(Posted on my Friendster blog:March 18,2008)
If at first you don’t succeed … don’t try wakeboarding.
I may be a wuss when it comes to horror flicks, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to try out new stuff that would be challenging – physically challenging, that is. I love the beach and basking in the sun (which explains my exotic color) but I never imagined myself doing something which is more than just getting a tan and dehydrating my then dehydrated skin.
I thought I was tough enough to ride the waves and be physically fit enough to stand on the first day of trying out this new sport. Reality proved me wrong the moment I was in the water with my vest and board. It was a fine day and the ocean was in the mood to watch us make our “splats”. On my first try, I heard all my inner demons say the “f” and the “s” word. My instructor was glad to see me alive. 5 more tries and I was almost able to stand up but my arms were too weak to resist the pull of the boat and I was too stubborn to make that “lean back” stance. I sucked at it. I really did.
I was able to recharge after 2 hours of rest. I thought I am tougher this time… gone were my inner swearing but here comes the energy drain. I did more than 10 tries that day and I had lost all the energy to make a reasonable grip or stand up for 2 seconds on my board. I was too eager to stand and ride the wake but I think I wasn’t fit enough to do it. My instructor told me to use the dumbbells to add power to my arms. My alter ego and I agreed to her suggestion.
It was a humbling experience. Wakeboarding made me realize that failing on your first 20 tries should not be an excuse for not trying it again. I had fun and I never thought I’d be able to do such sport. I appreciated the fact that I am a woman with limitations but that did not stop me from doing what I should be doing – in this case, riding the wake. My arms may be weak but my soul and passion isn’t.
So, would I still try wakeboarding after failing, getting bruises, and experiencing exaggerated muscle pains? A sure shot “YES” will be my answer. I am more than willing to experience such humiliation and exhaustion all over again just for the sake of doing something that makes me happy. I will have a picture of myself riding the waves soon… Quitting is and will never be my option! 
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