Surfing, selection criteria and moments of national significance

Still hot but not as wet here today.

We arose early (do we ever do it any other way?) and I had a batch of chocolate chip cookies done and dough rising for buns by 9 - and so by 9.05, we were heading off to the beach.

The tide was high, the water swell and the crowd yet to (swell - its a play on words).

With the recent weather, strands of seaweed are part of the whole ocean swimming experience - which is disconcerting at first, but you get used to it and start to chuckle at the newcomers shrieks upon the discovery.

The waves were beautiful - here, they will never imitate those of Hawaii, California or the Sunshine Coast (much to V's disenchantment) but they are fine for that great Aussie past-time, bodysurfing.

I recall going to the beach when I was a child. My father took forever to get to deeper water, because the slightest hint of decent wave would see him disappear back to the shore.

There are almost as many opinions as to the best way to bodysurf as there are variables to consider when chosing your wave.

However, there is nothing like launching yourself into the oceans power and feeling yourself ride the crest of the foam, the sudden cessation of support and the sensation of seaweed in your togs. Well, the last one can be done without, I suppose.

Since that moment, I have analysed the financial situation (eek), baked the buns (yum) and got up 'Salina's nose by not being as helpful with her book cover design for the pile of schoolbooks to cover.

V and 'Salina have gone for a repeat at the beach this afternoon while I address selection criteria, redesign my CV and scour for job opportunities. I know what I would prefer to be doing!

Happy Australia Day - sausages, burgers and chops on the barbie later for one last celebratory evening before that most auspicious of days - the start of Grade 5!