Gina’s eyes welled up with tears. “What if I get hurt?”
“I don’ think you will,” I said. “The waves aren’t that big on this beach, and if you fall, you will land in the water.”
She blinked a few times in a row.
I smiled at her. “That’s part of learning. That’s why you wear the life vest. And I’m going to be right there with you the whole time.”
“You promise?” Gina asked.
I pulled her against me in a tight embrace. “I promise.”
Gina checked her life vest one more time before we waded out into the water.
Noah squeezed my hand before giving the board back to me.
Once we reached a safe distance, I positioned Gina on board, laying her down in front of me. She held onto the strap, her knuckles showing under her pale skin.
I glanced over a Noah. “Let’s wade here for a minute to get used to the water.”
Noah nodded. We were at a safe distance from each other so we wouldn’t bump, but I had the urge to bring him closer to me. Little did both of them know that I was nervous too. I wasn’t an expert by any means, but I wanted Gina to stay safe. Surfing was a way of life down here, and I didn’t want to ruin the experience for her by having a bad wipe-out the first run.
After a few minutes of wading and several encouraging words to the both of them, I spotted the perfect swell.
“All right, here we go,” I said.
Gina flattened herself against the board, and so did Noah.
“Start paddling,” I said to Noah.
I cupped my hands and paddled through the water as the swell reached us. Our speed picked up, and I jumped up onto my knees. The board moved swiftly through the water below us.
“Gina, sit up,” I said.
She got up onto her knees, and I grabbed her under her armpits to lift her up.
I felt her heart thrumming under my fingertips, matching my own racing one.
“Keep your feet grounded,” I encouraged.
I glanced at Noah who had already wiped out in the water.
“You can do it, Gina!” he called out to us.
“I’m doing it!” Gina said with a squeal of delight.
“You are,” I said. “Now, twist your body to the side. Yes, like that. Use your arms for balance.”
As the wave moved from under us toward the shore, our momentum slowed.
“I’m going to put you in the water now,” I said.
“Okay,” she said.
I lifted her and slowly dipped her into the water. I wanted to show her there was nothing to fear from falling, and how the life vest would keep her afloat. I held onto the board and hopped off too, making my way over to her. Her little feet treaded water like a pro.
She reached up to me and wrapped her arms around my neck. “I did it.”
“You did,” I said, unable to help the broad grin on my face. “I’m so proud of you.”