I slept a little longer last night more consistently even though I only got about 5 hours of sleep. The only activity I had planned for the day was a Beginner 1 windsurfing lesson and a Beginner 2 windsurfing lesson with Jibe City. Yesterday on the Combii Tour we actually stopped right near this area so I got a chance to see where I’d be going. I left around 9:40am to give myself more time to make it to my 10:30am lesson (each one is 2 hrs long).

     I arrive with no issues and check in at their shop paying my $50 fee for the Beginner 1 lesson. I met up with 5 other people (4 were a family: mother, father, son and daughter and another guy who said his friend previously did it) who were also taking the lesson and the instructor showed us in the sand first how to properly position ourselves on the surfboard, how to grab the sail and hold it for movement. It’s very much like landsailing but instead of sitting in a kart, you’re standing on a surfboard. Both involve the use of a rope and holding a steering bar.

     Once you’re on the board and balanced you grab the rope and pull it towards you (our instructor suggested that we look to our left once we have it upright with the left hand on the long middle bar and our right behind on the other side of the sail). With the sail being fully upright and looking to the left then move your left hand beside your right hand on the other side while maintaining your balance. If this is done correctly you will begin to surf towards the left.

     We were instructed to avoid certain areas which were roped off and were told to try not to run into anyone. If we needed to slow down/stop we just had to let go of the sail and let it fall. The rules are fairly easy but as we all learned it takes a bit of practice to find your balance once on the water. We each demonstrated the proper technique on land then headed to the water. The water is only waist deep and the furthest it came up to me was right under my chest. I asked if they took photos and videos of us while we did it and he said no (well there goes that, because I was not taking my phone out there). The mom said this was her 3rd time to Bonaire and she saw 7 year olds doing this so she was determined this time to try it.

     We got out in the water and the first few attempts we all fell off. I fell off so many times I lost track (lol) but I got in a good 8-9 complete surfs. Each good complete surf includes getting on and surfing a good distance right before the restricted area then falling off and bringing the board back to a good starting point. There were a few times where I’d be on and I’d be going and then here comes someone getting in my way and I have to drop the sail to avoid a collision (by the way it was very busy during that time). There were also times where I’d have a good surf going but I got too close to the restricted area in which I then lowered the sail and jumped off. Our instructor at one point came to us and told us we had another hour and that he was going back to shore so he wouldn’t be out there; he told us to just keep practicing.

     I can honestly say I spent a good deal of time navigating myself further out in the water as to avoid the restricted area which was closer inland and to the left. My first few attempts landed me in the very salty waters (sometimes even under the board or sail so I’d have to swim around them). When I did my 1st surf I felt so accomplished as I ended up learning with time the best method and stance that worked for me. We all checked on each other while out in the water and while everyone fell everyone also ended up getting a few surfs in. 

     There was a middle area with employees stationed on them if someone ended up needing help in the water a little further out. With each attempt at getting on the board my left hip got sore and I would give myself a few seconds to recoup after falling off before getting back on. At one point to avoid colliding into someone coming toward me I went to drop my sail but lost my balance and fell backwards with it (that’s when I hurt my knee, not enough to stop fully but I had to give myself a moment). 

     After a brief pause out in the water, I kept going even though now my hip and knees were feeling it. I had the concept and wanted to get in a few more good surfs before calling it a day.  The mom, the other guy and myself were the three that stayed out on the water an extra 30 mins as the father, son and daughter tapped out after about 2 hours. Our instructor had told us we could stay out there as long as we wanted and when he said that I knew I wasn’t going to do the Beginner 2 lesson as the Beginner 1 was enough for me and I would just keep practicing. 

     The mom and I encouraged each other on as we saw each other get in some good surfs (she ended up tapping out before myself and the other guy). We went about another 10 minutes and agreed once we got in one more good surf we’d call it quits. Once we did that we headed inland (and I made sure my last surf was a long one so it took me a while to drag it back inland). I handed the board and sail over to an employee and then used the shower to rinse myself off. Wearing swimshoes during the lesson came in handy because even though by now I was hurting I’m sure my feet would’ve been too if I were barefoot. (At one point out in the water I had to take off and empty my shoe as sand and little hard rocks got in it and I could feel it pinching me as I walked in the water).

     I definitely wasn’t doing the 2nd lesson so I dried off as best as I could but it was a hot sunny day so I wasn’t too worried. I put my dress on over my swimsuit, eyed my hair (yes it was looking crazy) and went to the shop to get my things. I wanted to stop by an Inn to see if they sold calendars of Bonaire and when I did she said they did but they’ve been out and everywhere else in which it is sold has been out. There were some books in the dive store onsite but not exactly what I was looking for. 

     I went to Kralendijk’s shopping district again (it was dead today as there’s no cruise ship) and checked a few stores and then decided to just go and get food because by now it was the afternoon and I was hungry). I’ve been wanting a fish dish specifically red snapper and looked up a place called Mi Banana Bar Restaurant (they had good reviews and affordable prices). I found it with no problems but almost collided with a truck when trying to park (to be fair my signal was the other way but the truck was on my trunk as I stopped to turn). As I turned the other way the truck went around and was now right where I was turning. If it weren’t for me stopping quickly it would’ve been bad with the speed the truck switched lanes (thank God). 

     I just sat in the car for a minute and thought people here have no patience, they drive up on you or go around you with speed. Then I realized there are no real lines in the street and there are quite a few roundabouts. It’s Friday and I just realized there are no traffic lights. I went in to order my food and was planning to eat there but she prepped my food to go. As I was waiting I checked in for my flight and realized I’m leaving earlier than I thought. Timing everything I’ll probably have to leave my Scuba diving lesson an hour early in the morning so I can get to the airport in time. I had planned to bring my things with me anyway but realizing this disappointed me (I wanted all my alloted time-but who knows that may be all the time I really need; doesn’t matter because it’s all I’m going to get).

     I checked emails and texts and tried to get some paperwork done as I waited. Once I got my food I got in the car and headed to Rincon to my Airbnb (it was nearly 3pm already). I wanted to get gas today so I wouldn’t have to worry about it tomorrow (especially since they only have 4 and I’ve only seen 2). I passed donkeys, goats and even a big hog along the way. After gassing up I arrived and tried to de-sand my swim shoes some more and clear the little bit of sand that got in the car (I remember the car rental guy saying they will charge you if sand is in the car). 

     I could feel the soreness creep in everytime I had a period of rest and then needed to move and as I entered the Airbnb I was hurting. I put everything down and sat and ate a little bit, then I took a real shower (which actually helped some with the soreness). I put some Vicks on my left hip and both knees and put on both my knee compressions sleeves. I took 2 Tylenol, laid down and eventually fell asleep around 6:30pm. I woke up at 9:00pm feeling like that was the best sleep I got since I’ve been here and still felt a little sore but not as much as before. 

     All that’s left to do now is pack up my things and get ready to check-out tomorrow. I hate the fact that I have a late check-out time at the Airbnb (5pm) and won’t even be able to take advantage of it (because you know check-out is usually 11am). Nevertheless, I enjoyed my stay here and I will definitely leave Ruby a good review (who also tried helping me find a Bonaire book). My last activity begins at 8:30am tomorrow and by 10:30am I’ll have to get ready to dip to head to the airport so I can be ontime for my flight. Jetblue sent a message saying weather in New York might be a factor tomorrow and offered fee waivers to leave earlier (they must be getting snow or something). That’s all for today, let me pack eat the rest of my food and go to bed.