Life as a blogger can be so damn tough sometimes.
Just as I was recovering from my fine dining blind date, a week later I was booked in for a surfing lesson, lunch and tour with the famous surf school, “Let’s Go Surfing” at Bondi Beach.
Like I said, tough.
Paired up with my blogger in crime, Chocolate Suze, we were greeted by Tim, our very smiley and friendly surfing guide for the day.
Originally from Tahiti, Tim reminded me how laid back, relaxed and chilled surfers actually are. And why for a highly-strung gal like me, it was a good thing I married one.
Soaking in the sunny Saturday morning, we went for a drive around the famous Eastern Coastal Walk, visiting the neighbouring pristine beaches of Bronte and Tamarama.
All the while, Tim also explained how to do a surf check. You know, look for waves just like real surfer dudes. Über cool.
This happened to be a big tip for me because I never understood why Mr Surfer often drives endlessly from beach to beach, staring intently at the ocean. I thought he was being a big softie daydreamer. I totes get it now. He’s just looking for his perfect wave.
We headed back to the surf shack to get ourselves “(wet) suited up” and ready to shred some waves.
To be honest, I was certain we were going to freeze our tatas off. But working like 3 extra layers of fat, er… I mean skin, the wetties kept us toasty.
Then, came the real test.
I could very well have been forced to eat my words at this point. Yeah, I was married to an avid surfer. Yeah, I’ve surfed in Hawaii, Noosa and Byron Bay. But I had never paddled out on my own wave. Mr Surfer always pushes me on to one. This time, Tim promised that he’d teach me…which of course, would make me a fully fledged Bondi Surfing Girl. Woot!
Surprisingly, the water wasn’t cold. In fact, it was refreshing.
And while I was a little wobbly at first…
I did it!
And did it again!
I still got it!
Shaka!
A big morning surf like that calls for an even bigger lunch!
Tim took us to a local eatery and while watching the waves that we had just shredded minutes earlier, I tucked into this:
Behold, the lunch of surf champions.
Despite, being a Sydney eastern suburbs local myself and knowing a little about getting on a surfboard, there’s nothing like touring your own neighbourhood from the eyes that know it differently. And rather having to constantly rely on Mr Surfer, thanks to Tim, my levels of surfing confidence has shot up!
The sense of freedom from riding a wave is truly indescribable. Doing it all at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches makes it even more memorable.
I reckon everyone’s gotta try surfing at least once in their lives.
As part of the Priceless Sydney campaign, I’m offering readers a chance to win the entire Bondi experience – from the surfing, dining and exploring.
Valued at $289, the 4 hour surfing tour includes:
- Transfers
- An exclusive group lesson
- A Surf lifesaving club tour
- A casual beachside lunch at a famous local spot
- Incredible sightseeing and photo opportunities based on instructors personal knowledge
- Time to swim, surf, relax and catch some rays Bondi style.
- The offer will be redeemable until 7th of November.
All you have to do is:
- Like With Some Grace on Facebook
- Subscribe to With Some Grace
- Leave a comment on this post, telling Mama G: Where’s your favourite locally famous hang out spot? And what makes it famous?
Terms and Conditions:
▪ This giveaway is only open to Australian residents
▪ Closing date for entries is 10 pm AEST Tuesday, 10th of September.
▪ The winners will be contacted via email on the following Wednesday.
▪ If the winner does not reply to my email within 24 hours, another winner will be chosen.
▪ Entries will be judged on merit and decision of the winner will be final.
Joining Essentially Jess for the one and only IBOT
Josefa @always Josefa says
Awesome experience Grace! Now you just need to teach two little twin boys how to get this surfing gig sorted 😉 Well done!
Josefa @always Josefa recently posted..Natalie: Picture Perfect
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me says
I love how you always look like you’re having the time of your life. Love that smile. I have done a girls go surfing lesson a few times before the kids were born and loved it. Will have to do it again sometime 🙂
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me recently posted..Highway to the danger zone
Lydia C. Lee says
Good for you! A natural it looks like….
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..The extroverted introvert.
Kerri Thomas says
You make it look so easy! I’m sure I didn’t look that relaxed when I gave it a try….
Trish says
You nailed it Grace.
Now I can add surfing to my wish list – maybe …
I am going to try dragon boating next month at the Macquarie River , Sandy Beach in DUB. – it’s a fab hangout spot for Pink girls and guys who don’t like getting dunked or sand in their crack. I am assured the boat has yet to be turned over.
Trish recently posted..Zen Giveaway ~ Cadbury Marvellous Creations Banana Candy, Peanut Drops and Choc Biscuit
Trish says
PS I want pink hair like Suze.
Trish recently posted..Zen Giveaway ~ Cadbury Marvellous Creations Banana Candy, Peanut Drops and Choc Biscuit
Sam Stone says
Grace! You look like a pro! So fabulous and your lunch looked amazing.
