Viva Lost Vegans!

As a special end to the trip the crew headed to Las Vegas to catch the Cirque du Soleil Beatles Love show, which was mindblowing.  However, it was equally devastasting to uncover that captive dolphins are held in The Mirage hotel in Sigfreid and Roy’s secret garden.

We made it our mission to stage a protest, and the sadness that hit me when leaving the strange city in the desert was nothing compared to what the dolphins must feel on a daily basis, day in day out, going round and round their tiny tank.  As surfers we can feel out of sorts if we don’t get wet for a while, but imagine being a dolphin and never experiencing the ocean, these marine mammals may well be born in captivity but they belong in the wild.

Captivity issues are something Women for Whales will be focussing on once our campaign for the South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary finishes in July 2012.  Thankfully the UK banned dolphinariums in 1993 but almost 300 whales and dolphins are held captive in European dolphinarims and zoos still to this day.  And worldwide there are nearly 200 establishments, of which the US, Mexico and Japan are the biggest culprits with the largest number of captive facilities.  Take a look at the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society for more information.

Wendy and I reunited in the jungle

Out of Vegas I took a one way ticket to Central America, where I would be spending the next 6 months in preparation for the International Whale Celebration #2.  Sincerely grateful to glimpse the ocean again, I was looking for warm water, challenging breaks and environmental projects and knew Costa Rica would be the place to start.  On arrival I was completely spoilt by my friend Nancy of Rica Surf, who took me surfing with her extensive local knowledge, introduced me to the local cuisine (gallo-pinto) and led me to some amazing waterfalls.  From there I headed onto Santa Teresa to be reunited with Wendy, who I used to team up with to run Roxy Girls Weeks in Morocco.  I settled into life here in Mal Pais, and have been teaching yoga, surfing my new Bing board, enjoying the nature overflowing all around and moving forward with the Women for Whales initiative (painting murals, visiting schools and holding events).

Tropico Latino's beautiful yoga shala

Wendy and I are excited to announce that we will be teaching retreats together at Tropico Latino featuring yoga, surfing and adventures in this magical place.  We can’t wait to share the amazing lifestyle, waves, surroundings and food the Nicoya Penninsular has to offer, we believe this to be the perfect setting for healing, relaxing and rejuvenating.  Whether its taking your yoga practice to the next level, giving some time back to your self or taking a leap of faith into something new – this retreat is suitable for both beginners and practicing yogis alike!  The dates are:

• April 8-14 & April 14-20 2012
• May 6-12 & May 12-17 2012

Picture perfect beach on your doorstep

The retreats will focus primarily on Quantum Yoga™ where students will learn about their own individual mind-body type (dosha) according to the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda, accompanied by yoga sequences to balance their dosha.

This will be teamed with restorative sunset yoga, incredible organic food, surfing lessons and sessions, and all situated one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

If you have any inquiries, you can drop me an email at natalievfox@hotmail.com or for more info go to Wendys Yoga.  We hope to see lots of SurfGirls there!

Until then I’m packing my bag and heading off into the jungle for a meditation course, then following my heart to where the whales are in the Osa penninsular!  Stay warm ladies, and if you can’t face the surf then check out the flights to Costa Rica where it’s always HOT!  Pura Vida xx

Despite late lasting “June gloom” (when the warm Californian air meets the cool coastal waters to produce a constant fog) spirits were high as we left San Diego to join the whole crew at an incredible house in the Hollywood hills.  “The mansion” was the setting for (and the home of)  one of the worlds most renowned photographers who was keen to work his magic for Surfers for Cetaceans – simply offering his skills, services and support after watching S4C’s documentary Minds in the Water at a benefit screening in Malibu.

And so here gathered a collection of hugely talented artists, musicians, filmmakers, photographers and pro surfers, all united for the cause of dolphin and whale protection and ocean conservation, marking the beginning of the epic voyage that is TransparentSea.

As Roxy ambassador and co founder of Women for Whales, I am representing our small and relatively new organisation; a global collective of passionate females dedicated to making a peaceful for whales, dolphins and the oceans – whilst attuning into our exquisite connection with cetaceans, utilising our creative skills and embracing our femininity.  We have worked with Surfers for Cetaceans through the first International Whale Celebration in Jersey, UK which coincided with 63^rd annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission, a great partnering which opened up this very special opportunity for me.

