More surf stardom...

There was some South East swell on the Gold Coast on Saturday. Mariana and I got up early and made tracks for Duranbah. When we pulled up to the lot on the bluff and looked down the surf was pretty good, about five foot plus and a stiff south wind. We got on the beach, Mariana settled in and I suited up and headed for a surf. There were alot of photographers on the beach, more than usual.
I was out for about ten minutes, caught a wave and paddled back out, I looked to my right and who is sitting next to me? None other than three time World Champion, Andy Irons. I have kind of gotten used to seeing alot of stars of the surfing world here lately but come on, it's a three time world champ sitting within spitting distance of me. Then I look behind me, Pancho Sullivan. The other side of me, 2001 World Champ CJ Hobgood. I sitting smack in the middle of half of the upper draw of the ASP tour.

To make a long story short, the contest around the corner was called so they could finish the Women's side of the draw, most of the top 44 went around the corner to D'bah for a surf as it was one of the only wind sheltered spots in the area.

So, Saturday I shared the peak with the following:

Andy Irons, Bruce Irons, CJ Hobgood, Damien Hobgood, Pancho Sullivan, Dane Reynolds, Luke Steadman, and Timmy Reyes. This was just near me, there were tons of really good surfers out there and probably more. I think I was the only one out there that was not getting paid to surf.

My wave count went to nil as I was totally out classed by this point. No worries, the water was 80 degrees, the waves were going off, and I was treated to one of the best surfing displays of all time.

That is exactly what I love about the sport of surfing. It is the only sport I know of that the average guy can share the field with the greats of the sport, no limits or barriers.