It was day one of the “Currumbin Classic” when, as a handful of us were struggling to set up the sponsors’ tent in the wind and rain, an old campervan complete with an even older One Design on the roof first rolled into the carpark.

While the driver seemed a bit shy there was no doubt he was here to join in the fun and as we did battle with the elements seemed to be enjoying a cuppa in the relative comfort of his chariot. And I have to admit that I for one was more than a little envious of his setup.

Though, like several of the others, I was also a little apprehensive about his apparent choice of kit – the One Design – as it was really starting to crank in (see “Classic Stuff” feature). Indeed, one of the boys apparently suggested that our new chum (George) might be better served heading around into the lagoon instead.

Anyway seems we needn’t have worried as it turns out the longboard actually belongs to his girlfriend (Iris) and the Irishman is in fact a pretty accomplished and well-travelled wavesailor.

Been around WA, the south-west corner, Margaret River, got some good sailing there. Travelled all the way up to Exmouth and back down again to Perth where I took some work, then travelled all the way back up the west coast again and over the Top End.

I worked up there a little bit but came down to Queensland and got as far as Gympie then found work in the outback so drove all way to South Australia and worked in the outback in SA for a couple of months.

Then drove round the coast to Melbourne, up to Sydney, and had a holiday in New Zealand and left Herbert sitting at a mate’s place for a month, then went back to South Australia, worked again, then drove it all the way back to Sydney but following the coast the whole way this time.

All up I think I’ve covered over 45,000k’s since I’ve been here.

More Pictures and story at Oz Windsurf