Proof I can surf!

Okay, it's nothing radical, but here's me at Encuentro (I think) in the Dominican Republic, proof at last that I'm not totally shit.

Dominican Republic - tally

2 x egg bruises (fins)
1 x fin cut
3 x bad wax rubs
10 x urchin spines
1 x aching neck
2 x burnt cheeks
1 x picture of me actually surfing (1 x wipeout as well)
20 x ish waves today

1 x happy surfer girl

skip skip skip (limp)

Dominican Republic Day 1

Mostly going to post on the SurfGirl blog as I am actually supposed to be here for work ;-) but will also update here because I'm just too excited to shut up!

It is all the cliches of paradise here, the surf's not ace yet but it will be. Had two 2-3ft surfs in boardies today, tired as now. Girls are all cool, place is amazing, it's warm...I hadn't realised how much I've been struggling in the winter waves of Cornwall! Had two rubbish small Bay surfs at the weekend, bored, crowded, freezing, then come here and my first wave is better than anything I've had in ages. Had three or four that I was so pleased with actually.

Also had a local bust an air right in front of me and his board landed on my nose. Eek! Hurt, saw stars, but it's not broken again at least. He was very apologetic, I think he just meant to make the point I was in his way. I couldn't really help it, but I know you gotta really stay out of the localss way! Thing is, there was no-one out either time we paddled out, I think the boys were just super curious to see 7 surfer girls and had to come take a look.

They girls are all better than me, obvs, which is going to make me work hard! I want to catch a barrel, and I will, I'm determined.

Hmm, time for a beer.

look, no hands!

penwith

I had a lovely Bank Hol weekend walking, surfing and snorkelling around Penwith. I love the scenery, it's wild and almost as lovely as Crannog area. And it was bliss to live the simple quiet life for a few days like in Oz.

Surf was crap at Sennen, but so was my performance. But I went out last night in high tide noreasterly windswell at Fistral and had tons of waves including my best right for an age. Supposed to be flat until next week at least, but I think tonight will work again.

gossip

Friend tells me a friend working in the Maldives (not sure I can say his name so won't!) in a 5-star resort has Kelly Slater and Cameron Diaz staying there. Nice.

I'm going to buy my board this weekend. Then I'm saving for a proper holiday, I have 7 days left so might go somewhere this year even! Not likely though.

hermit crab

http://www.virgintrains-survey.co.uk/payoff-hermitcrab.html

My Destination Hotspot is: A youth hostel - anywhere difficult to get to.
You see any journey as a challenge - the more difficult the better.
You're in charge of all travel arrangements. You check and re-check everything obsessively, before providing everyone concerned with a detailed travel itinerary and a minute-by-minute timing schedule.
If you can't carry it on your back, it's not coming with you.
You're on first name terms with all the staff at your local Milletts.
Any journey is planned with military precision - the army could learn a thing or two from you.
Likelihoods:
Having ready access to a bar of Kendal Mint Cake.
92%
Your tan starts just above your sockline
77%
Your rucksack is bigger than your car
58%

Your favourite travel snap: One of you conquering anything.
Favourite travel outfit: Anything waterproof. And thermal.
Favourite mode of transport: Your feet.
Ideal travel companion: Bear Grylls.