Finally got a surf in this morning – woke up (thanks puppies) just after 6.00am to let the dogs out to do a perimeter search – must keep vigil up on yard invaders of the feline kind. All ok and there was no wind at all and I could hear the surf.
Board in van, wettie and towel to follow and off I go. Sat in the car park for a while to see if either of the 2 guys out were catching anything. They did and that was all the encouragement I needed. I suited up and hit the lineup, spent about 3 hours out and as the tide dropped, it got better and better – so much so the “set” waves were overhead. A very nice surprise indeed!
My first surf of the summer and what a beauty – even got a bit of nose riding in as well.
One thing that I was very chuffed about was my fitness – with doing heaps of swim training for triathlons, I found the paddling around very easy (mental note-must do that next year!!
There is no more good feeling of tired than “surf tired” – my shoulders are a bit sore. BUT the winds have dropped so I’m about to head out again and check the waves – later!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Natural High
Natural High
Yesterday I completed my 4th triathlon but this one was the one that I have had my main goal of completing, the Xmas Cracker Canterbury Tri Club event – take a step backwards for a moment.
I was suggested by a friend that I should try the “Blokes Triathlon Series” – a series of 3 events that are targeted at introducing “blokes” to the sport. They were 1 month apart (October, November and December) and increased in length. Event 1 was 100m pool swim, 10km bike and 3km run, event 2 was 200m pool swim, 15km bike and 4km run, event 3 was 250m pool swim, 20km bike and 5km run.
I did the first 2 events as an individual and really enjoyed them. As I am in the early stages of triathlons I didn’t want to do the entire event 3 and then do the Xmas Cracker one the week later – I didn’t think my fitness was up to it. I was going to do the pool swim (250m) and had organised a couple of friends to do the bike and the run BUT I was let down by my runner SO I did the 5 km run as well.
Jump forward to yesterday – the Xmas Cracker tri is a 400m ocean swim, 15km bike and a 4km run. I have been watching the weather daily and it looked like it would be a rough day so with my “ocean experience” I was pretty confident that I would be ok in the swim. Woke up early and the day was beautiful, not too warm to start out.
Surfsis asked about my bike – ITS AWESOME!!!!!!
It makes so much difference when you have a nice bike. It’s by no means top of the range but for me, it’s fine for right now. One thing I do need to do is work on my transitions – I’m slow BUT that said, I’m not doing these to win (not yet anyway!!)
The run was a circuit along the esplanade and as the tide went out the surf picked up – can you imagine how frustrated I was running along on the concrete looking at the surf – for a surfer this has to be the worst thing!!
Still waiting on the official results but I finished and was pretty happy with the day. I think that my age group (veteran men, 40-49) was the largest and some of these guys are so fit and quick
Yesterday I completed my 4th triathlon but this one was the one that I have had my main goal of completing, the Xmas Cracker Canterbury Tri Club event – take a step backwards for a moment.
I was suggested by a friend that I should try the “Blokes Triathlon Series” – a series of 3 events that are targeted at introducing “blokes” to the sport. They were 1 month apart (October, November and December) and increased in length. Event 1 was 100m pool swim, 10km bike and 3km run, event 2 was 200m pool swim, 15km bike and 4km run, event 3 was 250m pool swim, 20km bike and 5km run.
I did the first 2 events as an individual and really enjoyed them. As I am in the early stages of triathlons I didn’t want to do the entire event 3 and then do the Xmas Cracker one the week later – I didn’t think my fitness was up to it. I was going to do the pool swim (250m) and had organised a couple of friends to do the bike and the run BUT I was let down by my runner SO I did the 5 km run as well.
Jump forward to yesterday – the Xmas Cracker tri is a 400m ocean swim, 15km bike and a 4km run. I have been watching the weather daily and it looked like it would be a rough day so with my “ocean experience” I was pretty confident that I would be ok in the swim. Woke up early and the day was beautiful, not too warm to start out.
Surfsis asked about my bike – ITS AWESOME!!!!!!
It makes so much difference when you have a nice bike. It’s by no means top of the range but for me, it’s fine for right now. One thing I do need to do is work on my transitions – I’m slow BUT that said, I’m not doing these to win (not yet anyway!!)
