I don't quite get Dunedin's mass exodus to Central Otago each New Year holiday season. Sure the lakes are epic, but so much better in winter when the skifields are buzzing. But in summer? Summer in Dunedin is like having the city to yourself. The beaches are empty, blue, clear and beautiful. Hot even. Yes, anything in the 20°C-plus range is a mandatory beach day. The waves aren't always epic, but you can almost be guaranteed some perfect lineups for the kids to hone their skills without the threat of a sand rinsing that usually defines a learn to surf session here any other time of year.
We've been gorging on kids sessions for the past few weeks and have even come to describe anything over three foot as "Dad's waves". Luckily this past week we got a few swell blips that turned the odd lineup into a playground for fathers trying to surf off the holiday season indulgences. I got a fair few floggings during one session to motivate me for more in 2019. Nothing quite like getting pitched from the top of a decent double up and knowing what's coming next and getting what seems like an eternity to think about it as time stretches almost to a complete standstill. And then, wham! Full rinse and arms pulled in every direction. Maybe even a bounce on the reef for good measure.
Here's to 2019 and plenty of floggings for all ... and hopefully a few mind-blowing rides in between.
See you out the back ... Derek
PS Next week we dive back into our recent subantarctic adventure and meet the family who made it all possible: the Russ family of Heritage Expeditions fame.
Proudly supported by:
