Wave House Surf Camp, Bali - time for me to improve!

When you love something and want to get better at something - what do you do? Practice, practice, practice. And then what happens? You get better!

I've been surfing for a few years now but not progressing in my ability. I know that daily practice is what benefits the most, but I have only been going out sporadically. Sometimes three times a week, most times once every week or three. I was getting frustrated, so I decided to carve out the time to make improvement happen.

Bali flights were going cheap so suddenly I was logging in and hitting 'purchase'. Then came the task of finding somewhere to stay. I looked at hotels, AirBnB's and surf camps. I decided a surf camp would be best because, heck, how many times was I going to get out and surf a new break on my own? I knew... not many.

Wave House stood out as a great place because of it's location to the beach (a 3-minute walk away), Seminyak (with the salsa places I was keen to check out), the beautiful grounds and being inclusive of surf lessons each day. I've been to a few surf camps around Bali so knew that I'd be surrounded by like-minded people that were chilled but exciting. What I didn't know was that I would be one of the only native speaking English guests there! That doesn't happen often.

Other guests were mainly Russian, but thankfully, their English is fantastic. We chatted at breakfast and on the surf trips, but other than that, I was normally by the pool listening to Gabrielle Bernstein's 'The Universe Has Your Back', journalling or taking trip notes. The camp was so quiet, I often wondered if I was the only one there. However, I knew otherwise, that there were quite a few guests tucked away in their rooms working. It made me smile - knowing that people are here living their life the way they want. Combining their passion for surf, travel and work. Now, that's my type of person.

Surf lessons were at different surf breaks, depending on tide, wind and swell. It was 'off' season for surf in Bali but we found some great waves and clean (as in wind, definitely not always clean water) conditions. We surfed Old Mans, Padma and Kedungu - all located within a 30-minute drive of camp. We surfed with meet up times from 5.30am to 11 am. Small groups, one instructor and a couple of guides. It worked really well. Guests are split up into ability from beginner upwards. I was in Intermediate 4 and it worked well with everyone being a similar ability. We got feedback in the water and when we got tired, our guides helped push us onto the waves. How's that for pampering! Seriously, the instructors and guides at Wave House are the friendliest and most helpful I've experienced in Bali.

After our surf lesson, unpacking the boards and grabbing food (if it was an early surf) we met in the yoga pavilion for the second part of our lesson. Photo feedback. Eek! This scared me the first time. I hate seeing photos of myself - and I've seen myself surfing before. I described it as 'taking a poo while holding my nose from all stink'. Thankfully, I'm not 'that' bad anymore so seeing myself wasn't too bad. And the feedback was helpful. Picking up on things like hip rotation, pop up technique and working the wave.

Other bonuses of staying at Wave House? Surf skills lesson in the pool, a training area to practice, a cute resident cat and the occasional visit by the most gorgeous little pup (owned by the Aussie surf instructor). Staff are also super helpful - getting me about on the Gojek service (think Uber for mopeds), organising massages and being there for a chat.

So, after five days... would I do it again? Heck yeah. I relaxed, met some awesome people and learnt new surf skills. I conquered my fear of lefts and overcome trauma I had from previous experience at Old Mans. Growth all around. While having fun. The best surf camp I have stayed at yet.

Check it out at https://wavehousebali.com/surfcamp/

MAY 1st Countdown... to Cuba!

The countdown is on...

to May 1!!!!

It’s been on my bucket list for a long time. I didn’t know when I would actually get there - it seemed like one of those hopeful dreams that may or may not become a reality. So when the opportunity comes up to go with my dance school, I thought why not. 

The timing seemed right - if there is ever right timing. I separated with my husband last year. It’s only two weeks. I love dancing. I can go with a group of people I know, and the tour is run by a friend who has been doing cultural dance tours there for eight years. She knows the in’s and out’s better than me. 

I’ll be going to the best dance spots, getting to know locals and dancing with friends. Plus my must-do’s of going anywhere… seeing all the history, taking lots of photos and discovering new parts of the world. 