The run was a circuit along the esplanade and as the tide went out the surf picked up – can you imagine how frustrated I was running along on the concrete looking at the surf – for a surfer this has to be the worst thing!!
Still waiting on the official results but I finished and was pretty happy with the day. I think that my age group (veteran men, 40-49) was the largest and some of these guys are so fit and quick
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
No swell
Sometimes you think the universe conspires against you and other times you just think that “shit” just happens?
Every time I have been all set to get out for a surf it has either been a howling easterly (onshore) or zero swell!!!
I remember many years ago when I first started to work on ski areas, I’d be out skiing in any weather, snow storms - out skiing, huge snow falling – out skiing, whiteout conditions – out skiing. I was young and silly.
As the years passed so too did my enthusiasm for the conditions where it ended up that I would become a “fair weathered skier”. Blue sky and sunshine – out skiing for sure, anything else – no chance.
So it seems with my surfing, years ago when I started I’d be out in all conditions and it didn’t worry me at all but over the last few years I think I’ve become a little bit “picky” where I wouldn’t go out just to paddle around in circles. What’s the point - I’d rather go for a swim or bike ride?
An update on the last few weeks – I’ve completed 3 triathlons and really enjoyed them and have another one this weekend which has an ocean swim. This should sort the men from the boys I imagine and might be quite entertaining for the spectators. The previous one have been started in waves (groups of 10 people 1 minute apart) but this one will be a mass start with everyone running into the ocean at the same time – can’t wait!!
Spent a bit of time on the house and section – I enjoy this because you can see the fruits of your labour and results.
Until next time.
Every time I have been all set to get out for a surf it has either been a howling easterly (onshore) or zero swell!!!
I remember many years ago when I first started to work on ski areas, I’d be out skiing in any weather, snow storms - out skiing, huge snow falling – out skiing, whiteout conditions – out skiing. I was young and silly.
As the years passed so too did my enthusiasm for the conditions where it ended up that I would become a “fair weathered skier”. Blue sky and sunshine – out skiing for sure, anything else – no chance.
So it seems with my surfing, years ago when I started I’d be out in all conditions and it didn’t worry me at all but over the last few years I think I’ve become a little bit “picky” where I wouldn’t go out just to paddle around in circles. What’s the point - I’d rather go for a swim or bike ride?
An update on the last few weeks – I’ve completed 3 triathlons and really enjoyed them and have another one this weekend which has an ocean swim. This should sort the men from the boys I imagine and might be quite entertaining for the spectators. The previous one have been started in waves (groups of 10 people 1 minute apart) but this one will be a mass start with everyone running into the ocean at the same time – can’t wait!!
Spent a bit of time on the house and section – I enjoy this because you can see the fruits of your labour and results.
Until next time.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
How spoilt am I?
I’m spoilt
It’s awesome that after 8 years of marriage – my wife can still manages to “get me” with a surprise
A couple of weeks ago I did my first triathlon. I did this for a number of reasons, personal satisfaction, a challenge, a promise to a fallen friend and an attempt to get fitter for the summer. Within a minute of crossing the finish line, I said to my wife “that was awesome, I’m going to do another one”
After I had recovered and caught my breath, I was still very excited about the prospect of doing another one and as I had borrowed a road bike off a mate, I started to look around for a bike of my own.
Well – on Sunday we went out looking and was referred to a certain bike shop so we went along and spoke to the owner. He was a really good guy who listened to what I was after and really took an interest (this is why I was referred to him) so he set me up on a couple of different bikes to try in the car park. While I was doing this my wife whispered to him that she wanted to buy this bike for me as a surprise and could he take care of it – this sparked a chain of events that I still find difficult to understand how she managed to do this. Speed forward to yesterday afternoon and I was sitting in the office with a client in front of me and another one waiting to see me when in through the door comes a guy with a brand new Avanti road bike and a shoe box under his arm. He said, “is Steve here?”, to which I replied, “That’s me” and he said – “I have a present for you – enjoy !!!!”
