Rowan Aish and Lipke Brothers - September training from
Rowan Aish on
Vimeo.
It started with a big night in Lisbon. It was Zoe's 21st, and I had the pleasure of meeting Z. Z's the guy who goes to the bar, and instead of a drink, comes back with a full bottle of whisky. Marlon had driven 3 hours from the Algarve for one night out, and a surf at Coxos, but by the time he turned up the bottle was gone. That meant for me and Zoe the night was almost over, but we pulled it together… just, and it ended up being a classic.
The next day Coxos was real fun. Perfect 3 foot little right handers. Marlon was straight out there while I sat on the beach breathing fire, and trying to remember who won the dance off (Marlon did in the third round but it was close). I don't have those big nights as much as I used to, and I don't remember it hurting so much the next day. Is that called getting older? But I do find there's something empowering in being hung over. The rocks seem warmer, the water seems colder, and smiling at average jokes or at people you don't know becomes an unnecessary frivolity. This has significance for a man who smiles allot.
The next day we headed down to the Algarve, because Ericeira is all right handers and reef breaks. Its great for power surfing, but me and Marlon both need to work on getting above the lip, and beachies are better for that. It was also a good excuse to go hang with Melvin, and I love Melvin. Together, we become like two golden labrador puppies holding hands. Not many people can do that to me.
The next 5 days were classic. We surfed every day on one of those secret little banks up the beach that everyone can see but no-one can be bothered checking out. Marlon helped me sort out my basic bottom turn, top turn combo (which basically came down to getting lower on my Bottom turn, and hitting the lip earlier). In return I made him and Melvin run up and down the beach before paddling out… no need to thank me.
