Surf's Up!

This weekend was short but sweet, an excellent trip to satisfy any adrenaline junky’s needs!  On Friday after noon, 4 Americans, 2 Belgians, 2 Israelis and 1 South Africa piled in a big red van and made the 45 minute trip to Jeffreys Bay.  Known for its relaxed attitude, J-Bay is South Africa’s top surfing destination and is one of the top 5 surfing havens in the world! 

We checked in at Cristal Cove which was right on the beach- perfect accommodations!  The group traveled to The Mexican which, obviously, serves Mexican food!  For a girl who lives on El Rincon and La Parilla and The Bear Trap’s quesadillas, this was a welcomed surprise!

The next morning, we woke up early and drove to Lombardini Game Farm and hopped on four wheelers to explore the property.  We saw SO many rhino, giraffe, zebra and various antelope/deer species.  It was an incredible experience.  This prim and proper girl has never even seen a four wheeler, so it was so cool for me.

Wellyna trusted me to drive for half of it! 

Chillin' with rhinos!

The group did some shopping in town at the Billabong Factory Outlets.  I didn’t buy anything, but the amount of bathing suits was overwhelming!  We went to lunch at The Walskipper- a sand covered outdoor restaurant that overlooks the beach.  The portions were gigantic- I got crocodile kebabs, hake and calamari.  We even had enough for dinner later!

All cooked right in front of us!

Perfect views

After lunch, we drove to The Wavecrest Surf School and met the owner, Andrew Moon.  The 40 year-old surfer hippie was amazingly patient in teaching us to surf.  Three steps:

1 - Paddle, paddle paddle
2 - Push yourself up on your arms, fully extended
3 - Stand up!

Not everyone focusing, but still so much fun!

Step One!

Step Two!

Step 2.75!

Andrew showing us how it's done

I got to about step 2.75.  It was such a fun day and I am so lucky to have gotten the opportunity to surf in one of the top 5 surfing destinations in the WORLD!

Mama arrives on Friday- ready or not, here she comes!

Love,

Katharine / Miss Martin

(Thanks to Free Walkers for the pics, I haven't uploaded mine from the camera yet!  Check out their website at http://www.freewalker.co.za/)