It is an honour to be here, to be surrounded by such inspiring people, to be immersed in the Californian surf culture and to have the chance to meet the creatures of its coastline and enjoy its wonders.  We have already encountered dolphins, seals and heard that the blue whales have recently been spotted just 5 miles off the coast.  It is also crucial to be able to learn first hand about the plight of local marine life, and the issues facing coastal communities and areas. Creating events in order to highlight these issues and interact with local organisations and surfers is one of the many elements that makes this campaign unique.

After our Hollywood photoshoot we head straight to the beach to catch some peelers at the infamous Ventura surf spot, before following on to our abode for the next few days.  Our wonderful hosts Dan and Linda have opened their handbuilt wooden home, right on the ocean front to our crew which must be 20 strong.  Such generosity seems to be synonymous with Dave Rastovich and his merry band of vegan activists.

S4C urge the surfers and communities of Southern California to join us on our journey, including participating at events down the coast in Malibu, Dana Point and San Diego – and to keep track via the TransparentSea website.  The launch event was a huge success; held at Santa Barbara Maritime Museum it included a silent art auction curated by Andy Davis, live music by Band of Frequencies and Will Connor, whale tipi exhibition, screenings of Minds in the Water, talks from local SurfRider Foundation chapter and Environmental Defence Centre plus a special chance to interact with the team.  The sail assisted Hobie Kayaks set sail from Gaviota Pier on Saturday, celebrating the last undeveloped 20 miles of the Southern Californian coast.. the mist cleared, the sun came out and of course, the dolphins guided the sailors into the water and along their journey.

Who knows what else natures greatest resource has in store for us; I guess that’s where the adventure lies.

Photos: Dawe/Billabong

TransparentSea is an awareness campaign aimed at highlighting coastal environmental issues, with particular attention given to cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and the waters they inhabit.

The first journey (Byron Bay to Bondi, Australia, 2009) was conceptualised by world renowned freesurfer, Dave Rastovich and fellow Surfers For Cetaceans (S4C) co-founder and activist, Howie Cooke and successfully highlighted the plight of humpback whales and the threat faced by Japanese whaling fleets.

The second (California, October, 2011) traces the southern migration of the California Grey Whale from Santa Barbara to Baja, Mexico with an emphasis on engaging key coastal community groups and drawing awareness to the causes they support.

On the way the crew will come to port for four major regional events.  Each night hosting Minds in The Water movie screening, followed by live in concert Band of Frequencies, art show & auction all in support of Surfer’s for Cetaceans (S4C) and other ocean minded charities.

I’m extremely excitied to be heading out to the sunshine state this week to be reunited with Surfers for Cetaceans,  lending a Women for Whales hand to the incredible and inspiring journey that is TransparentSea.

Stay tuned on all things TransparentSea via the website and find out how you can do “your bit”!

Nat x

Women for Whales protested at the 62^nd meeting in Morocco in opposition to Japan, Norway and Iceland’s proposal to lift the current ban on commercial whaling.  The proposal was disregarded that year and a seed was planted to create a positive and cultural event that celebrates whales rather than focussing on their deaths.

They explain; “This years International Whale Celebration will unite people in honouring the whales, highlighting their plight, and inspiring others to get involved in their protection. We believe that in the midst of the conflict and corruption that takes place during the IWC conference, the magnificence of whales should be brought to the forefront as a reminder of why they should be protected. We are stoked to be joined by Surfers for Cetaceans to present an art exhibition, open mic night, surf day, film festival, healing day and also the UK premier of S4C’s new documentary; Minds in the Water.”

However, Women for Whales need YOUR help and are harnessing the power of the pod to fund this whole incredible event.  To be a “whale angel” visit www.womenforwhales.org/podpower

There is also one last chance to get Peggy Oki yes, THE Peggy Oki artist, activist and former Dog town and Z boy skater along to the International Whale Celebration.  She is looking for vital funds to help bring her curtain of origami whales across the pond to display at the whale trail art exhibition.   A wonderful statement of peace that kids can add to, this is an inspiring project calling out for a space in Jersey.

Time is running out so to help Peggy, please email me at natalievfox@hotmail.com ASAP!

My fellow surf coach and West Oz dominator Loz Williams is swapping her board for a bike in aid of childrens charity Jessies Fund in 2 weeks time.

Loz and her band of merry femmes (Thea, Margot, Kat and Prue) will be cycling from York to Amsterdam – that’s right, YORK TO AMSTERDAM – and BACK in just FIVE days.  Team Seagrass are all journeying to meet in the UK in July, supporting Margot after she broke both her ankles in the 2010 Amsterslam and in true surf sisterly solidarity will complete the 2011 adventure together.

