In the sixties, adventurous surfers stowed away on ocean liners to discover the exotic waves of the Hawaiian Islands. What a blast that must have been? Even if you got caught. In the seventies, the next generation of surfers with wanderlust took cheap flights to Indonesia to discover destinations like Bali’s Uluwatu and Kuta. Wave-mad hippies like Rusty Miller and Stephen … [Read more...]
Learning to Surf: A woman’s guide to surfing with confidence – by Jaymie Faber
Michelle Connellan (Dip. Sports Management - Surf) and Socrates review Jaymie Faber's "how to surf" book specifically pitched at the needs of women. We also offer a tiny excerpt from the book to whet your appetite. Michelle Connellan The guide is a power to women looking at joining the surf scene. Whilst a lesson or two is still necessary alongside this book, it does cover … [Read more...]
Walking the pilgrim’s way with Jean-Christophe Rufin – the road to Santiago de Campostela
Why would anyone want to go for a nine hundred kilometre walk by themselves… down country lanes, through rural towns and villages, illegally sleeping in public parks and road sides… just to experience the dubious delight of exploring ancient monasteries, admiring piles of sacred stones and to finally end up at the reputed final resting place of an ancient Christian martyr, … [Read more...]
A surfing life well lived – Socrates reviews William Finnegan’s “Barbarian Days”.
My god. How does one review this book? I hate this book. I hate William Finnegan. I also love the book and love William Finnegan. The problem is that it is hard to be enthusiastic about someone who is so thoroughly superior to you in every way. When I read something, I want to feel a little like the author. I want to believe that, at a pinch, I could achieve a little of what … [Read more...]
The Julian Rocks – a critter-filled snorkelling adventure
Socrates put down his basketball and rolled up his wrestling mat for a day to try out one of Byron Bay's most unforgettable adventure experiences and asks himself why he hadn't done it many years earlier. Julian Rocks is reputed to be one of the world's best scuba diving experiences and while Socrates only took the lesser snorkelling option he was still gobsmacked by the extent … [Read more...]