Surfing In Raglan

So just returned from an amazing trip to Raglan, the most laid back quaint little surfer town in NZ. A mix of every nationality is found in this lazy town, mostly because backpackers find it so intoxicating that they choose to stay for far longer than originally planned. And who can blame them? The surf is supreme, the locals aren't territorial, and walking down the street your easily invited into a hacki sack game, or a peruse down volcom lane for some excellent surfer shopping. The Raglan backpackers is highly recommended vs. the Raglan surf school backpackers. Due to the fact that not only will the surf school pick you up from the downtown packers, but your rooms open up into a courtyard of hammocks, a hot pool, and sauna, not to mention heaps of boards to hire (better options if your looking for more than soft tops :)

We stayed at the surf school the first 3 nights, and although it was amazing, it is located in the middle of freakin no where and you only have one shuttle a day into town for about an hour. This of course makes you spend time with the other travelers which is cool and Iita and I surfed with some rad irish girls, and of course the Germans are EVERYWHERE! Raglan is also the first place I've bumped into other Americans. Mostly west coasters Cali and WA, but also one rad girl from Maine.

My first day surfing was the day I was hooked from the get go. After our lesson on shore, we all headed out to the surf, and my instructor set me up for my very first wave. I rode it clear into the shore and was addicted!!! By day 4 I was riding with a real board (hard top 7'6") and catching most every wave I put my thought on. Too bad our water back home is frigid cold and you go numb within seconds. Here I feel like I could do it without a wet suit, and soon I'll try hopefully :)

Definitely a trip to remember, when I first fell in love with surfing!!! God's such an amazing artist! But of course all things must come to a close especially holidays. So I headed back to the rainy Waikanae and will hope for a warm summer to make its way south soon. I'm trying to be better at writing since I seriously have only sent one letter thus far. I have bought so many flipping post cards, and stamps its just finding the time to write!!! But know I <3 you all heaps and miss you!

Homebound Feb 11, I'll see you at the portland Airport! lol

Peace