Day 2 in Sri Lanka and we are making the journey across the island to Aragum Bay. We start up early in the morning about 8am. Still a little bleary eyed after jet lag and the Sri Lankan wedding most were roomed above went on until the early hours. Squeezing 21 of us plus the almighty stack of board bags onto the bus and we are off.

 

Roadside truck... where in the world?!!

It’s my first time to Sri Lanka and like many places in the tropics – Bali, Vietnam, some spots in Mexico etc it has a very similar feel – and smell!! It’s nice to be back, for the last few years I have travelled to ’safe’ places- the States, Lanzarote, etc where everything is easy and fairly comfortable. I like places like Sri Lanka as it makes life that bit more interesting and gets you out of the comfort zone.

There is much to see along the way. Like the places, the people are so interesting. Everyday expressions worn on beautiful faces, often with such intensity at the smallest of movements. Despite the lack of sleep taking it’s toll the assault on my eyeball’s keeps me awake – yanking open the window to try and capture another colourful roadside situation.

 

 

Bus queue from the passing bus!!

 

 

 

 

Nelly the Elephant??

The bus journey is long – about 10 hours, so we make a couple of stops, for some fresh fruit by the road side and then for food in a Safari hotel just outside the National Park we have to cross. Once we hit the road again it isn’t long before one of the girls (possibly Lucy!!) explodes with excitement at the wild Elephant by the side of the road. Not often do you get to see animals in their natural habitat these days. The have to be kept out of the villages by electric fencing as humans have encroached on their land and thus they come searching for food in the settlements. After a couple of sightings we manage to wangle our way off the bus and over by the fence where the Elephant obliges us by coming within 6ft of us and our thrown bananas.

 

 

A new way of riding the bus!

After about 8hours onboard we really have gone stir crazy. The long journey to London from Cornwall, 11hrs flying and a day on a bus have taken their toll. After some classic games of snap, some of the guys and girls get up to some bus surfing along the windy mountain roads… pretty interesting with all the near miss driving (I will be hearing a horn in my sleep I am sure!!). Still it puts a smile on the faces of partakers and audience and before we know it we are being dropped of in Aragum bay at the hotels… everyone is frothing on the dawny tomorrow… shooo hooo bring on the surf!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

My travelling companions... plus Rodwell on camera

So after much deliberation and scrambling aorund we finally got the go ahead to head over to Aragum Bay for the UKPSA  Champion of Champion contest.

The comp has been running for a few years (with a break in the middle because of the fighting), but this year they are bringing the ladies back as well so I am stoked!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fish out of water.

Travelling up to London in the glorious sunshine, it was hard to believe we were leaving 30¬? heat… but sunshine and surf awaited us on the other side!!

 

 

Meeting at Heathrow it was definitely funny to see everyone away from the beach and in an Urban setting. The poor guys at the check in desk didn’t quite know what to make of 15 people checking in at once, each with about 3 boards each. Plus me and Lucia with our logs.

Some hiccups at check in meant most of us were scattered around the plane in single seats. Makes a long journey really long. After years of solo travelling I’m used to making friends on flights, but due to it being a night flight most people were out cold straight away. There was a fair few didn’t get any kip so we were all a bit bleary eyed at the airport when we finally arrived in Columbo.

 

 

 

 

Hopefully the girls won't kill me - but my camera is blurry so hopefully hides the eye bags!!

The locals gave us a nice welcome, and the beautiful smell of the Frangipani necklaces definitely gave me and the girls a lift after the long journey! So pretty, and such a nice thing to experience.

Then a small bus ride and we made it to the hotel. Straight into the pool in the sweltering heat. The guys were all frothing on getting in the water- the beach having a few small onshore waves- and made straight out. I contemplated it but the water looked a bit grim, after keeping myself out of the water and away from the FlowRider to give my foot time to heal for the last couple of weeks I didn’t fancy starting my trip with an invitation for another infection!!

 

 

The guys having a surf check as soon as we got to the hotel in Nagumbo.

 

 

 

 

 

Saltburn Pier, note the waves... it wasn't contest weekend!!!