Me being me, of course, I’ll be taking lots of photos. I already have plans to have a “Cuba” exhibition when I return and maybe, just maybe, a calendar! Who wouldn’t love a Cuban calendar? There aren’t many around, so I’m going to have fun with this. 

I am going on a tour, but will have free time. IF there is anything you recommend I have to do - please email or comment. I only have two weeks there, but seriously want to make the most of it. I’ll sleep on the plane. Well, try to.

P.S. 

While I’m there, I’ll also be researching articles and taking stock photos for publications and my blog :)

If you are interested in me writing/photographing something for you, please let me know before I go.  

Yorke Peninsula road trippin'

In January I went to the Yorke Peninsula for work. I photographed Point Turton, Marion Bay and Port Vincent Caravan Parks. I made the return trip from Adelaide all in one day. It was massive. I was slapping myself across the face to stay awake on the way home. 

To make sure I stayed as alert as possible (and because I'd just had a very yummy festive season), I packed fruit, carrots, cucumber, drip and rice crackers to nibble on all day as my breakfast, lunch and tea. It helped. I felt great.

Even though I was pushed for time, I still took the time to stop and take photos along the way - that's part of the fun of road trips. It's the journey, not the destination. ;)

I don't love driving, but I do like long distance driving on my own. Why wouldn't I? I get to sing - and not be told to stop hurting ears. I get to listen and bop along to my fave Latin tunes. Podcasts run til my brain can take no more. I can stop whenever, wherever. And, I can talk to myself. 

Do you like driving? What's your fave thing to do to keep entertained? 

Here are a few pics from "Yorkes". Very SA I think. :)

Recharging at South Beach, WA

The streets of Fremantle.

Where?

A little area between Coogee and Fremantle in Western Australia. Next door to Fremantle with better beaches and quieter pace, but still easy access to all the cafes, drinking holes and shops.

The crowd?

A mix of snobby upper class through to happy hippies. The upper crust walks past with their little pooches while hippies play congas in the parkland and backpackers munch on picnic style tea in the back of their station wagons. Of course, I love it.

Why?

A relaxed vibe of coastal living. Close to Fremantle but far enough away to escape the crowds. Cafes, cove beaches, fitness scene, cycling, and a great walking path along the coast. Not to forget the people watching either. 

What am I doing here?

I am spending the first week of 2018 here. Swimming, relaxing, reading, eating and drinking. It is the perfect excuse for me to step away from work and enjoy a guilt-free recharge. For anyone that knows me, you know how hard this is for me. I didn't even bring my laptop. Big deal, for me. 

How am I going with it?

Surprisingly well. I have loved my time not 'needing' to do something. I've relaxed into reading and finished two magazines and started on two books. I've wandered on the beach and splashed in the water just because. I've sat and done nothing. We've laughed hard playing Cards of Humanity. And I've eaten and drank way too much. 

And I've had time to think. I can get lost, and scared when I have time inside my head. But I know it's important. I don't allow myself this time too often, but its something I have realised and is improving. Working out what I need, what I want and what I need to do. Important personally and in business. 

So what else to do here, apart from being involved with your thoughts? 

Cycle the coastal path.
We ride from South Beach down to Woodman Point passing derelict old buildings, new Coogee development, family-friendly man-made beach, scrub, country style beaches and many parks. 20 km return. And of course, the path also heads north. We also ride this, heading towards Perth along the river. It's a very scenic and entertaining way of burning off some excess calories. 

Coastal path south of South Beach.

Bathers Beach House
As the sun sets, this is the place to be. Sun loungers line the small cove, with drink service. One of the very few places in Australia that offer service on the beach. Pretty sure I read it's the only place to legally be served an alcoholic drink in Perth. Tourists and locals alike line the waterfront for sunset photos but tonights isn't very spectacular. We enjoy our cider while laughing with our French waiter and again, people watching.

Sunsets and cocktails at Bathers Beach House, Fremantle.