My client was looking at me with disbelief and said that it was obvious that I was not expecting that. I wasn’t. Some questions were asked to which the reply from the delivery guy (the bike shop rep) was – “ask your wife”
I called her and asked her if there was anything that she wanted to tell me, she said no. I asked her if she was sure, she said yes. I said to her – I have just had something delivered to the shop. She said “oh, that was supposed to happen tomorrow – surprise”
Did I mention that she is just the best. I am spoilt in so many ways.
Now I have to try and plan something for her. Hmmmm, wonder what I can come up with?
It’s awesome that after 8 years of marriage – my wife can still manages to “get me” with a surprise
A couple of weeks ago I did my first triathlon. I did this for a number of reasons, personal satisfaction, a challenge, a promise to a fallen friend and an attempt to get fitter for the summer. Within a minute of crossing the finish line, I said to my wife “that was awesome, I’m going to do another one”
After I had recovered and caught my breath, I was still very excited about the prospect of doing another one and as I had borrowed a road bike off a mate, I started to look around for a bike of my own.
Well – on Sunday we went out looking and was referred to a certain bike shop so we went along and spoke to the owner. He was a really good guy who listened to what I was after and really took an interest (this is why I was referred to him) so he set me up on a couple of different bikes to try in the car park. While I was doing this my wife whispered to him that she wanted to buy this bike for me as a surprise and could he take care of it – this sparked a chain of events that I still find difficult to understand how she managed to do this. Speed forward to yesterday afternoon and I was sitting in the office with a client in front of me and another one waiting to see me when in through the door comes a guy with a brand new Avanti road bike and a shoe box under his arm. He said, “is Steve here?”, to which I replied, “That’s me” and he said – “I have a present for you – enjoy !!!!”
My client was looking at me with disbelief and said that it was obvious that I was not expecting that. I wasn’t. Some questions were asked to which the reply from the delivery guy (the bike shop rep) was – “ask your wife”
I called her and asked her if there was anything that she wanted to tell me, she said no. I asked her if she was sure, she said yes. I said to her – I have just had something delivered to the shop. She said “oh, that was supposed to happen tomorrow – surprise”
Did I mention that she is just the best. I am spoilt in so many ways.
Now I have to try and plan something for her. Hmmmm, wonder what I can come up with?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Bye Bye Baby
It’s hard to say goodbye to one of your babies and that is what I’ll have to do tomorrow.
I’ve sold one of my boards – it’s a beautiful Legend Point 7’6” “gun” – I have surfed this board in Fiji, Indo, West and Eastern Australia and around some big breaks in the South Island of New Zealand but age catches up with you and it has.
It’s sat in the board rack in my garage starved of attention, almost neglected and hasn’t been used in a few years. Sadly age and a few extra kilos have put paid to that so it’s with sadness I say goodbye.
I have some amazing memories of it and probably the best one that springs to mind is getting tubed on a very nice right hander at Wilkes Pass in Fiji.
Water was warm and crystal clear, a gentle offshore blowing and about 5 guys out – this is etched in my memory and will remain there for the rest of my days and all I have to do to relive it is close my eyes. What a session !!
Goodbye fair board, thank you for the memories and good times. I’ll let you go so you can bring pleasure to someone else and I promise there will be no jealous thoughts had. Get back in the ocean and do what you were born to do.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
I'm not Important
I love travel, I love being at a destination, I love doing stuff at a destination- I just hate getting there and getting home.
This is what happened to my wife and I last Friday at Melbourne International. Picture this – we were standing in line at the security checkpoint waiting our turn to walk through the body scanner and I’ve taken my laptop out of the bag, my wallet, keys, phone and sunglasses are in the plastic box ready to go along the conveyer belt when all of a sudden about 18 guys come through in a huge hurry and walk straight through the scanner and all you hear is beep after beep after beep.
It was about 14 federal police and bodyguards with their “people” – one has to assume that the beeps were the police badges and guns and whatever else they had under their garments etc. I found out later, while we were in the airline lounge enjoying the airlines hospitality, that the “people” were VIP foreign ambassadors and they too were in the airline lounge “schmoozing”.
