Kaikoura - Surfing in view of snow

Come Friday afternoon (27/04) and the van has been packed (mostly), the board's been waxed and the heart is full of hope - anxiously anticipating waves to be surfed and memories of times long gone to be rekindled. Kaikoura promises crayfish, 3 closely located surf breaks and another escape from the confines of city living. 2 of these promises would be kept this weekend.

After an initial squabble, Caila and I set out in Hau-we up the Eastern coastline. My eagerness caused us to make a silly detour looking at the Northshore-community - which turned out to be little more than a huge cul-de-sac. Next we pulled into Waikuku Beach for a peek at the wind-blown beach break there. "Better waves to be had further on" was the consensus. And from there we travelled on into the night until we got to Kaikoura. We parked near the public recycling bins (always doing our part) and made a quick meal in the drizzle and cold. Then we found a secluded little spot to park for the night and get some sleep. Turns out that we were about 300m from Meatworks (one of the breaks).

Saturday morning and the conditions are miserable. Mild offshore winds didn't do that much to help a peaky beach/reef break that reminded me of 3de Steen in SA. Watched 2 locals paddle out, and at least 5 go searching for something a bit more calm and sheltered, before suiting up and paddling out. Not bad, as far as messy waves go. Been too long since I've had to paddle through a shifting backline, as my sore shoulders would have confirmed, but once you're on the wave it has loads of power and sweet sections. Out of nowhere a surf competition started up and I paddled out as the first 4 boys came paddling in. Tried to warm up next to Caila (who was doing some study work on her laptop - more like lap of luxury if you ask me) and lay watching the comp before dozing off in the horrid conditions. Woke up later and checked out Mangamanu Point, which just so happened to be breaking at 3-5 foot with walls that go on for hundreds of meters and the easiest paddle since Harold's Bay. I surfed until I couldn't raise my arms anymore and then went back to look if our camping spot from the previous night was still available. It was and we made food and had some drinks and spent the night chatting about life, love and why my surfboard cannot stay on the roof of the van.



Sunday we went back to Mangamanu Point and I surfed a solid 2&1/2 hours in dropping swell. Then I (happily/proudly) conceded the board and wet wettie to Caila, who paddled out and stood up on wave (or so she claims, I was busy making hot food and drinks for when she came out). Afterwards we went into town for some money and to find out about swimming with dolphins!

Suffice to say that I could see myself possibly living in and around Kaikoura, surfing daily and spending my free time doing something silly - like work. Caila seems to feel the same, but we've got other internships to finish first.

Considering staying on n NZ for an extra month so PrincessC can do part of the 12 weeks of internship she need to complete. At least we have been offered a position by the DOC to help out with some projects on the North Island, meaning we could live for free!

I am also (once again) impressed with the NZ Immigration department and their helpful, friendly service regarding our request for Visa and Work permit extensions. Good on ya mate!

Christchurch is rainy and miserable and already I am wishing myself back into the waters up the coast. BONG!