Sam Stone recently posted..It really was Dad’s day
Eleise says
I am in Wollongong so my favourite local spot is Stuart Park where the water meets the parklands. You can have a picnic next the becah and not have to worry about sand. It also has the most beautiful cycle ways for walking or running! I think it is famous because of the cafe on the beach, the landing spot for sky diving and that occasssionally you can see the dolphins playing in the water.
I can’t beleive how well you did with the surfing! Well done!!!
Eleise recently posted..Being a step mum is about letting go.
Jacana says
Looks like you had the time of your life. I am not super comfortable in the ocean myself, prefer to see the bottom of a clear pool.
Jacana recently posted..Concerned
Aroha @ Colours of Sunset says
That looks fantastic Grace! I reckon even I would learn to stand on a surfboard with a cutie like that instructing me!! 😉 ha ha!
Aroha @ Colours of Sunset recently posted..A-Z Of Me: Part I
Twitchy says
You are one awesome chick, Grace. I was going to wonder aloud why as a Surfer Wife, you don’t already know all there IS to know… but then I remembered it’s probably a bit like most people taking driving lessons from their dad. Sometimes paying a professional makes a lot more sense! You ROCK lady.
Twitchy recently posted..Fathers Day-A-Thon 2013
Annaleis from Teapots and Tractors says
I cant get there to win this one, but looks like a great day out Grace. I’m a bit like you surfed but never really all on my own. Maybe its time to try.
Annaleis from Teapots and Tractors recently posted..Ironing
EssentiallyJess says
I would love to surf one day. Unfortunately, It’s not going to happen in Darwin! No waves and things that want to eat you in the water, does not a good combination make!
EssentiallyJess recently posted..Wisdom From the Other Side of Man-Flu #IBOT
Emily @ Have a laugh on me says
You look like a natural Grace, and man he is tall (or you are short? surely not you seem LARGER THAN LIFE to me) I can’t wait to try surfing one day – but I know it’s the paddling out that will get me stuffed! BOOM! xx
Emily @ Have a laugh on me recently posted..Just keep swimming, or trucking, or drinking!
Lisa (@lybliss) says
TALL – you forgot to mention that Tim is friendly, smiling and you two were eye level with his belly button ! Looks like you guys had an absolute ball. Yep, it’s definitely looking like a hard life Bondi Girl!
I expect to see you taming Lions next month
Lisa (@lybliss) recently posted..The Bath – IBOT
Seana - Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel says
Love it… now you’ll be wrestling Mr Surfer for that board. Well, I must tell you of one of my very fave spots on the Northern Beaches, a great little cafe called Lifesavers at North Narrabeen. I love it as it’s so beachy and relaxed and laid back, the food is good and the vibe is just so very Aussie beach cool but not hip.
And I was there this morning with my laptop – marvellous!
Seana – Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel recently posted..25 Things I Love About Sydney – Part 2
Tegan says
Woo go Grace! You look like you had an absolute ball!
Tegan recently posted..Whispers from the ocean
Amanda Gorton says
Sydney Olympic Park – arts and culture, food and wine, sports to watch and sports to play, there’s an activity for everyone that’s sure to please in every way!
Rita says
Great pictures Grace! Looks like you had a lot of fun! I never tried surfing but I’d love too one day.
Rita recently posted..Great things to remember from Tavi Gevinson’s keynote at the Melbourne Writers Festival
Janet @ Redland City Living says
Grace you are a legend!!!!
Janet @ Redland City Living recently posted..Man Cave
Francesca says
Wowow, you look awesome on those waves. Totally gnarly dudette! (Do surfers actually talk like that?)
Good on you, looks like great fun!
Francesca recently posted..Springy Spring Spring
chocolatesuze says
what an absolutely amazing day! would definitely give surfing another go but it won’t be the same without you there Grace!
Leanne Winter says
Bummer for me, won’t be in Sydney until Feb next year. Looks like you had a great time – and you really look like you actually know what you’re doing. x
Leanne Winter recently posted..Take A Deep Breath
Amanda @ Cooker and a Looker says
You’re so awesome Grace. Nice one for getting up all by yourself!
Plus, your lunch is making me hungry!
Amanda @ Cooker and a Looker recently posted..eavesdropping + odd bedfellows
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
Wow, you girls look fabulous!! What an awesome day that must have been Grace, and finished off with such a banquet of YUM! xx
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..5 Good Things For You
Kylez @ A Study in Contradictions says
There’s not a whole lot of ‘cool’ famous stuff out here in the Hawkesbury but the area is full of ‘historically famous’ sites and I like that. And we also boast Australia’s oldest continuously licensed pub, you can have a beer with ghosts from the 1830s & 40s!
Looks like you had a lovely time, definitely something that would be fun to do once the munchkins are a bit older!
Kylez @ A Study in Contradictions recently posted..Gay Marriage. Seriously, can we not just move right along and get this show on the road.
Ginny says
NICE! You look great!!! I’d have to say Shark Bay’s my favourite for me. It’s a little piece of paradise tucked away from rowdy tourists and teens where the water is dead still and the sand is white, pristine, and free of cigarette butts. Not quite as famous as other beaches but it’s well-known for being not so well known! It’s just the perfect spot to hang out with friends or family! x