Anyway – back to me in line – I sent my belongings through and the wife walked through, no beeps at all BUT then I walked through and beep it went. “Please step back sir and walk through again” said the security dude, so I did AND again beep, “take your belt, shoes and watch off sir and walk through again” he said again – to which I complied AGAIN. Sure enough, it beeped again and he said “step this way sir” – at this stage I was just about over this and said sure thing. He used the hand scanner and “scanned” me again and at this stage my wife is starting to look like a pack horse with all our belongings and then the security dude just said – “that’s fine sir, thank you”
Oh to be an international ambassador huh !!!!
This is what happened to my wife and I last Friday at Melbourne International. Picture this – we were standing in line at the security checkpoint waiting our turn to walk through the body scanner and I’ve taken my laptop out of the bag, my wallet, keys, phone and sunglasses are in the plastic box ready to go along the conveyer belt when all of a sudden about 18 guys come through in a huge hurry and walk straight through the scanner and all you hear is beep after beep after beep.
It was about 14 federal police and bodyguards with their “people” – one has to assume that the beeps were the police badges and guns and whatever else they had under their garments etc. I found out later, while we were in the airline lounge enjoying the airlines hospitality, that the “people” were VIP foreign ambassadors and they too were in the airline lounge “schmoozing”.
Anyway – back to me in line – I sent my belongings through and the wife walked through, no beeps at all BUT then I walked through and beep it went. “Please step back sir and walk through again” said the security dude, so I did AND again beep, “take your belt, shoes and watch off sir and walk through again” he said again – to which I complied AGAIN. Sure enough, it beeped again and he said “step this way sir” – at this stage I was just about over this and said sure thing. He used the hand scanner and “scanned” me again and at this stage my wife is starting to look like a pack horse with all our belongings and then the security dude just said – “that’s fine sir, thank you”
Oh to be an international ambassador huh !!!!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Out of Town
I’ve been off the radar for a week – took a short trip out of the country to Melbourne, Australia. My wife had a conference to attend and I thought I’d tag along and have myself a real break. I booked a nice hotel for us and it fulfilled all the criteria i need – it had a pool, spa, sauna and a gym. We had an apartment with full kitchen facilities so even better.
She “conferenced” and I swam, used the gym, relaxed, walked around the city and had some time to myself – this was just what I needed. We also timed the visit to be able to see an NBL (National Basketball League) game between the Melbourne Tigers and the New Zealand Breakers. It was a good game but not the result that I was hoping for or supporting - the Melbourne team won – bugger !!!
Checked the surf yesterday, good swell running but as the water temp is still only 11 degrees Celsius or 51.8 degrees Fahrenheit, it’ll still be a few weeks until I brave the conditions. There is still a bit of snow in the mountains which keeps the ocean temp low so another few weeks and I start to consider it.
I’ve been for some bike rides through the forest and had a few pool sessions to get the fitness levels up and have entered my first full triathlon this weekend – I’ll let you know the result but my goal is to finish and still be able to walk !!!!
I’ll post a few pictures of the basketball game when I get home.
She “conferenced” and I swam, used the gym, relaxed, walked around the city and had some time to myself – this was just what I needed. We also timed the visit to be able to see an NBL (National Basketball League) game between the Melbourne Tigers and the New Zealand Breakers. It was a good game but not the result that I was hoping for or supporting - the Melbourne team won – bugger !!!
Checked the surf yesterday, good swell running but as the water temp is still only 11 degrees Celsius or 51.8 degrees Fahrenheit, it’ll still be a few weeks until I brave the conditions. There is still a bit of snow in the mountains which keeps the ocean temp low so another few weeks and I start to consider it.
I’ve been for some bike rides through the forest and had a few pool sessions to get the fitness levels up and have entered my first full triathlon this weekend – I’ll let you know the result but my goal is to finish and still be able to walk !!!!
I’ll post a few pictures of the basketball game when I get home.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Work
Have you ever heard the saying that you either – “Work to live or Live to Work”
It’s Friday afternoon and I’m sitting at my desk working, the job that I love, so the saying that applies to me – “I live to work”.
Of course it helps that I own the place and I get to travel as part of my job. I have great staff and I took everyone away for a weekend on a 3 night cruise out of Sydney, Australia a few weeks ago. This was a reward to them for a job well done over the last year, we all had a great time and it was well worth the investment.