 

 

There were no waves but the event still had a real buzz about it and everyone was excited at the prospect of what could have been. Neptune was holding out on us but good old Mother Nature provided us with some amazing weather – always rely on the ladies can’t you??!!!

Was so good to be home and see my friends and family for the first time in nearly a year. All be it for a flying visit. I was home for my dad’s birthday for the first time in 10years, got to see my grandma and take my crazy dog for a couple of walks. The small things you take for granted until you can’t do them when you want.

 

 

 

Reuben Pearce and some frothing groms - photo Ian Forsyth

As with anyone when you take them home to meet the family (talking my beach family, the family you choose) for the first time you want the seal of approval from both parties, and I don’t think they failed to deliver!! Reuben Pearce, Gwen Spurlock and Alyssa Podesta got in the water with myself and the groms club. Meaning they were all inspired and stoked. The guys at Saltburn Surf Shop Nick Noble and Gary Rogers – the people who taught me to surf -were amped on the vibe and the people visiting as well as seeing their local grommets frothing and inspired.

 

 

Reuben Pearce, Gwen Spurlock, Alyssa Podesta and yours truly helping to inspire some NE youngsters. Photo Ian Forsyth

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saltburn herself didn’t disappoint the surfers who had travelled a long way to somewhere new. Ok so we were all disappointed the surf held out on us but an excellent covers band in the local pub had everyone raging and jumping around and singing – at one point there was the ‘circle of love‘ locals and visitors united by song in a massive circle singing along, arm in arm with whoever was next to them.

 

 

 

Me, my sister (centre) and my the rest of my beautiful girlies xx Photo Jason Feast

 

 

I got to catch up with some of my best friends I haven’t seen in about 5 years, everyone could see where I got my mad party instincts from hahaha love my girlies and we know how to have a good time! Ahhhhh you can’t beat moments in time like that. Was so good to get to meet more people from the tour, and just have a chilled weekend of sunshine and smiles.

 

HUGE thanks to the local council for sponsoring the event, from Visit Tees Valley, it couldn’t have happened with out them. We just hope we get invited back next year and that my home break can show herself off in all her glory!!!

 

 

Oooh serious - Photo Jason Feast

 

The contest season is upon us and kicked off with the English Nationals at the beginning of May.

It was a lot of hard work for the judges cramming almost a 12 hour day in on the Saturday to try and make the best of conditions.

 

 

Having said that it was a lot of fun. There is a real camaraderie around these contests and it was really nice to see some faces that have been away for the winter.

 

This weekend sees us up in the North East in my home town for the first leg of the UK Pro Surf Tour. The chart isn’t looking awesome but you never know…. At least it will be fun.

Congratulations to all the guys and girls who competed at the English and well done to Jayce Robinson and Sarah Beardmore, men’s and women’s champs respectively.

 

After the rains...

Once your skin clears up your complexion will start to glow, remember exfoliation will help with this as will body brushing. A good facial scrub is Olay regenerist, I use it a couple of times a week and it’s really effective. If you have a bit of money for a treat give microdermabrasion a whirl, it feels like your skin is sucking in oxygen and actually breathing after one of these sessions!

 

Your energy levels will be higher as your body has the right kind of fuel in it and isn’t working so hard to digest and get rid of the toxins we have been eating.

The black bags should be better or gone. Remember this has to do with genetics as well so you may not ever get rid of them but their appearance may be diminished.

Good mood! You are now filling your body with the right kind of food. This will have an effect on your mood. Your blood sugar will be steady due to you not eating refined foods, meaning that 3pm desk side slump and possible crankiness is a thing of the past. If you have been including turkey and brazil nuts in your diet as well then these are directly linked to feel good factor.

Not to mention the fact you may have toned up (if you have been exercising) and possibly lost a bit of weight. Knowing that you look good is an instant mood boost.

 

 

 

schnoooozeee

You will be sleeping better and waking up easier. Even more so if like me you have started doing some exercise alongside the detox. When your body is functioning as it should be on the correct kind of fuels, it is easier to listen to what it is saying to you. Remove the caffeine and the sugar and your body will naturally tell you when it’s time to wake up or go to sleep. Often I wake up before my alarm when doing the detox- any one that has seen me on a morning usually will know it definitely is not my best time of day!

