The following is a trip report from News 13 travel reporter Scott Fais. Read his thoughts from the field below.
My first attempt at surfing came when I was 16. We celebrated my parent’s 25th wedding anniversary in Hawaii. And when on Waikiki Beach and 16-years-old, you don’t want to return to Ohio without saying you got up on a surfboard.
Both my sister and I took a lesson from an older gentleman who appeared as if he spent his entire life on the beach. His ancient eyes looked like those of a tiger shark. And I am still not convinced there weren’t gills hiding under his tank top.
Besides providing surfing instruction, he offered these words of warning:
• Don’t fall too soon or the coral reefs would cut us to ribbons.
• Ride in too far or risk falling off and breaking a bone in the shallow water.
• If a shark approaches you, stop kicking and rest flat on the board.
• Also, watch out for jelly fish.
I remember fighting to stay away from the coral and keeping the saltwater out of my eyes more than I do getting up on the board.
Fortunately, there is a place in our big backyard where those worries are not a factor when learning to surf.
Many Americans and the British know Typhoon Lagoon for having one of the world’s largest wave pools. But what happens before the park opens makes this Tankful special. The waves in this cement pond are strong enough to surf on, and the instructor is an expert.
Craig Carroll is an icon in the surfing community. Laid back, humorous and down to earth, the man with salt and pepper hair and sporting an untucked shirt has spent more than 40 years surfing in the Cocoa Beach area (where sharks, jelly fish and salt water are all part of the turf).
Craig's surfing honors are many. Some include the 1993 East Coast Longboard Champion, member of the 1996 World Champion U.S. National Surfing Team and 1997 East Coast Kneeboard Champion.
Yet, it’s here on this man-made ocean where Carroll now spends time helping families and folks like me get a second chance to hang 10.
On the early morning I visited, two instructors joined Craig. Both treaded water in the deep end of the wave pool for more than two hours without taking a break.
Meanwhile, Carroll provided instructions to each student before, during and after their attempts to get up. I was continually impressed with how he quickly memorized everyone’s name. The personal attention makes each student feel good. I got up two times and was close to a third. Even when I would wipe out, Craig was quick to honor my attempt. The instructors in the water also take time while treading to share more tips and pointers.
Class sizes are traditionally limited to a dozen surfers. Many said not having to deal with the threat of sharks and salt water allowed them to concentrate on trying to ride a wave. And let’s be honest, when a swimmer or surfer gets bit by a shark, it becomes news you see here on your favorite local news channel (after all, that’s our job).
The session consists of a half hour of land drills followed by two hours in the water. Guests must use the soft sided surfboards that are provided, and everyone receives a diploma.
This is one Florida on a Tankful I would do again in a heartbeat and highly recommend. The experience would make a great graduation gift or Father’s Day experience. Yet, surfers must be 8-years-old or older.
Note: the price does not include admission to Typhoon Lagoon. Surfers wanting to stay for the day must purchase a ticket. (Also, since many of you who I have met through this forum live outside the state of Florida, take note. If you are staying on Disney property during your vacation, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the lessons, since Disney busses aren’t rolling at 5:45 a.m.).
Now for the back story. If you look at the photos in the slideshow above, you’ll quickly notice I am wearing a shirt and tie. On Labor Day, we presented a Florida on a Tankful called “Labor Day Escapes.” Fellow reporter Lauren Johnson and I “ran out” of the Bright House Networks’ Orlando news channel and challenged some of the Sunshine State’s newest water rides. The story had one of the best responses I have ever seen from viewers and newsroom managers alike. In fact, the North Central Florida chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists honored the story as one of the best Light Feature stories for 2006.
What happens when you have a hit in Hollywood? You make a sequel, and that’s what we attempted to do this week.
Still dressed in a shirt and tie, Lauren arranged for me to surf, while she learned to water ski.
We taped this story last fall. It’s been sitting in “the can” ever since (a TV term for “great content, but we’re not ready to share it yet.”). The same day we taped this story, Lauren Johnson lost her grandfather and took some time off. Soon after, I took on greater responsibilities at News 13 as we prepared for election season. Then I found myself immersed in producing News 13’s Christmas Eve special. Following the holidays, Typhoon Lagoon closed for almost three months for the park’s annual rehab. When Typhoon Lagoon re-opened, the decision was made to hold the story a while longer until Floridians returned to water and the temperature rose. Now, the time is right.
As for learning how to water ski, join us for this story on Memorial Day weekend. It’s something you and Lauren Johnson will soon not forget.
Until then, drive safe,
-Scott
Know of a place Scott Fais should visit “On A Tankful?” Drop him a line atsfais@cfnews13.com.