The time had arrived to finally become Surfers!!! Could it be done? Could 2 lads from the green hills of Surrey actually pass themselves of as true Aussie Surfers; only time would tell! First we had to survive the torturous Foggy (our new bus driver). First impressions weren't good - a)She was a woman (no offence!) b) She had short spiky dyed blond hair c) She cracked numerous jokes in the first 5 minutes of knowing her, each as unfunny as the last! Basically she wasn't Scooter, she wasnt even close! Luckily we didn't have to suffer alone. On the bus, we found Nat from our last bus, and also Nick who we had met at the Neighbours night. We settled down at the back, (except andy who has no choice but to take the seat next to the driver - then had to be polite, which is difficult enough at 7am when you need sleep, and the person next to you won't stop talking - even worse when she shouts everything - explained the name anyway - foghorn!) for the long drive to Crescent Head where we would have our first lesson, stopping only once to pick up Sero, our Surf Instructor, at a service station. Arrived at crescent head, very stiff and on the brink of insanity, having had to listen to foggy's rambling and appaling taste in music for 7 solid hours! All rushed to get off the bus, dont the think the instructors had ever seen such a keen group! Once we had dumped our stuff in our rooms, it was straight ourside to get our wetsuits. All discovered for the first time, just how impossible they are to put on! A 10 minute walk down to the beach, where we found our boards; and the moment had finally arrived we were going to go Surfing!!! After a 1/2 hr lesson on board safety, how to attach the leg strap and most importantly how to 'pop' up, we were finally allowed in the water. For the first day, we were just learning how to actually stand up and balance on the board, and attempting to ride just the white wash into the beach. Surprisingly Andy and I discovered we could do this quite easily! By the end of the session, we were itching for something more challenging! That evening we were treated to a massive BBQ, much to everyone's delight! Surfing does'nt half take it out of you! After eating, we all sat round the fire with a few beers, and played a few games to get to know each other better. Got up the next day bright and early, and after a big breakfast, we suited up and were out in the water by 8:30. After a short while, one of the instructors called Kimbo, took Andy and myself out further to where the waves begin to form. It was time to try surfing properly! Waiting for the right set, Kimbo told us when to start paddling gently, then again when to start paddling like our lives depending on it, and then finally when to try and pop up. The few times we managed to ride the wave all the way into the beach was amazing, and a pure adrenalin rush. Spent the rest of the day practicing, and sunbathing on the beach when our arms got too tired from all the paddling. Headed back to another enourmous meal before driving on to the Surf Museum, run by surf legend Scott Dillon! At the age of 80, he still goes surfing everyday, and amazingly finds the time to teach and provide accomodation to backpackers (female only!) who want to learn to surf. A real character! From here we headed to Arrawarra, where after a bit of table tennis and fajitas, all collapsed round the fire once more, with some cold beers. As I've said many times before; its not a bad life!!! Another early start, but nobody cared! Today was our last chance to surf and everyone was keen to get down to the beach and make the most of the time. We carried on from where we left off the day before, and I can officially say that I am hooked (Looking forward to getting back and joining you Sillars - even if the climate is slightly different!) With our surf experience now over, and all the boards packed way and wetsuits hung up to dry, it was back on the bus once more - to Byron Bay! (the only good thing being - we would soon be rid of Foggy, who incidentally had now started talking to a cuddly fish!) We decided to stay at the holiday village, where for 2 dollars more than a dorm, we got ourselves a self contained apartment for 6, complete with tv/video! Besides Andy and I, we shared it with Nat, and Claire, Matt and Hanky whom we had met on the bus. That evening we all went across to the Legendary Cheeky Monkey's club, where foggy had booked us a table. Luckily she didn't turn up, and a great night was had by all - cheap food, cheap drink, followed by dancing on the tables! (the only place there is to dance - they actually encourage it!) The next couple of days consisted of chilling out on the beach, and chilling out in the apartment watching free videos, and the daily addition of neighbours! Never actually made it back to Cheeky's. Decided to one night, but our plans were scuppered by Nat's friend Kate, who decided to drink a bit more than she could handle! Was quite amusing, not for her though! We didnt manage to go surfing again either, which was a shame! Got bikes one day though, and cycled up to the famous lighthouse - the most easterly point of OZ! The 3 days rushed by, and before we knew it, it was time to get back on the bus, only to find we the bus driver from hell again... Tune in next update to see if we managed to survive a second dose of the 'fogster'!!! Matt (and Andy)