If I'm being truthful, I can't remember the last time I paid for camping. I look around at friends who roam around with kids in tow and I get it, it's way easier to turn up to a place with showers, dump your gear and start enjoying luxury. Something inside me screams about paying to camp - I think it dates back to University days, hucking around with minimal cash in hand, making anything and everything work.
Anyway, enough with online therapy.
The call went out to the crew months earlier. Coro. Easter. Be there.
In keeping with my 'not paying to camp' values, we found an idyllic spot propped up in the middle of a forest 20m off the beach, in a little hollow with strong trees. The perfect hammock spot. Nothing beats waking up to an empty beach, hidden away from the world - I've stored the spot in mind for future swells.
As the weekend progressed we were able to fully relax, making our way down the beach to catch a bit of dinner. Fishing, surfing and camping go hand in hand for me - maybe I like the free dinners?
After a mostly flat weekend, Sunday rolled around with some punchy waves. A pulse came just before sunset, so in true surfer fashion I shirked my dinner responsibilities and ran toward the waves. If I was more skilled, the ramps on these waves would've been bliss - every wave had a punt section. I got to hit a few end sections, get obliterated on just about every takeoff and I loved every minute of it, soaking up a perfect sunset and enjoying the still warm water.
I love the consistency of surf trips.
Wake up, surf.
No waves? Fish.
As soon as it's dark, there's a fire, there's food and the yarn's start.
I think the simplicity of it all is what keeps me coming back. Disconnect, find pumping waves and do what you love. Rainy days are a bit miserable, cozying up under your rain tarp, relaxing under the awning and keeping your feet dry, but it makes me value the good days. There's a peace when you sit out in the ocean by yourself, contemplating life and enjoying whatever waves are served up on the day.
What I've learned:
1. Sometimes you don't have to score to enjoy the weekend. You just have to be there with the right people.
2. Glamping is definitely a thing. The older I get, the more i understand it - Rooftop tents are a Godsend.
3. Less is more. Go to isolated spots, disconnecting is so cool - work can't follow you if you can't get texts!
