Getting dressed for success !

After a big morning board training with the Junior Lifeguards from Tylosand I spent a couple of hours walking the beach with one of the lifeguards. It was a warm Saturday and the beach was starting to fill up. It was interesting to find out how they work and what it means for them to be lifeguards. Their lifeguarding practices are very similar to ours and if there are any differences it is only because of the conditions and environment. They all genuinely love what they do and are a blessing to society.

Later in the afternoon we again teamed up with my new Swedish lifeguard buddy Elise. He took us 2.5km out in the sea to jump 7m off this lighthouse that just stands out there. The conditions weren't that fun on the way out as the wind was against us and the currents out there were super strong, but we made it. After a few of us had a jump we headed back. Was a fun little chop chase.

We got a little spread in the paper with the local rag running a story on the rescue exhibition scoring a double page. I have a bad feeling the 2nd picture below will wind up as TP in the toilet.

Sunday morning we awoke to wind, rain and 30 or so nippers. The nippers here come from all around and just froth on the water. We got involved while they went through warm ups and tug of war, versus us (we lost) then the group split in 2 with the younger grommets doing some obstacle courses on the sand and the older kids hitting the waves on boards. Hang on, what waves you say ? There were some whipped up by strong winds out at sea, apparently there is a surf break just around the point called "Guest list rights". There are pictures of it, 4 - 6ft and firing, at the local surf shop. Considering they don't get waves consistently the kids handled the boards really well and revelled in the fun conditions. We wrapped things by branding them with Bondi Lenny the lifeguard tattoos, they were all smiles.

Finding out the band you used to dance around in your pyjamas with your sisters, was back playing is one thing. Getting asked to go see them live, just an hour away from where you're staying is another. Today was alway gonna be a good day ! After a fun afternoon board session we piled into the mini van with 3 of the Tylosand lifeguards and were headed to see Roxette in Goteborg. It was an awesome night, with a good crew of people. The music bought back many memories for me as a whipper snapper. Rock on Roxette !

It's our last day in Tylosand, going to be sad to say goodbye. The guys and girls here have been so welcoming and for that we are truly grateful. This afternoon we're going to push the heart rate up a little with an ironman in the bay with some of the crew from here. Conditions are looking good with light winds and warm water.

Tomorrow is a big day, 6am train to Copenhagen then fly to London followed by 5hr drive to Devon. Looking forward to meeting everyone over there for the Atlantic Watersports Games 2011. If anyone is already there, could you please start painting the sky blue for us ?

Cheers, big ears !