Surfing was a flop. Mark, it turned out, was petrified of the waves, so our birthday surfing safari at the famous Muizenberg Beach ended in tears. To be fair, the waves were pretty rough, so we ended up eating huge ice creams near the colourful swim huts at Surfers Corner instead. Birthday saved.
It was therefore with some trepidation that I arranged to go SUP boarding for his 9th birthday. I figured with flat, calm water, what could go wrong? Well it turns out I am not a natural. I can paddle and I can balance, but I can’t do both at the same time. I spent half the time in the water, hanging onto the board! Luckily, Mark is far sportier than his old mum, and he and his friend took to it like, well, fish to water. SUP boarding a Muizenberg at the lagoon was a hit.
Considering my disastrous first SUP experience, I was determined to get back on the board. The canals at the V&A Waterfront seemed like the perfect place for it. The canals are quiet and calm, with gorgeous views of Table Mountain as you gently paddle downstream. A few kayakers glided past and my only wobble came when the Sightseeing Canal Cruiser came past and I tried to wave to the friendly tourists. Not my best moment!
