
Once again Brazil dished up its not so secret recipe of endless wind, fabulous food, sunshine, smiley friendly folk, unreliable buggies, flat water and confidence boosting hero sized waves. All those wonderful fruits, Acai, fresh fish and just cooked cow, even Waitrose can’t compete. And in case you’re wondering the traditional last night fancy dress theme was – Magnum PI does Rio Carnival….
We had an unfathomingly brilliant time and what a bunch. The ladies were full on with their “Girl Power” and of course the gents responded in kind. Never before have we heard sooooo much friendly banter e.g “good Slide Turn” when it should have read “amazing Down Loop Air Gybe (that’s you Liz)”. This group motivation had everyone trying their best and Jane Air’s rather regal hand wave did take top honours for post move celebration.
Caipoeira (& Caipirinha) Liz, yes we remember those cartwheels, leading the gang on from the decking after a cheeky sun-downer Caipi, much to the wonderment of those around had “One Strap Bruce” positively in flames as he showed us what he can do when the conditions are like home. Most of us have never considered there to be much of a connection between Ceara and Scotland – must be the cheering girls on the beach.
Hats off to Matthew who trekked all the way from Australia, and in the opposite to many of the others has almost converted from surfboard to twin tip. The kiteloops et al apparently give similar adrenaline to charging the waves – nothing to do with the crocks though eh? And while on the subject of kiteloops, downloops and anything that requires commitment and a few beatings along the way to get it nailed – Ian must go down in the annals of history for his tenacious approach to mastering these monsters with an unstoppable determination, which would make many teenagers proud.
Strapless wise Sophie conquered the gybe and laid down some beautiful carving to go along with her awesome unhooked raleys. Steve mastered the cheeky foot change and claimed the tack too, island style. Raf styled in his obliteration of the waves, also claimed the tack and fell in love – with a Cabrinha Drifter!
Roomies Henry and Neil, who often appeared to be on Safari kept us entertained both on and off the water with their plentiful anecdotes, jokes and intrigue. The extended groups’ trip to the rather surreal closed restaurant that came really to life, will be as much remembered for Henry’s chivalrous dancing tour de force and Neil’s rather likeable but very tiring Frog dance, as for the car sized stereo.
And finally late arrival Sarah’s unhooked pops to blind with the surface pass and the oh so nearly Raley to Blind proved how beneficial some decent wind and warm, flat water can be, excuse the pun but blinding stuff.
Here’s to November 2012!