Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Staying at J’s Byron Bay YHA (http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/details. cfm?hostelid=13)
Hard to believe, but we’ve spent the past 2 days learning to surf! No major injuries, just some very stiff muscles. We took lessons through Style Surfing . These guys were great. They got us up on the boards quickly (Grant right away, me within 2 tries). The first day was quite easy (for me anyways), as the waters were quite calm, and the surf was slow and gentle. Grant was having difficulties getting into the required positions due to his lack of flexibility. But by the second day, the tides had turned. Surf was up, and I almost gave up right away, before I could even walk/paddle past the crashing waves. After the instructor came to my rescue, and towed me out, I was able to stick it out. However I was definately humbled, trying to get on my board in real surf conditions.
On day 3, we opted to take a break from playing in the waves. We hiked to the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse , which is the strongest light in Australia, and is at the eastern most point of Australia. From there, we were able to see whales breaching in the distance, 30+ dolphins riding the surf near shore, a sea turtle make its way out past the surf, and some kind of ray flying around below the surface. It was quite magical.
On our final day, before heading north through the Gold Coast, I was able to talk Grant into joining me for a yoga class, since it’s supposed to help with the surfing skills. Unfortunately this particular class ended up being at least 50% sitting, meditating, and breathing, and the moves incorporated very little stretching or moving. Things are very “chillaxing” in Byron Bay.
Where I stayed
Byron Bay YHA – 7 Carlyle St, Byron Bay, Australia
