STOKING THE ROOKIES

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A SURF INSTRUCTOR?

I have an understanding and deep passion for the ocean. And I thought it was a good way to make money before I set off on my travels.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO AND WHERE?

I did the ISA Level 1 Surf Instructors Course in Muizenberg, Cape Town.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB

The day starts with packing the equipment needed for the day with my coworker. We then pick up clients who have booked a session or meet them at the beach. We start the training by going through some water awareness and surfing techniques before going into the surf, where we help them put these techniques to use. Once the lesson is finished, we drop off the clients and then go back to the office to unpack and clean all the equipment we used that day.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

It’s so rewarding to watch clients learn and improve as the training administer the optimal anaesthetic for the patient and surgical conditions. Some days I stay at the same hospital; on others I travel between hospitals.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST?

If I successfully allay my patients’ fears prior to their procedure, and they have no memory of the surgery and are pain free a erwards, then I know I’ve done my job properly. Walking into the waiting area and seeing my patient recognise me and smile makes it worthwhile.

ANY DISLIKES?

Having to decide if a patient is medically fit enough for surgery, especially if the decision could signal the end for them. Also, long working hours; with emergencies it’s difficult to make plans or be at home with my children. In private practice, you’re dependent on surgeons for work. This can be challenging in terms of job security.

ANY HURDLES YOU’VE HAD?

When I started, there were very few people of colour, let alone women, specialising. I also had no experience progresses, each at their own pace and in their own style. in anaesthesia yet, so it was a steep learning curve. Studying and working full time while being a mother to a young child was very challenging.

WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE?

Not all clients are likable… it’s hard to work closely with a client you don’t see eye to eye with.

WHAT HURDLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

I’m a bit of an introvert; I like just being me and the ocean. But I’ve had to become a more outgoing person and learn how to manage difficult clients.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE?

I have enjoyed watching people overcome challenges and improve as novice surfers.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT?

The whole process of relearning, upskilling and doing anaesthesia for complex vascular cases –successfully – has been very rewarding for me. The highlight was being part of a theatre team that performed a groundbreaking procedure, where patients who would otherwise have died, are now being saved.

EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING?

I think experience is vital. Each anaesthetic is unique, and you learn from every experience, which in turn allows you to deal with situations as they arise. Training doesn’t always prepare you for the unpredictability of patients’ medical conditions or surgical conditions.

WHAT TRAITS DO YOU NEED?

You need to be meticulous, focused, detail-orientated, calm in stressful situations, and empathic and caring.

IN YOUR LINE OF WORK IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING?

They are both necessary, but I would say experience and a respect for and understanding of the sea are more important than training once you’re out there.

IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK, OR CERTAIN TRAITS ONE SHOULD HAVE (OR NOT HAVE)?

It will help if you’re a more extroverted type of person and enjoy working with people.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN YOUR CAREER?

Work hard and be patient with clients.

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS

Fun… Challenging… Active

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?

My dream is to travel to cool surf spots around the world.