I believe in Karma, both in and out of the water
I believe you reap what you sow
I believe that you should treat people with respect, the way that you would like to be treated
I’m on the countdown until the water warms up enough to get in without the ice cream headaches – I’m guessing it’ll be about 3 weeks. I’ll keep you posted.
Can’t wait !!
It’s Friday afternoon and I’m sitting at my desk working, the job that I love, so the saying that applies to me – “I live to work”.
Of course it helps that I own the place and I get to travel as part of my job. I have great staff and I took everyone away for a weekend on a 3 night cruise out of Sydney, Australia a few weeks ago. This was a reward to them for a job well done over the last year, we all had a great time and it was well worth the investment.
I believe in Karma, both in and out of the water
I believe you reap what you sow
I believe that you should treat people with respect, the way that you would like to be treated
I’m on the countdown until the water warms up enough to get in without the ice cream headaches – I’m guessing it’ll be about 3 weeks. I’ll keep you posted.
Can’t wait !!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
My virgin post
What does one say in their first post ever - that's a bloody good question and I'd have to say - I have no idea!
This is my first adventure of writing in the "blog world" but I must admit that I have been a fan for a long time. I have been reading a few blogs religiously over the last few years and really look forward to catching up with the posts. The 2 I have been most keen on are Flightlevel390, this is from Captain Dave and his view of America "from the flightdeck" and I love it. If you get a chance to check it out, please do so. The other one I have been keen on is Annecentral. She seems so nice and it's very interesting seeing life in Los Angeles through the eyes of someone so warm and friendly.
Over the last few months I have also been keeping an eye on 2 surf related blogs and I look forward everyday to checking them out and seeing "what's up" with Surfsister and Whiffleboy. Both surfers in the Los Angeles area. I found Whiffleboys blog (confessions of a novice surfer) when he did a "guest spot" on surfsisters blog. I LMAO when I read this so have been a regular visitor to his blog.
This is what has led me to start this and I have to be honest - I'm a little hesitant about this but will give it the best I can and see what happens. The old adage of "gotta start somewhere" screams at me here.
About me - I am 43 years old, have been surfing for about 28 years ever since I went on a school trip and some of the older kids had surfboards and I tried it - I was hooked. At that time (early 80's) I was into competitive swimming and water polo so was always comfortable in and around water.
I have had some of my best days alive in, around or under the ocean and always feel as if I am at home when I have the salt water on me and the sand between my toes - you will either know what I am talking about or you just won't get that.
My wife is amazing - she is the best thing that has happened to me and I am grateful that we both happened to be in the same place at the same time to have met. I still wonder how the hell that happened but will keep that story for another day - trust me, it's an awesome story and worth waiting for !!
That's all for now
This is my first adventure of writing in the "blog world" but I must admit that I have been a fan for a long time. I have been reading a few blogs religiously over the last few years and really look forward to catching up with the posts. The 2 I have been most keen on are Flightlevel390, this is from Captain Dave and his view of America "from the flightdeck" and I love it. If you get a chance to check it out, please do so. The other one I have been keen on is Annecentral. She seems so nice and it's very interesting seeing life in Los Angeles through the eyes of someone so warm and friendly.
Over the last few months I have also been keeping an eye on 2 surf related blogs and I look forward everyday to checking them out and seeing "what's up" with Surfsister and Whiffleboy. Both surfers in the Los Angeles area. I found Whiffleboys blog (confessions of a novice surfer) when he did a "guest spot" on surfsisters blog. I LMAO when I read this so have been a regular visitor to his blog.
This is what has led me to start this and I have to be honest - I'm a little hesitant about this but will give it the best I can and see what happens. The old adage of "gotta start somewhere" screams at me here.
About me - I am 43 years old, have been surfing for about 28 years ever since I went on a school trip and some of the older kids had surfboards and I tried it - I was hooked. At that time (early 80's) I was into competitive swimming and water polo so was always comfortable in and around water.
I have had some of my best days alive in, around or under the ocean and always feel as if I am at home when I have the salt water on me and the sand between my toes - you will either know what I am talking about or you just won't get that.
My wife is amazing - she is the best thing that has happened to me and I am grateful that we both happened to be in the same place at the same time to have met. I still wonder how the hell that happened but will keep that story for another day - trust me, it's an awesome story and worth waiting for !!
That's all for now
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