Andi Eigenmann felt insecure with learning how to surf because of her age: 'I thought it didn't feel right'
Andi Eigenmann revealed past hesitations about learning how to surf because of her age and her responsibilities as a mother.
The former actress took to her Instagram account to reflect on her surfing journey and admitted that she was initially discouraged from learning the sport.
"Before I got myself really into surfing, I had a mindset that I was too old for it. Especially since being a mom of three, I thought it didn't feel right to only be learning something new for the first time. It probably would've been impossible to get good this late anyway," Andi wrote in her post.
"Luckily I am now in an environment where I don't need to fear being judged, no need to worry about being good enough for others or fitting their standard of what they believe is right and pleasing to them," she continued.
Her message was accompanied by a video of herself riding the waves and a clip of her falling into the water.
Andi went on to express her gratitude to her fiancé, well-known Filipino surfer Philmar Alipayo, for helping her master the tide.
"Thanks Philmar for the push and inspiring all of us to believe in our capabilities and aim big! I am happy to learn as my kids do," she highlighted.
She added, "Three years in, at 33, I am so stoked to be where I am now. I know I still have a lot to improve on, been loving the journey, not worrying about how long it would take to get there. I like to set realistic goals that progress as I do."
Andi ended her post by encouraging her followers to never give up on learning something new despite their age.
"Just as our kids are never too young to aim for greatness, we should never be too old to learn. Not just new hobbies, but life learnings too," she urged.
Many of her fans filled the comments section with praises for her inspiring message, with some sharing their own experience of learning something new.
"I feel the same way! I am still learning to surf at 36 (started at 34). Also fortunate to have my husband as my coach (in surfing and life). When I feel too self-conscious when surfing, he reminds me to just enjoy it," one user commented.
"We never stop learning, I did my first surf when I was 43 and I’m loving it," another one wrote.
Andi moved to Siargao in 2017 and has since been sharing her island life with Philmar and her three children, Ellie, Lilo, and Koa. She eventually turned her love for the sport into a business venture as she opened a surf shop and school on the island with her partner.