Surf's Up!

We got up early(ish) and drove to Ilse d'Oleron today - to have a look around the island, but mainly so that I could indulge a lifelong desire to have a go at surfing.

The day was perfect. The island lovely and the beach pretty amazing too. It has a real laid back 60's sort of feel - not poncey or stuck up a all like some of its fancy neighbour resorts.

I squeezed into a surf lesson and had a great time body surfing, then body boarding and finally trying to stand on the board. Looking back at all the great photos that Mrs42 took (thanks babe), the waves don't look at all big, but let me tell you its not at all easy!

I managed to stand up once for about 10 yards. The rest of the time I was floundering in the sea!

If you are not completely linked out by now, here are a few more surfing shots:
Standing - honest!
Into the Blue
Body Boarding
Paddling
Resting
So Near...
...and Yet So far!

After a beach bum lunch of hot dogs and french fries, we had a look around St Trojan port as well, where they catch/farm a lot of mussels and oysters. From there you could see the bridge over to the island, which on any other day would be a blip (please check it out - all that sky), but I couldn't not put a surfing shot on for today!