Standing on water

After perusing our local paper for events in the area we came across a beach family day at Hampton beach, about ten minutes down the appropriately named Beach Road (an amazing short drive in Melbourne). We got there a little late but there was still plenty to do. There were organised stalls for various water sports such as sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking, kite surfing, windsurfing and more. All were there to let you experience free or discounted lessons.

Due to our timing, there was only enough of the day left for us to squeeze in one activity. Alex being a surfer decided to give stand up paddle boarding a go, standing on a board paddling, what can be difficult about that? Rach kindly volunteered to stand on the beach taking photos whilst Alex was launched looking a little Bambi like upon the board as he got to grips with paddling and standing. After a little while he settled into a rhythm and got used to the feeling, although the pain in the abs was immense, maybe some sit ups might be a good idea! He did get a little too confident towards the end of his time on the board and his pride was definitely there before the inevitable fall. Rach took great delight at this, as any good girlfriend would. After the family day was over and had been packed away we spent a nice couple of hours working on our tan in the warm Melbourne sun.

In other news, the reason we can move about so much is because we have borrowed a beautiful car just before it is due to be scrapped. Luckily this means that we’ve only had to pay insurance on her as opposed to buying her. She’s called Emily car and she is, in a word, plush. Maybe slightly old, true, but that only adds to her character. I’m sure you’ll be hearing a lot more about our adventures with her.

Rex’s Rules of the Road

• It’s worth scanning the local paper for ideas and events. There is always stuff going on in Melbourne over the summer it seems and this is a great way to take advantage of it.

• Paddle boarding is harder than it looks.

• If you are staying for a while, get a car. We cannot stress this enough, when the Aussies say “It’s just down the road”, this is not your typical English five minute walk. This means at least a half hour drive. Australia is huge so they think pretty big too!