2 Hobbies I Discovered In Sydney

By Yaryna, University of Sydney – Sydney, Australia

1) Surfing 🙂

I attended my first Surf Camp last semester. What struck me most about surfing is the adrenaline you feel. As we put on our sticky wetsuits, lugged our incredibly heavy boards, and sat in a circle to discuss safety, I felt discomfort and mild annoyance – not at anyone, just at the sheer level of exertion at 7am.

But as we entered the water, and the waves towered above me, I suddenly became completely absorbed. I was determined not to be dragged away by a rip current or pushed back onto shore. I was also desperate to catch my first wave. It was a struggle. Even just detecting the right wave was difficult, let alone paddling and standing up on the board.

However, with the surf coaches gently pushing our boards, and correcting our technique, I managed to catch a wave. This was important to me – I wanted a photo of myself standing up. Since then, I have done another Surf Camp in Byron Bay, and I’ve surfed in many beaches around Sydney, including Bondi, Manly and Cronulla.

For me, surfing has been about enjoying the uncomfortable. I’ve been bashed by the board, undressed by the waves, blinded by the sun, and yet I can’t say no to a day of surfing. I think it is the captivating beauty of the ocean. It evokes a feeling of self-transcendence.

2) Dance!

Going on exchange, 17,000km from Manchester, gave me a big confidence boost. I felt proud of myself for handling the confusing and tedious logistical work of moving oneself to a different country. At the same time, I knew no one in Sydney – that meant I could redefine myself in whatever way I wanted. There was less at stake, less of a sense that I was being scrutinized by distant acquaintances.

“One month of unlimited classes for $99 dollars” was enough to get me to sign up to the Sydney Dance Company. I attended 20 classes that month. The classes were with the best choreographers in Sydney; they spanned an hour and a half long with a warm-up, technique, “across the floor”, and choreography. The first few classes were incredibly difficult for me. But I fell in love with it. I tried jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and theatre jazz. I learnt how to do a pirouette, different grooves, and gradually gained the confidence to move to the front of the class.

It’s been many months of dancing at the Sydney Dance Company. It’s given me continuity and direction, a big contrast to the inherent transient nature of exchange. Whilst living abroad is exciting and full of novelty, it is important to find something that grounds you – for me, that was dance.

With both dance and surfing, I feel I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone and reaped the rewards of it. I would encourage all exchange students to use the opportunity of being far from everything familiar, to try something new. It may shape the future you see for yourself, or at the very least leave a lasting imprint.