Like their Facebook page full of classic videos, check out the blog and donate!

And finally, this weekend you can find myself and Nori at Paddle Round The Pier in Brighton , us and 40,000 other people apparently.   We’ll be representing Women for Whales on our first stand; probably dressed as whales.   There’ll be so much happening there and all in the name of charideee – come on down!

Here’s the lowdown from globetrotter�surf coach and yoga instructor Nat Fox, currently in the�pointbreak-a-plenty�Morocco

How wonderful it is to be back in the Zoo (aka Taghazout, Morocco), working at Surf Maroc once again.� Sunset surfs, road trips, dawnie sessions, Oakley surf sistas, Swanny’s awesome pilates, yoga classes AND Roxy weeks… it’s been going off and I’ve been lucky enough to meet and hang out with some inspiring surf chicks from all over the world.� For a place that was once overrun with guys, there seems to be much more of a male/female surfer balance… FINALLY!

Not only have there been tons of surf chicas in town but the Rallye aicha des Gazelles brought some of bravest female 4 wheel ralley drivers through here last week in an adventure competition endorsed by the King of Morocco.� Now, I’m not sure whether being stuck in the desert with only a truck, compass and a map sounds like that much fun, but it’s definitely a huge challenge and these ladies are mostly all amateurs doing it for charity (hhmmm my next endeavour perhaps!?).� Here’s Roxy coach Loz in front of the winning vehicle and surf camp resident Larry, with his gorgeous wife who came in 2^nd!!

Ok here’s some more exciting news;

Roxy recently made me an official ambassador, yeewww! I couldn’t be more stoked!� I have been working with the�”pioneer of women’s boardshorts”�for a number of years through hospitality and coaching, and now I am honoured to take that relationship to the next level.� A huge thanks is going out to them�for their support as well as�for the backing�of projects such as Chicks with Sticks and the newly formed Women for Whales.

WOMEN FOR WHALES??� Well, after my first International Whaling Commission protest, Sea Shepherd mission and blue whale encounter, the Universe seems to be pushing me in the direction of cetacean activism and conservation.� Therefore, I am proud to announce the launch of Women for Whales; an alliance between myself, Nori Neumman (project manager, free-diver, artist, activist) and Cordelia Brapps (holistic therapist, journalist, author, life coach).

We are uniting to raise awareness of current issues surrounding whales, dolphins and dugongs as well as their precious ocean habitat; using pro-active and positive messages through art, film, events and workshops; and collaborating with other organisations such as (Dave Rastovich’s) Surfers for Cetaceans.

We launched our collective symbolically on 8^th March 2011 � aka International Women�s Day � and our focus for the year will be the International Whale Celebration, 9^th � 14^th July on Jersey.� We are coordinating a week of special events to coincide with 63^rd annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission, including a surf day, film festival, art exhibition, healing workshop and open mic night.

We are asking all those who would like to take a peaceful stand with us to join our pod via the Women for Whales website. We will be offering free guided meditations via teleseminars during the run up to this event, our first one; introducing us and the W4W ethos was broadcast live on 3^rd April.� All details about attending the International Whale Celebration, getting involved or doing your own event can be found there.� Plus more updates coming via this SG blog on the whole event which will include the UK premier of Surfers for Cetaceans‘ Minds in the Water and special guests to introduce it!� For anyone that wants to contribute directly drop me a line at natalievfox@hotmail.com – we need female surfers, artists, musicians and activists so if you’ve seen “The Cove” this is one way to make your voice heard about the issues portrayed in it.

Just to round up; here’s evidence of me participating in the Surfers Against Sewage abseil at Lusty Glaze back in February.� I managed to brave the cold and my fear of heights to raise �145 for the Aggie based clean water warriors so a massive THANK YOU to everyone that sponsored me!

That�s all for now folks, I�ll be making my way back to the Quay via France and Portugal with a Bali detour� ready for a siccc summer of whale tents at festivals and teaching yoga/surfing to anyone that�s keen!� I hope to see you there!� x

Those of you that read my article in the latest Surf Girl mag will know I spent much of the summer in search of cetaceans so the highlight of my winter has to be my final day; on a whale watching tour with “Leviathan” author Phillip Hoare.� Our boat was surrounded by 6 blue whales, including Mother and calf plus at least 40 dolphins – spinners and striped!� A dream come true!

