[sarahk]

Just stumbled across the forum and it brought back the first time I surfed in Newquay on 22/12/90.

I was working in Oakhampton for a few days and didn't have to be back in London until the next day. I was starved of surf since leaving California in August and keen to catch some waves. It was a cold afternoon, but clear and kindof sunny. I bowled into a surf shop and arranged to hire a wetsuit, board etc. I honestly think the guy in the shop thought I was going to nick it all until I asked if I could stash my clothes in the shop WHILE I went surfing. Then it was pure disbelief as I trotted down the hill to the beach. I had the waves to myself and it was a great hour or so. Then I drove back to London, went to the pub and told all my Kiwi mates I'd been surfing! They were green with envy!

[keona w]

Welome to the forum Sarah k.Whats the surf like down in NZ? my grandad lived in Owera but i never got chance to fly down to his place and sample the area...sadly.Keona w

[sarahk]

Surf down here is great. The west coast is the best but places like Gisborne (east) are epic too.

Breaks like Raglan are famous and Piha is close to Auckland.

Orewa suits grandpa and grandma types just fine. That said a couple of kids drowned on an even "safer" beach a few years back when they got caught in a rip, panicked, ditched their boogie boards and tried to swim for it. Unfortunately a woman who tried to help died too, which goes to show that no beach is ever "safe".

If you ever did make it down here for a surfing holiday you'd go home a very happy surfer

[keona w]

Originally Posted by sarahk

If you ever did make it down here for a surfing holiday you'd go home a very happy surfer

One day i intend to do a global tour and a visit to "folks" still in NZ is top of my list.Just wish i could do it sooner.....but one day I ll make it

[mojo]

hi sarahK, welcome to the forum. cant wait to try out some of the beaches for myself next year- should be good fun.

all the photo's of the waves, beaches and scenery in australia and new zeland give me butterflies and goosebumps just thinking about going . cant wait!