It’s something that takes weeks, I think, rather than days, Roy. But we’re both committed to getting the hang of it. May head out to an island off the West Coast of Lombok where we’ve heard there’s nice easy surf too… We were going to do the Gilis, but I think I’d rather dive Komodo. I’m not sure we’re in the easiest place to learn. Because somewhere where good surfers go to surf is not necessarily the place for beginners…

I think Seminyak/Kuta might be quite good places to learn, Adam. The surf seems fairly predictable in some spots there, and on Kuta Beach you have a rip tide. Plus, I think the surf schools use the easiest type of board. We’ve been hanging out with people who’ve been surfing for a *month* and still wipe out all the time. I think what’s great about it, though, is that you do get these milestones, even if at the end of each one you realise how much further you have to go.

Lombok even harder than Bali, I think. We’ve just got here — finally moving again. Interesting that you didn’t enjoy it so much. i wonder whether the unpredictability is part of the thrill. The bloody waves are different minute to minute, day to day. We’re taking a day off today…

Yes. I think the floating sensation is lovely. You know what you could do? Sea kayaking. Thailand is great for that. They’re plastic inflatable kayaks, very stable, not like the white water ones, and you can just loll around, particularly if you have a husband to do the paddling as and when required.

Thank you, Geri. I think my gluteus maximus might be lifting. This is the theory…. You should totally try it.

Yeah, i can stand up now. Hurray! But, my god, I am aching — arms, abs, shoulders, lower back. Tried to do it two days in a row and just collapsed. Z is standing reliably, now. Even the paddling is hard work, I tell you!