Happy New Year

Or is it? Where ever we are on the planet the language seems to be the same: tough times ahead, more meltdowns expected, recession, depression and woe.

BUT, since the global economy, like the stock exchange and a surfer about to make the drop, stands or falls on the confidence of its participants, we feel an upwelling of desire to focus on life’s positives, to generate some joy and not be daunted by fears of economic dry reef and global close-outs.

I’m not promoting a head-in-the-sand strategy, more a reminder of the sage words that my fellow editor, Drew Kampion, places at the foot of all his e-mails: “Life is a wave. Your attitude is your surfboard”.

As if to encourage a life on the upside, fate dealt us a little holiday cheer recently which had my fellow surfers and I singing praises all over our tiny, fickle island. What follows is a small sample of pics from our Xmas/New Year party.

A present under the tree Laurens Blok, feeling the spirit Like I said, joy to the world!, JC walks on water! … … So fast my auto-focus couldn’t catch him. By the end of the holiday there was nothing but hangovers and leftovers. Warped out onshore bliss.

Drew’s right: it’s all in the attitude. So my 2009 resolution is simply this: paddle hard, make the drop and ride like the wind.

Peace and goodswell to one and all.