Monday, October 13, 2008   8 Comments

13 October Update -- Hi again from Costa de Caprica,

 
Saturday here was a very busy day for us all, what with haka practice fitted in around everyone making the most of the abundant swell, and very clean conditions, so as to be ready for the big moment, the opening ceremony for the 2008 ISA World Surfing Games.



Judging by the response to the Haka at the forementioned haka we did you all proud! Even those buggers from across the ditch (who I might add, take great pleasure in paying out the team for doing it) said it was the best haka they have seen!!! I must say though in all honesty, they can´t have been watching me?

Sunday was meet by most with an early breakfast and surf check, prior to hitting the water for a quick free surf in preperation for day one of competition, first up was yours truly in the longboard division, who along with the teams three body boarders were the only divisions to be run on day one.

Mihi was very unlucky in the womens, falling short by two points, after what we all felt was a very underscored first ride, so she heads to the repercharge round, and what will be a long journey to the finals. Joining Mihi in the reps is Lowie, however Jared did progress in a close fought battle for 2nd, keeping his chances alive.

The testing four foot closeouts, had a hell of alot of power and really pushed everyones skill level. I did manage to do enough to progress through both my heats today

You may have noticed I haven´t started boasting of my fine display of longboard mastery, and thats for a very good reason, The testing four foot closeouts, had a hell of alot of power and really pushed everyones skill level. I did manage to do enough to progress through both my heats today, although I feel a little the worst for wear in doing so.

My first heat wasn´t great, and while I did manage to improve my scores in my second heat, I will really have to lift my game If I am to stay on target and achieve the goals I have set. I do feel its within my capabilities, I just have to think a little more about wave choice and routes back out into the lineup, know more six minute paddle outs half way through the heat, this old boy can´t handle that!
 
Well its looking like the high rollers will take to the water tomorrow, so I´ll be back to bring you the good news, but right now I´m off to be a tourist, and hopefully learn some of the lingo. d.

The vibe is super positive, with everyone enjoying the time together, as the anticpation of the event commencing draws nearer. when we´re not in the water or exploring our new suroundings, we tend to be putting the time into to practing the haka for the opening ceremony, which runs here tomorrow (saturday).
 
So far the waves have been pretty good, ranging generally from 2 to 4ft, off shore all day. Today was spent traveling north in search of a crowd free line up, which we found then proceded to crowd instantly with 11 of NZ´s best chasing every drop that moved through to the shore.

being the solo longboarder on the trip I evicted by choice mid day as I had spoted a great looking right point set up just North of Ericera. If breaks had famlies, this was the cousin of Bells beach, rugged cliff line and all. And by all account s the rest of the team got some great surf as well, with leon scoring the barrel of the day.
 
Well as I´m still feeling the effcts of the travel, I´ll cap this one here, and head for bed, look forward to updating tomorrow.

Cederman

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