Arriving at Rio Surf n' Stay for our 5 days of surfing lessons, Antony and I had great expectations of turning pro afterwards.We have had lessons before, how hard could it be?Surely a highly organized surf camp would provide us the discipline and technique to stand on most any wave presented to us.Think again!

And organized surf camp is first and foremost an oxymoron of the greatest kind.From the moment we arrived we knew that we would have to get adjusted to 'surf time.' Things happen in their own time: surf lessons meant to start at 10am start an hour later,teaching techniques were relaxed to say the least, meals were family style, and everyone was very 'tranquillo.' Whilst this took us off guard at first, it didn't take long to find the whole set-up endearing.Our surfing skills improved mildly (Antony's more than my own) but we had a wonderful time hanging out on beautiful beaches, attempting to catch waves and watching pro-surfers and our fellow surf friends demonstrate what we should be doing.

In addition to the surf lessons, there was an incredible amount of surf talk.You would think this would be boring but strangely, we got into it.It was fun to recount the innumerable wipe-outs and lament about how you almost stood up before another surfer cut you off and made you dive under your board to protect yourself.During surf talk you also show off your multiple scratches, bruises, and sunburn and complain about aching muscles and we had more than our fair share of those.Five days of surfing was hard work but it was fantastic to feel like we had worked hard and deserved a beer or two at the end of the day.

But what made the surf experience really great were the people we met.The staff members were characters in their own right.Meli - the Hawaiian instructor; Gustavo - the smiley photographer; Andreas - the Venezuelan lady killer; Tyler - the Canadian fish biologist; Spencer - the New Yorker fulfilling his dream of moving to Rio; Tiaga - the Alaskan surfing hippy willing to play any instrument upon demand… and many many more.With this motley crew, we got up to many non-surfing activities that gave our tired bodies a break.

We enjoyed a night in a local bar/shack called Nos No Canto, where people come to play music together LOUDLY and no one can leave until they join in.We had a Brazilian-style barbeque in the garden and ate deliciously cooked steak and drank expertly concocted caipirinhas.We went out for pizza at a place called "Pizza.com" that hilariously dosen't have a website.We ventured away from the beach to climb up the highest peak in Rio for breathtaking 360 degree views over the city.And in between times we just relaxed and chatted endlessly.

It was wonderful to try an activity for a longer period of time but it was even better to spend time with others and really get to know them.For any of them reading, you are always welcome in New York.Until then - go out there and catch just one more wave!

Love, R & A