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We ate a lot on the day, so went to do some exercise! We jumped in the car and went to a learn how to surf at "Run'a wave," a surf shop in Okagaki.
The scenery that you can enjoy going from Munakata to Okagaki is really impressive, and the sea along that stretch is beautiful.

In truth, before arriving at the lesson, I had been really worried what kind of person the instructor would be. But as soon as we met the two instructors on the beach my concerns completely disappeared. They both greeted me with a smile and were both warm, friendly people. What's more, one of the instructors was a champion at the 2014 national short board championships. I was so lucky to have him as a teacher.



After the warm-up on the beach, we were shown how to paddle on the board and then stand up. Then we headed into the water!
Straight away I got on the surfboard and began to paddle. Then as soon as I'd tried to ride a wave on my board, my mindset changed. The instructor gave me some advice and said that I should relax my body and start off by just getting on the board on my stomach. I then got used to it and somehow became able to paddle. And then finally I was able to stand up! It was pretty difficult! I had tried a few times and fell as soon as I'd stood up. But thanks to the continued encouragement from my instructor, after about 5 or 6 times I was able to stand up pretty smoothly. It was just such an awesome feeling and a real sense of accomplishment! I really came to enjoy surfing and definitely want to do it again!

At Hatsu Beach there is an Okagaki-machi Tourist Station called "Hokuto-shichisei (Big Dipper)," which is a facility that has hot water showers and coin operated lockers that you can use for 100 yen. It's really convenient!