Searching

Search

To seek for something. 

To go searching is something I think is ingrained in all of us. It’s a primal instinct that we have adapted to a modern world…

I was just watching a Rip Curl Tip 2 Tip video clip. It had Tom Curren and Frankie O on a Search boat for first time since the 1994 Rip Curl Movie – The Search. Those of you who surf will know how epic this event is. Rip Curl basically have, over the years, continued searching the oceans in the quest for new and unridden waves and have got a couple of their original searchers together for a reunion. It was this concept of a continual search got me thinking…

Isn’t that what we all do? Search? Search for something that means something to us. It’s that thing that drives us, keeps pushing us. We don’t always agree with or understand what others are searching for but we are all searching. Whether it’s the corporate dreams of millions, the pursuit of the perfect wave or an understanding of God; we are all willing to give up what others may consider paramount in this quest.

Take a friend of mine. We’ll call him Traveller. Traveller refers to the corporate dream as chasing 'that dangling golden carrot'. For Traveller the quest of wealth is not counted in monetary terms. Traveller works to make money simply to eat and to travel. Traveller’s travels mean finding, exploring and experiencing. They are based around waves and the people who ride them.

There is someone else who I also consider a good friend. Also a surfer. This person works, works, works. We’ll call them Corporate. Corporate works only to make money to gain what Corporate considers important status in life. To be respected for the material assets possessed. The furthest Corporate has truly explored is maybe around his city and little way up the coast.

Corporate has a beautiful home, two big cars and lots or money for 5 star boat trips to exotic surf drenched islands. Surfer has a small apartment, washed out and rusty old landy that needs a kick to get it going in the morning and when Surfer eventually makes it to that dream tropical surf location, Surfer lives with the locals, hitchhikes and camps up and down the coast.

Yet they are both happy. I understand the traveler more than I understand the corporate but I cannot fault either as they are both searching for what they deem important for their lives.

I like searching – every turn in the road, unseen corner holds a potential experience. I am happiest when exploring. Whether it be a person, a people, a country, a culture or an idea. I feel the importance in life is taking the best from each experience and trying to apply it to myself… Other times I just want to smile and laugh…

Dem Bones

 Slowly but surely I'm getting into Island Life... The waves aren't aren't great but I surf, the kids are slow but I teach, the stock isn't great but I go shopping...

However, the fishing is good and I like that :)

Obviously the number 1 target of every flyfisher who travels to tropical waters is to catch a bonefish on fly. Now the bones of Praslin aren't like those of St Jo's or Alphonse - they are not like hairs on a dog's back and you have work damn hard for your fish.

And what a reward you get...

It starts with the search - you got to see them - then the stalk - they can be rather skittish - the presentation is next - rather important not to spook him after all the work - and then last, but definitely not least, the fight...

For it's size the bonefish must be one of the fastest and strongest fish around... Its leaves your reel spinning in blur and your knees slightly weak... They pull hard, fight clean and simply stunning fish.

So anyway, dem bones are on the flats and when I've some spare time I like to chase them... Island life goood maan...