Sri Lanka is one of the only places in the world you can spot blue whales and is also home to 26 species of cetaceans – including pilot whales, sperm whales, dolphins and dugongs.� But it is sighting the blue whale; at over 100 foot long; the largest mammal that’s ever lived and which is critically endangered that holds such a special moment in my heart.

I may have surfed in 2 of Indias states now but these boys have put me to shame by surfing the entire country – 28 states!� Not only are they obviously creatures of talent, creativity and boundless energy, but have hearts of gold – visiting and helping out with humanitarian projects such as Our Home orphanage, the 88 bikes project and Waves for Water.

The blog Surfing 28 states gives you an insight into their courageous adventure and Jonno had this to say “India was the hardest trip of our lives but obviously some amazing times also! We have all run out of money so we are now working day jobs and editing in the spare time so it will be a while before anything is ready. But yeah, keep in touch with the blog and we’d love to do something together in the UK when we get done!”

They’ve also surfed the 50 states of America!� Check out the film Surfing 50 states – it’s a classic!� Now it’s just a case of getting them to the UK for surfing 48 counties!!� I would love to see what they could get up to in my original county of Warwickshire (something to do with Shakespeare maybe)!?

I was lucky enough to begin my yoga teaching practice at Talalla Retreat and Surf Camp; where the resident surf coach is none other than Newquay’s Jack Phillips.� Talalla is set in beautiful grounds, with a huge yoga shala and just a short stroll from the beach.� There’s an abundance of surfing beaches and secret spots, and I was stoked to be living the dream, if only for a short time – days filled with sunshine, surf, yoga, coconuts and laughter!

Check out more about Talalla and Jack’s blog here.

Talalla is also home (from home) to cousins Hayley and Jess who run their own clothing label – KissinCussin.� The label, already making waves on the Australian fashion scene since its conception in 2007, was founded out of passion when the girls volunteered to rebuild the small Sri Lankan village Talalla in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami.Jess and Hayley were immediately inspired by the amazing people, vibrant landscapes, mountains, palms, coastlines and the wonderful chaos of Sri Lanka’s famous Pettah markets, where wacky fabrics, quirky buttons and unbelievably cute prints, from flowers to spaceships to umbrellas to apples, cemented the way forward for, soon to be, print based label KissinCussin.

Inspired by the environment, the people of Sri Lanka and a love of freedom, fashion and adventure, the label is a fusion of their two personalities and style and has an ethical outlook. Working closely in Talalla Bay, the cousins use local ladies to sew for them, generating livelihoods and supporting women in far reached communities.

Check out their site here and watch this space for UK available goods.

Whilst at Talalla I managed to visit Madiha surf club, The Turtle Conservation Project in Rekawa, various ancient Buddhist temples; and also catch the full moon parade through Gondora village; realising there is an awful lot this island of paradise has to offer.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, with incredible flora and fauna and a vibrant culture.� I’m looking forward to going back next year, with the hope of getting more involved with community and surf project Paddle for Relief; a Devon based charity committed to the development of the surfing industry and community within the island, after the destruction of the Tsunami.

Until then I’m embarking on more travels to Morocco, organising the Chicks with Sticks charity man auction once again and I’ll be facing my fears and abseiling for Surfers Against Sewage…eek!

I’m braving the cold and coming back early to raise funds and awareness for the superheroes at SAS.� You can show your support by visiting www.justgiving.com/natalievfox where all sponsorship is very much appreciated!

Keep shreddin girls!x

I was lucky enough to run the very first SurfGirl and Surf Sistas with Oakley coaching week from Ripcurl�s ESF surf school in July.� It�s similar to what I do abroad in Spain and Morocco, but this time actually based in the heart of the UK�s surf mecca; Newquay!� It was a great group of girls, who were all super keen to learn and get out there; we had theory work, practical lessons, an Indo board demo with it�s creator Hunter Joslin and a surf specific yoga class.� We also spent an awesome afternoon at the flowrider, sampled coasteering and took part in even more surfing (including dawnies, video analysis and fancy dress!)� We�ll be putting together a full report of the whole week as soon as possible!

Talking of Surf Sistas with Oakley�. Hossegor will be our home for the first ever surf and pilates boutique holiday there.� I just love South West France and September is THE best time to be lapping up the endless golden beaches, sunshine and firing sandbanks!� �We�ve hired a stunning pad just by the lake and will be enjoying pilates classes with Amy Swanson, surf lessons avec moi, gormet veggie food, road trips, shopping trips and the odd night out of course�

There�s actually a couple of places left so if the thought of summer being over way too soon is giving you the heebie geebies then email lu@bigfriday.com pronto!� All details are on the website www.bigfriday.com

�Chicks with Sticks� has been going strong in 2010 with the Art Rumble and the Surf Off, which ended up being simply a Man Off!� We raised about �400 for Surfers Against Sewage, gave away some amazing prizes (huge thanks to Surf Maroc and Big Friday for the holidays), donned our fave 80s outfits and danced the night away.� Check out the blog and website for more info!