 

I read some where recently that it takes 21days to break a habit. Eating junk food and being lazy is definitely a habit that is easy to shake off. Food is so much more fun when you understand what you are eating and what it does to your body. Preparing your own food from scratch is also good for your digestion and your well being. Why not make a new habit? One that involves eating well, training and feeling good. Believe me it isn’t a lie when people say exercise and healthy eating makes you feel good. It definitely does in my experience.

This way of eating is not hard to keep up, once you have been detoxing for a couple of weeks you will realise that you can’t even bear the thought of putting junk inside you. I sometimes do it by having a treat day once a week, especially when my poor mum comes to visit and I make her detox with me. I find after a while that I don’t want the treat day, and that feels really good.

And just remember after all those negative things in my previous blog, the real reason you are doing the detox, keep strong and stay positive and it will all be worth it!

What to expect from the detox:

I’ll start with the bad because you’ll experience these first I’m afraid!!!

 

 

caffeine come down

Through the first week of detox you will probably be having some major cravings. Sugar will definitely be a strong craving, as may be salt. Dependant on how much you hit Costa Coffee during the week for your intravenous dose of caffeine will obviously be a major factor in other side effects.

 

Your diet is directly linked to mood, energy levels and appearance. During the first week things may be a little erratic as your body works to rid toxins and stabilise itself. A lot of the toxins we put in our body (knowingly or unknowingly) are addictive. Even as simple as refined sugars – white bread, white pasta, biscuits etc etc. This can lead to a whole manner of negative ‘side effects‘ when you go ‘cold turkey’ and come off them.

Anna really suffered on the detox as she had bad headaches in the first week – this we put down possibly to the caffeine coming out of her system and different people react in different ways.

 

 

 

You may find that you break out on you face, chest and back. This is because your skin is the biggest organ that you have.

 

Spotted Lady

It is getting rid of the toxins your body has been pumped full off for so long because it now has the good stuff inside it to change. Anyone that has undergone face mapping will know that spots on your forehead are related to digestion/stomach etc. Eyebrows is allergies, in between your eyebrows is your liver, and your cheeks and around the mouth is hormonal (hence a lot of us get spots there around period time). Although not really what  you want when trying to be healthy, just remember your body is coming clean. It is showing that things are starting to happen

 

 

 

 

Black bags around the eyes are a sign of dehydration and toxic over load. These may get worse for the first few days as you have kick started your bodies drainage system and it will be working hard. This shouldn’t last too long as you will probably have upped your water in take to fit with the detox which is flushing everything out. Increased water levels means increased trips to the loo. This too will regulate after the first few days and that bladder bursting 3am run will be a thing of the past! You will probably find that after the first few days your body actually CRAVES the water as a lot of us run a little under-par when it comes to our liquid intake – caffeine and alcohol don’t count hahah and they are a diuretic so they only dehydrate you.

With all the increased fibre you will be taking from the fruit and veg you can expect to be hitting the toilet for other reasons too. Don’t worry if you experience what you may think is a stomach upset. It isn’t. The fibre is scrubbing out your insides, a lot of us have diets lacking in fibre as they are over processed quick fixes when we are running hectic lives. So an increase throws your body out of kilter, it will settle down, just remember to up your fluid intake to prevent dehydration and not let it put you off. You are cleaning out your system and the toxins are coming out. Let them!!

Eeek - sorry!

 

Hopefully by the end of the first week and certainly by the end of the second week these symptoms will have passed. If you are really struggling with cravings Bach’s Rescue remedy is great for helping with this – as well as any mood swings etc whilst your body adjusts.

That’s all the negatives out of the way!

 

 

I’m a foodie. I just love it. Nothing makes me happier then some wonderful meal, tasting and smelling amazing! So why you might ask am I putting myself on a detox? Well as I said before this isn’t the kind of detox that you will struggle to do because you actually eat LOADS!!

