Saroj Surkheti
Intro
Since childhood, watching surfing on television always sparked a dream inside me. Growing up in landlocked Nepal, the ocean felt so far away and impossible to reach. But life brought me to Japan, for further study where the dream I once only imagined finally came true. I took one day lesson of surfing in Kamakura from Sakura Surf & Sports . It was a beginner first course so i paid around 6,600 yen. If you want detail then you can click above mentioned link.
There, I met Mike from the U.S.A., a fellow solo traveler with an adventurous spirit. He had come to Japan not only to work as an English teacher but also to experience the culture, traditions, and everyday life of Japan more closely. Since we both joined the surf class alone, we naturally started talking and quickly became friends. Sharing the same excitement, nervousness, and curiosity about surfing made it easy for us to connect. Even though we came from different countries and backgrounds, our love for travel and new experiences brought us together like old friends.
Introducing New Surf Leaner
At first, I thought Mike and I were the only complete beginners at Sakura Surf, which made me feel a little nervous and shy. But when our guide introduced us to the rest of the group, I felt relieved and much more comfortable because we were not the only newcomers. There were people from different countries, including Japanese, Korean, and Canadian all gathered with the same excitement to learn surfing. It was amazing to see how surfing brought together people from different cultures and backgrounds, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Surf Lesson In Kamakura
Before heading to the beach, we spent some time choosing our surfboards from the many boards available at the surf shop. It was exciting to pick one for ourselves, especially as beginners trying something completely new. While selecting the boards, the instructors also taught us the proper and easiest way to hold and carry them, which made us feel more confident before entering the water. After that, we walked together toward the beach under the bright sunny sky. The weather was absolutely perfect for surfing, and the fresh sea breeze, warm sunlight.
Lesson From Standing To Navigating
Thanks to Sakura Surf, we were provided with an English-speaking instructor, which made the whole experience much easier and more comfortable for us. He was extremely friendly, energetic, and always encouraging everyone with a big smile. During the land lesson, he patiently taught us the basics of surfing, like how to catch a good wave, when to flow with it, the right moment to stand on the board, and even how to change direction while riding. Watching and practicing on the sand made everything look surprisingly easy, and for a moment, I felt very confident that I could do it perfectly in the water.
Demonstration Surfing In Sea
The land lesson was very easy to understand, and after practicing on the sand, I honestly thought surfing would be simple for me. But once I entered the water, I realized I was completely wrong. I had to practice again and again just to balance myself properly. Many times, I could not even stand on the board and would fall into the water within seconds. Like every beginner, catching the right wave was one of the hardest parts for me. Still, I kept trying without giving up because of the saying, “practice makes a man perfect.” After several attempts, I finally managed to stand on the board and float with the wave, and that moment felt truly amazing and rewarding.
Sharing Surf Experience With In A Group
After surfing, I felt incredibly fresh and happy despite being physically tired. I spent some time walking around the beach, enjoying the peaceful view of the ocean and the cool sea breeze. Later, all the beginner surfers gathered together to eat some snacks and share our funny experiences from the day. Everyone was laughing and talking about their struggles in the water, and some even joked about accidentally drinking sea water while falling from the board. The atmosphere was full of fun, laughter, and positive energy. Although my whole body felt exhausted after hours of surfing, my heart felt completely satisfied. After snacks, we slowly said goodbye and went our separate ways, carrying beautiful memories and countless photos in our phones and cameras — memories that I know will bring smiles to our faces whenever we look back at them in the future.
Pros And Cons For Surf Beginner
Pros for Surf Beginners
- Fun and exciting new experience
- Great way to enjoy nature and the ocean
- Helps improve balance and confidence
- Opportunity to meet new people from different countries
- Amazing feeling once you successfully ride a wave
Cons for Surf Beginners
- Harder than it looks in the beginning
- Difficult to balance and stand on the board
- Catching the right wave takes time and practice
- Falling into the water repeatedly can feel frustrating
- Physically tiring for first-time surfers
Practical Tips for Beginners
- Listen carefully during land lessons
- Start with a beginner-friendly surfboard
- Stay relaxed and don’t panic in the water
- Practice balance and timing patiently
- Don’t give up after falling many times
- Keep practicing because confidence grows with experience
- Enjoy the learning process instead of expecting perfection immediately
Location To Go Kamakura
Kamakura is located about 50 km south of Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is a popular coastal town known for its beaches, temples, and surfing culture.
Travel Time from Tokyo to Kamakura
- By Train: Around 1 to 1.5 hours
- From Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station, you can take the JR Yokosuka Line directly to Kamakura Station.
- By Car: Around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Kamakura is one of the favorite day-trip destinations from Tokyo because it offers a mix of ocean views, historic temples, and a relaxed atmosphere.
My Thought
Surfing in Japan was more than just learning a new sport for me — it was a dream from my childhood finally coming true. From falling again and again to finally standing on the board, every moment became a beautiful memory. The experience, the people I met, and the happiness I felt by the ocean will always stay close to my heart.
