To be fair, and perhaps more accurate, life outside of the major cities is simply a lot more laid back. It’s not they don’t have work to go to, it’s just they appear to be city stress free. The folk I saw walking, cycling and jogging all along this scenic link road looked to be of the happier guild.

Prominent Victorian natural footer, Georgia Fish, (Flinders, VIC). ASF_RMillerNIKON

My fascination with the theory that those that have an economically sustainable existence in a town like Port are better off mentally is as inexplicable as my playing Beck’s 2002 album Sea Change on loop for the last week. With it’s depressive and mopey moods it was a fitting soundtrack to the week’s surf report though so I was ready.

While the surf forecast showed no signs of joy, only a tiny northeast swell predicted throughout the week, the skilful roll out of competitors on the first morning of competition showed that there are Les Misérables and there are masters. NSW state champion and defending over 35’s champ Jake Spooner, big wave nut and former World Junior Champ Dean Bowen and the winner of over 60 individual titles, Sandra English smashed their heats and I’ve not complained about the waves since.

Open division competitor Hamish Renwick on his trusty RM. ASF_RMillerNIKON

These favourites, and others, made light work of the tough conditions at Lighthouse Beach and subsequently skipped the second-chance re-qualifying round, and slipped straight into the all-important second round.

We lost some good men and women in those rounds, but unfortunately for them the horse has bolted.

Special note: This blog is brought to you thanks to the good people at Flynns Beach Resort, Port Macquarie. If you love comfortable resort style living and having the beach at your finger tip's then Flynns is for you... With two pools and lush tropical gardens it's a paradise found. www.flynnsbeachresort.com.au