I started myself on quite a number of new skills in the vacation just past. I spent a couple of days learning to surf tiny waves on a beginner longboard, learnt kitesurfing up to the point of being able to ride the shortest distance, and learnt and improved on windsurfing such that I am now able to sail a simple course on a beginner board in light wind. Kevin and I also messed around with a makeshift skimboard before our kitesurfing lessons.
Of these I reckon windsurfing probably holds the most recreational potential for me, despite being the hardest in my (and most people's) opinion. Surfing is obviously out of the question. The other three are doable in Singapore. Kitesurfing equipment is expensive and kitesurfing requires a critical wind speed to keep the kite up, which is uncommon in Singapore, although one can plane in lighter winds than in windsurfing. The small beaches in Singapore make it difficult to launch kites, and the fact that good wind in Singapore usually comes before a storm means that one risks being caught by strong gusts. Skimboarding in Singapore comes in three second bursts, which are not much fun. As for windsurfing, light winds are perfectly fine for me at this beginning non-planing stage, and its shallow learning curve means that I will be challenged for a long time to come.
I did not learn scuba diving, unfortunately. With all the expense that has gone to acquiring the above skills, I am reconsidering taking the course anytime soon. One thing I have always fancied is freediving - in fact it was a spot of simple "freediving" at Ko Rawi to about five metres depth that got me interested in scuba diving. I also dove a few metres down to swim beside the whale sharks at Donsol, but the excitement of that prevented me from staying underwater for long. Perhaps I should properly get started on this sport, although I will definitely learn scuba diving at some point or other.
The last thing I would like to mention is caving or spelunking with Aaron at Sagada. I was utterly terrified at points, and the whole activity was a great thrill, even though the caves we explored are the simple tourist sort. Cave exploration is probably one of those things I have to admit is beyond me.
