the best we’ve ever seen, and the wind was quite strong, but even so, some of the guys managed to get in some really good rides despite the challenging conditions. Such is the way of these things – sometimes you do some of your best surfing in the worst conditions.
This morning we decided to make use of the clear skies and sun shine and headed back to Yellow Sands for the day. The waves have been really clean and fun so everyone’s been in there giving it a go.
Tomorrow is our last day in Cintsa before we make our way further into the heart of the Transkei. But more on that next time.
Till then.
Take care,
Bevan and Nikki.