They say Dunedin people like to talk about the weather and that's probably true. It's perhaps connected to the fact that we get lots of it and in all shapes, colours and intensities.
This week was a classic example of that – dazzling sunshine one day, downpours the next. I like that about living here – there's never a dull moment ... or perhaps it is just that the dull moments are exciting as well.
The haphazard weather meant people made the most of the warm days and sunshine – St Kilda and St Clair Beaches were packed on Saturday and nearly every sunrise this week was greeted by a stream of early morning runners and beachwalkers. We even had a sea lion visit us on Thursday morning at dawn and wander a few 100 metres up the beach before diving beneath the waves. It was great to watch runners and walkers just casually stride by this great big creature as if it was an everyday occurence.
The whiskery brute had earlier given Chris Sinclair a hurry along on his stand-up paddleboard. As a surfer I know that when a seal or sea lion pops up next to you it's a bit of a rush, but it also a great part about being out there floating around. The key they say is to look less interesting than the other people around you. That works fine as long as there is someone else around ... not so for poor Chris.
The changeable conditions meant there were pockets of surf all over the place for those with a bit of wind knowledge, but the small, glassy sessions at Blackhead would have to have been the pick – perfect conditions for groms and those new to surfing.
More swell on its way this week with some more North Coast sessions likely. Make sure you stock up on surf hardware at the Hydro sale this Thursday, then feign a lurgy and go surfing all day on Friday. Even if you don't surf ... you deserve a day at the beach.
See you there ...
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