Finally, I just returned from an incredible secret mission with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Brigitt Bardot Foundation, representing Chicks with Sticks and Surfers 4 Cetaceans.� I joined an unmarked vessel, an international crew, which included S4C’s Howie Cooke and travelled around the Faroe Islands in a bid to protect the pilot whales that inhabit the area.

It was an incredible experience and a true eye opener.� Check out the news on www.s4cglobal.org www.seashepherd.org and stay tuned for more details on the Faroes campaign.

Time for me to get some waves! I�m joining Big Friday�s cycle-surf tour of South West France tomorrow, as head of surf, and frankly I couldn’t think of anything better after 3 weeks with no surf and no sun!!

Enjoy September ladies!

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Chicks with Sticks have conquered a Moroccan photoshoot, a French roadtrip and the notorious man auction; now we���re joining forces with the surf jumble to bring you the ART RUMBLE.�� Being held at St. Merryn Village Hall, on 3^rd July, doors are open from 1pm.

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We are holding art workshops, craft pitches, film screenings, tasty refreshments, live music, surf bingo and an art auction with art donated by international surf-artists all under one vintage-style roof!

We are raising funds and awareness for our charities; Surfers4Cetaceans and Ticket to Ride Foundation���s project in the township of Masiphumelele, Cape Town, South Africa.

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More details are on the website (www.chickswithsticks.org.uk), and check the blog (www.chickswithsticksuk.blogspot.com) for updates.�� We hope to see you there!

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Art Rumble schedule;

Doors open 1pm

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Craft stalls

Surf Jumble

Surf Girl Magazine clothes swap shop

(Open for donations from 1pm, trading at 2.30pm)

Original Surf Boards

Lazy Waves

Eden at Tribe

Little Miss Boutique

Rosie & Gem���s Novelty Cakes

Body art

Ladies pampering massage

Creative workshops

Badge & bunting making

Mural & cloth bag painting

Quilt making

Ding repair/glass your own fin

Special workshop with Neon���s Elsie Pinniger at 4pm

Make your own board sock/door stop/towel changer

If you want to sign up for this please contact greenwavesproject@gmail.com

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Food is being served courtesy of L���Aude Cuisine, who are based in Southern France and providing homemade, exiting veggie dishes.�� On the menu is;

Fresh veggie burger in a wholemeal bap, with salad and chilli aioli or tomato salsa

Falafel in a pitta pocket with crunchy salad and tahini cream

Oven baked wedges with spicy tomato sauce

Selection of teas

Surfers soda

Banana cake & flapjack

Food will be served until 7.30pm

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From 5pm, there is a break to quickly set the hall up for�Ķ.

Movies, music and more�Ķ.!

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5.30pm Sliding Liberia

6.30pm The Cove (with introduction from Howie Cooke)

8.00pm Charity Art Auction

A selection of incredible international surf and coastal inspired art is up for grabs; including pieces created especially for Chicks with Sticks by Hawaii’s Elise Nicole Kauffman and Surfers 4 Cetaceans Howie Cooke

8.30pm Live music with October Rocks!

9.00pm Surf bingo with prizes galore

9.30pm More music! More fun!

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After party at The Koola for My Heroes Killed Cowboys!

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Everyone’s welcome during this FREE event; a day of celebration and union for surf inspired creativity! We hope to see you there!!

WEEK 1

I���d been to Bali before so was familiar with the tourist set up, however, whilst in transit in Singapore I suddenly realised I had no real plan, wasn���t sure where I was going, had no friends to meet and was arriving in Bali at midnight!�� A snap decision later, I had emailed a homestead in Ubud, hoping to at least have accommodation sorted for the night.�� Once I���d landed, I caught a taxi there.�� Yes, I was heading inland and away from the waves, but the reports told me I wasn���t missing much, plus I really wanted try some other things before planting myself firmly by the coast.�� Staying in a quiet homestay I started to relax into Ubud life, wandering around the Monkey Forest and attending daily open yoga classes at the amazing yoga barn.