Everyday you have to have a portion of brown rice, some ginger and some garlic. You can eat fish, prawns etc and chicken (although the first time I did this I didn’t realise and just ate fish and it is do-able!) Replace normal milk with rice/soya/goats milk and your cheese with goats cheese. I’ve just found an amazing one in Morrisons and it is unbelievable, as well as the usual somerset round goats cheese you can get from Sainsbo’s and Morrisons, its a bit like Brie and is yummy! I have a jar of mixed nuts and raisins to snack on instead of the Haribo, and a jar of mixed seeds that I add to just about anything, from brekky to salads to stirfry.

 

Some ideas for recipes;

Brekky- Porridge made with soya milk and some blue berries thrown in. Soya/goats yoghurt with fruit and seeds. Ok and this is a cheat.. although not that bad a one, she say’s first line of the food part hahaha… potato waffles! Shhhh! Stick them in the toaster, let them pop up a couple of times and they’re done. I know I know, it’s probably NOT what they had in mind when they wrote the detox but as far as replacing your morning toast goes, they’re a good subsitute!

Easy peasy = stir fry! No mushrooms in there mind! Fry your chicken/tofu/prawns, add some ginger, some garlic, your veggies then a¬†bit of honey/chilli if you like. You can get organic non salt soy sauce, this is pretty tasty if you can get your hands on it, but don’t cheat otherwise as soy sauce is pretty high in salt!

Grilled fish/chicken; being an ocean lover I try and make sure I choose and eat sustainable fish so my health is¬†not contributing to the dismal state the World’s fisheries are in. (As an aside check out the link to sign the anti whaling petition on SurfGirl’s facebook page.) This is such a yummy dish. Basically, get your chicken or fish, grill on one side, when¬†you turn it¬†over add some chopped ginger and garlic to the top and carry on grilling till cooked. Eat with steamed veggies and maybe some sweet potato mash (sans butter of course – but you can get replacement stuff in the form of soya spread!)

For lunch cook a big pot of brown rice, you can have this cold over a few days, and add a variety of different things to it. Chop up some red onions, peppers, stir through some fresh basil and a bit of olive oil and crumble in some proper feta (made with sheeps milk, not cows -check the packet!), or add a can of tuna. A lovely salad with a little dressing (mix up some chopped garlic, ginger, a bit of balsamic vinegar and some olive oil Рmuch tastier then mayo!) Chop up a bit of goats cheese and a pear Рvoi la! Hummus and Dark Rye Ryvita Рno wheat = onto a winner!

Bring out the barbie! Not your long lost dolls and Ken in his plastic under daks… it’s sunny, get the charcoal on! Ok so it might be FREEZING once that sun starts setting but grab your boyfriend’s hoodie, stick the socks on with your flipflops (sexy¬†I know not generally a look I advocate!)¬†and pretend you’re in Oz! Stiff upper lip and all that! You can pretty much grill anything – just leave those stuffed mushrooms and bananas alone! It’s such a healthy way to eat, and mackerel in tin foil= mmmm heaven.

Drinks you can have the good old water… some water… or mmm water. Only kidding! Start the day with hot water and lemon to get your system going. I like to drink this through the day as it wakes you mouth up. Swap the tea for some for of herbal tea – peppermint is a good one, green tea- tastes a bit funky but great for you especially if you are trying to lose a bit of weight. If you want to really push things along on then try one of the detox teas you can get (most are p-retty rancid, like medicine when you have a cough!.) There’s loads of different fruity teas that you can brew and leave to cool, serve over ice maybe with some mint thrown in. Really can’t face asking for a herbal tea in Costa/Starbucks? Go for a hot soya milk – almost a latte (leave that shot of coffee out!)¬†and pretty yummy!

If you’re like me and you love your snacks (i.e crisps!) then you can subsitute with unsalted cashew nuts, mixed nuts and raisins, carrot sticks, apples (I eat tonnes of these when I start as I try and beat my cravings!). Crunch crunch crunch!¬†For a real sugar pang- dried apricots/mango.¬†Make sure you always have a little bag of something with you when out and about or at work. That way you can deal with any sudden cravings that come along and divert your attention from the vending machine.

I’m not gonna lie to you, it is going to be a little bit tough, but it IS WORTH IT! And after a week or so the cravings really do stop.

Next blog = what you can expect and when. The good, the bad, the ugly!!!