Sammy stood on the golden beach, his eyes wide with excitement. Today, he was going to surf for the very first time.
He clutched his new surfboard, a gift from his parents for his eighth birthday. 'It's just the right size for you,' his mom had said.
His surf instructor, Mr. Kai, smiled at him. 'Ready to catch some waves, Sammy?' he asked.
Sammy nodded, but he felt a flutter in his stomach. The sea looked big and the waves sounded loud.
They practiced on the sand first. 'Paddle like this,' Mr. Kai demonstrated. 'And pop up like this!'
Sammy copied Mr. Kai, paddling on the sand. But when he tried to pop up, he wobbled and fell.
'That's okay,' Mr. Kai encouraged him. 'It's all part of learning. The sea teaches us to keep trying.'
With Mr. Kai by his side, Sammy paddled into the water. 'Wait for a gentle wave,' said Mr. Kai.
A small wave came, and Sammy paddled hard. 'Now, pop up!' Mr. Kai shouted.
With all his might, Sammy pushed up and stood on his board. He was surfing! He could hardly believe it.
The wave carried him back to the beach. Sammy's heart raced with joy. 'I did it, Mr. Kai! I surfed a wave!'
Mr. Kai smiled proudly. 'I knew you could do it. Surfing is like life; you'll fall, but you always get back up.'
Reflection Questions