Surfer's Weekend

Academic update- okay, before I go into my weekend of learning how to surf, I thought I'd let everyone know that yes, I am still going to class! Contrary to popular belief, I am actually taking some challenging courses. I am currently trying to start my first paper in my class Australia, Asia, and The World. This class talks about Australian culture and how it is connected with other parts of the world. It is very interesting especially since we have such a diverse group (ages 18-50 something, Chinese, Americans, Australians, Kiwis, religious, non-religious, etc). We have a lecture once a week and then a small group recitation (they call it tutorials down here) once a week as well. The tutorials are extremely entertaining because we talk about religion, thought process due to cultural awareness, politics, nothing is off limits! I am also learning a lot from my 3 other classes- Communication in Organizations, Outdoor Education (we are taking a field trip this weekend to Meebun-Bia- for 2 nights/3 days in the Australian bush!), and Management in a Global Context. I am only allowed to take 4 classes as part of the study abroad agreement. I will be coming back to K-State with 15 transfered credits which is awesome. :) Now, onto the surfing...

Yes, that is me surfing!!

Went back to Byron Bay this weekend with my Canadian friend, Ashton where we both took two 3 hour lessons Saturday & Sunday. I was able to stand up on the board after my third try and it was an incredible feeling. Our instructor, Ainsle, has been teaching people how to surf for over eight years and she has been surfing for a total of sixteen years. My muscles are so sore from surfing. It exercises your arms, back, legs, everywhere! If I could, I would go surfing every weekend (might end up living by the ocean at some point after graduation... hmm). Byron Bay is a great place to get away to surf, relax on the beach, people watch, and eat some really good sushi.

Doesn't that look good?

After lunch, we were able to meet up with some friends and relaxed on the beach complete with beach towels, snacks and SPF. Our second day of surfing we were taught some tricks to move faster on the surfboard and trying to turn the board. Ashton and I thought it'd be a good idea to catch a wave together to get a great photo for the scrapbook (Note: will have several pages to make once I'm back home).

Ashton and I getting up on our boards

Looking good on our boards!

Ashton starts to lose her balance...

She bellyflops into the water right next to my board, but I decided to keep going!

My amazing surf instructor, Ainsle!

*Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the website, I posted a YouTube video of Byron Bay so you can really see what the beach looks like!