Archive for May, 2010

Natalie Quinn! Congratulations! Guessed trophies and she was right! YAY!

The women's surfing season may be enjoying a mid-season break, but there's no rest for Red Bull's riders as they head to Lima, Peru this weekend for Red Bull Surfing: Girls Only.

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Guess what is inside the crate and win a prize:) Pair of Nike shoes and case of red bull… Email guesses to eroom@hawaii.rr.com!!!!!!
5/22 – today’s hint… my old sponsor was holding them for me because they were too big to carry back on the airplane.
5/21 – today’s hint… It’s at least 3 years old
5/20 – today’s hint…. I had it delivered from an old sponsor on the mainland

Only a month left of school can you believe that? I get back from my trip and everyone is getting ready to take final exams and graduate. SLOW DOWN! It finally hit me the other day that my journey at Punahou with all my friends is going to end soon. We will be going our separate ways and are about to open the next wonderful chapter in our lives. It saddens me to think about it but am looking forward to what is to come.

The month away from home went by rather slowly. I was in each place for ten days and the contest was only held on two. There was a lot of down time, time to think, reflect, miss home, get bored, do crazy things. I learned how to take care of myself, keep my mind busy and off of home.

Bells Beach was the first stop of my month long journey. It is an absolutely breathtaking place. No buildings, just green. The contest set up was huge and almost looked like a little city on the cliff. The surf was really fun the first day we got there but progressively got worst as time progressed. I travelled with Greg Browning and Myles Padaca. It was definitely a little weird not having my dad with me but it was a great learning and growing experience and I had a lot of fun with the guys. We woke up every morning and walked down to the beach in the dark with our wetsuits zipped all the way up, even when it was flat. We had a movie room in our house so we watched like twenty movies over a span of a week. Sometimes three in one day! I think my favorite was Step Brothers:) I couldn’t stop laughing. Myles and Greg also taught me how to drive. I was so freaked out at first but by the end I was ripping and driving everywhere. I can’t wait to get my permit now. The contest didn’t go that well for me as I ended up with another equal ninth. Pretty frustrating and honestly a bit discouraging.

Next stop was New Zealand. It was my first time there and I didn’t really know what to expect. I hoped that a new place would provide a new beginning for me. We got there five days before the holding period for the event started to surf the different venues and settle in. Fitzroy Beach, Taranaki was the main spot and we stayed at a motel within walking distance. It was freezing. So you can picture it, there was snow on the mountain and I was surfing! We drove along the coast and did some exploring. Fed some cows on the side of the road and got shocked on the electrical fence. Later jumped a fence and ran thru a herd of sheep. I think there are more cows and sheep than people on the island. The vibe was really laid back and mellow, I loved it. The waves were pretty fun too and not that crowded so we got some really fun surfs in before the comp. The people were friendly and very welcoming. I met up with my dad in New Zealand and Greg continued on with me as well. Missed going to my senior prom but got to video chat all my friends before they went off and they looked gorgeous. I had a magical experience in New Zealand that I want to write about in more detail but right now just some neat facts;) The contest went well. I was really inspired by the Maori people and I want to thank all the members of the Waitara Bar Board Riders Club for all their love and support. They were a big part of my win. I have gained a family there that I will hold dear to my heart forever.

The next day I was off to Sydney for the Beachley Classic. Greg had to go home so it was just my dad and I for this last one. I had not been to Sydney for a few years so it was neat to be back. I have to be honest I was pretty homesick by this point and was ready to see my family and friends again. I was especially hard for the three days that the waves were flat and there wasn’t much to do. Dad and I entertained ourselves by walking four blocks to the internet cafe about three to four times a day. One day we took the ferry from Manly to the city and walked around. Made dad go shopping with me for a cute grad party outfit;) and we went to the top of the Sydney tower and got a bird’s eye view of everything. The weather was really nice when we were there, sunny and warm every day. Another day I walked the Sydney bridge with Stephanie and Laura. I am so scared of heights but when I got to the top I felt so accomplished and like I could conquer the world. I am definitely stoked I did it and can now check it off my bucket list;) The contest went alright for me. I ended up equal fifth. Still kind of frustrating, but not bad I guess.

Now I am home. I have been back for about a week now and am finally starting to settle in to the routine again. I have a bit of school work to catch up on, a research paper for European history that I have no inspiration to finish but I must. Started senior sing which is practice for graduation. Got my dress and announcements. I am having the time of my life but I wish everything would just slow down. All my life I have wanted to fast forward to this moment but now I just want to put it on pause. I just have to try my best to live in the present and soak it all in.