Conor is the New Kelly Slater

Trip Start Sep 20, 2007
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23
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Trip End Sep 20, 2008


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Where I stayed
(Raglan hotels)

Flag of New Zealand  ,
Thursday, November 22, 2007

We reached Raglan just as the sun was setting on another quality day on the North Island. Our first choice hostel was booked up so we turned to Solscape not expecting much. In fact, we were in for a treat as this surfer commune overlooking Raglan point break, one of the best lefts in the world was out of the top drawer. Each room was actually a carriage of an old abandoned train that the owner had turned into lodgings. Only problem was that our carriage had one queen size luxurious bed and three basic bunks. Massive game of paper, rock sciccors ensued and the Don came out trumps, the bastard. Conor lost and in the end had to sleep on what looked like a sawed in half Kitchen table.

After an interesting sleep we awoke to another stunning day. Also happened to be Conors birthday, the big 23. He was presented with a lovely card and two magazines, what generous mates. One wrestling mag and one premiership mag which happened to be three months out of date, its the thought that counts though.

The weather in New Zealand has been unbelievable since we arrived, luck of the Irish or something because spring time is usually quite a mixed bag. We decided to organise some surf lessons with one of the locals called Myles. Absolute legend of a man, who has surfed some of the biggest waves on the planet. The fact that he had very few teeth left and a dislocated shoulder form his last session was evidence enough for us.

It took a while for everyone to find a wet suit that fitted and even the biggest one on Conor left little to the imagination but we were off, sweet as. Conor Clive and Craig share the slums
Conor Clive and Craig share the slums
 Craigo had been surfing for years but decided a refresher course wouldnt do him any harm, even if he did have to wear a pink marigold washing up glove over his cast to keep it dry. Suited up we headed for the beach and proceeded to spend a half hour learning the basics on land. Rips, pop ups, recovery positions were soon entrenched in our memories and ready to go we sprinted towards the mother ocean like the water babies we were.

After a few minutes of face planting and nose diving, it all started to click. Clivo was first up, a natural balancer, Conor also got to his feet (see the photos) and felt like all his birthdays had come at once. He is now a fiend for the surfing, reckons he's found his calling in life. It did take him about 4 hours to wipe the smile off his face. The Don too used his previous experience on the Pacific breakers of San Diego to tame that ocean and conquer the sport of kings.

All in all greatday out and a few beers with Myles topped it off nicely. His German/ new Zealand girlfriend also added to the days festivities. Wawawiwa.

Next stop is Hamilton or Hams so that we can tear it up on the big shows bDay. This decision was quickly made after Myles asked us whether we liked lots of drunken girls with no class in a seedy town? I think we were in the car before he'd finished his sentence...
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