For those of you that have read the book Eat, Pray, Love you might have a bit more insight into the village of Ubud as it���s where the author resides for 3 months (for those who haven���t read the book ��� the movie, starring Julia Roberts, is out soon).�� There���s a huge ex pat community and it has a very spiritual feel to it, with lots of massage, meditation groups and new age workshops going on.�� I spend an afternoon at Wayan���s (the healer, as featured in the book) where I eat the most delicious and exotic vegetarian meal followed by a reading from her.

After 4 days, I���m feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, and like it���s time to move on ��� something���s missing; the sea!�� I head south to Padang Bai which is renound for it���s crystal clear waters and abundant sealife.�� Organising transport is so easy in Bali; you go to a travel operator, who all speak English, buy a ticket, which is next to nothing et Voila; you���re on the road!

I���m a qualified PADI diver, but haven���t been diving in about 2 years so was keen to get straight back into it and check out the reef that forms the amazing waves of Bali from a different angle.�� Padang Bai is great for snorkelling too, a young black tipped reef shark swims past me as I get some snorkel time in before my dives.�� Gekko Dive take me out to Blue Lagoon and I submerge for the first time in a while, getting used to the weird sensation again.�� I feel diving really makes me appreciate the ocean on a whole new level, building on the experience of just floating on it.�� You get to witness this incredible world and infrastructure that is just so serene and perfect; and when you go back to bobbing on the top you have more understanding and respect for what���s beneath you.�� My second dive involves visiting an old wreck and its amazing to think about the cycle of life with regards to it, us and the sea.

After diving I���m keen to move on from Padang Bai so get the next boat out of there.�� It���s heading to the island of Nusa Penida and it turns out I���m the only tourist ��� much to the amusement of a local family who start taking a million photos of me with them in the waiting room.

Made is a guide who rescues me at the port at the other end.�� He sorts me out with a place to stay and a moped, and points me in the direction of a nice beach.�� I find Crystal Cove Bay; which is deserted apart from the man who hands me a coconut to drink from.�� There���s perfect, peeling lefthanders running off the island into the bay; it���s a shame they���re only 30cm high.�� After a checking out the island, and feeling like an international celebrity with the hospitality of the islanders and the frenzied children, the next day Made helps me onto the boat headed for the mainland.�� As it approaches Sanur I spot surfers on the reef, I���m stoked there���s waves, even though it���s only small and jump straight in for my first surf in Bali.

It took a year for the dream to manifest into reality, but finally here I was being paid to go to Bali and coach a group of Brits for 10 days. With a whole month of visa available I decided to spend as much time as possible there; surfing left hand reef perfection, sampling exotic yoga classes, chowing down on the local cuisine, diving to the deep depths of the ocean bed and simply enjoying the eden that is also known as “the island of the gods”.

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Here’s my account of 30 days in paradise… just a little bit back to front…

WEEK 3 (part one)

With the recent volcano disruption, it’s a miracle all the guests arrive at all – let alone on time!�� Aidan and I are there to meet and greet them at the airport, mirroring their relief that they’ve actually made it to Indonesia.�� We complete our head count and hot-foot it to the waves – job done!

We head straight to the Bukit, to our surf camp and bungalows that are overlooking bingin surf break.�� It’s first time I’ve managed to get in the water all week due to a wrist injury (see WEEK 2) so I am FROTHING!�� It’s 2-3 foot, pure sunset glass, with peelers breaking at the way to the inside.�� I’d just read Sarah Beardmore’s article on barrel riding in Surf Girl and it must have been fresh in my mind because I even managed to tuck in and make it out, generating whoops from the small but perfectly formed crowd!

With the tides working in our favour for dawnies (less wind and crowds are a priority) we spend a solid week of surfing from 5.30am each day!�� Not much of a holiday lie in for the group, but we are blessed with perfect waves; surfing at Ulu’s, Padang Padang, Inside Impossibles, Bingin and Balangan.�� Things start to ease up as the week progresses and reef cuts, board scrapes, aches and pains are soothed with a sunset cocktail session at the Uluwatu infinity pool.�� The coaches especially enjoy the chance to unwind with a couple of daquiris!

I spent my time coaching the beginners and intermediates, which for most meant their first time surfing reef.�� It was a major feat for them, and not only were they surfing empty peaks surrounded by breathtaking scenery; they accomplished getting waves they will most likely remember for a lifetime!

Big Friday boss, buddy and my fellow “chicks with sticks” co founder Kate also had a secret SurfGirl mission to complete with my help – the headdress photos are a sneaky peak into our fantasy photoshoot!