Linger on the beach
I meet, and see, all sorts on the beach. Friendly locals are walking their pooches, random lounge chairs complete with a lamp sit on the beach, kitesurfers scream along the waves and families laugh and splash about in the water. Clear turquoise water, soft sand and warm sun complete the picture. 

The random things you find on the beach at South Beach. I was told it had been there for two weeks. The next day it was gone. 

Fremantle arts centre
A great place to see a variety of different art but also live music. The New Years Day concert attracts a well-rounded mix of people from chilled hipsters to the 60 plus-year-olds that love to kick off their heels and boogie. Soukouss Internacionale is my fave with their afro rhythms and got me up dancing while the other bands had me chilled and relaxed. Every Sunday afternoon the centre has live music. 

Soukouss Internacionale at Fremantle Arts Centre. 

Restaurants and drinking holes
There are many options in the Fremantle area. I eat in The Raw Kitchen, Bread in Common, Lapa, and Moore and Moore. We have drinks at Bathers Beach House and Creatures NextDoor too. All great. 

Start the day right with Mexican Florentine at Moore and Moore.

Of course, there is much more to discover in Fremantle, but that would require too much time off my sun lounger. I am, after all, meant to be relaxing. Discovering new things is exciting and quite possibly, lead me to work. Can't have that now...

Tasmania - want photos?

'We're all going on a summer holiday,

summer holiday.'

Well, not really. But I am going with the fam to Tasmania in March/April. And I'm pumped. One whole month!

I've got a few gigs lined up, and I'd love to extend the offer to everyone. If you are in Tasmania or know someone in Tasmania, that is in need of pics (and let's face it, who doesn't NEED pics in this era of social media and online advertising), here's the deal...

My schedule - 
21-27th March 2017           West Coast
28-30th March 2017           Cradle Mountain area
31st-3rd April 2017             North West, Launceston area
4-10th April 2017                Hobart, Huon Valley, Bruny Island area
11th-15th April 2017           East Coast, Launceston
16th April 2017                   Devonport

Some images from my last trip...

What's in it for you?

 

Contra Agreements (minimal $ or free)

I am also looking for a limited number of contra agreements where available and possible. If you are a tour operator, cafe, shop or accommodation business - this is perfect for you!
 

Stock photography on spec

NO COMMITMENT BY YOU - I WANT STOCK PHOTOS

If you would like general images, please email me with any requests. Of course, there is no guarantee that I will be able to achieve these images, but at least I can try. :) These images will then be uploaded to my stock photography where you can purchase at really reasonable prices. Check out the 'stock photography' page at www.heidiwho.com for examples of what I've already done for people. 
 
An example:
Goyder Council, SA
- developed a shot list and organised talent
- I organised photo shoot time
- photographed area solo and with client/talent
- the client chose images to purchase after viewing proofs
 

Editorial Photography Package valued at $400 (plus GST)

With this package, you receive a one-hour photo shoot and up to 20 images in print and web size via Dropbox. 
 
The images will be retouched to an editorial standard, which means I will colour correct, ensure they are tonally beautiful and look amazing, but I won't alter the reality of the image in any way. Ie. By removing objects, blending exposures (which helps with maintaining exposure through interiors to exteriors through windows, etc.). 
 
Check out some examples at www.heidiwhotravels.com - particularly Port Lincoln Hotel and Whyalla Caravan Park. 
 

 

 
Assignment Photography

If you have a particular photo shoot you are after, get in touch, and we can discuss. Clients include Crowne Plaza, YHA, Seawall Apartments, University of SA, SA government departments, SA Tourism Council, SA Tourism Industry Council, Majestic Group, Yorke Peninsula/City of Marion/City of Onkaparinga councils.
 
 
Please check out my website www.heidiwho.com for my photography work and my blog www.heidiwhotravels that showcase clients, my travels, photography tips and more. 
 
Of course, email or phone me to discuss any ideas. 

Limestone Coast and Barossa/Clare photos postponed :(

REGIONAL PHOTO TOUR UPDATE:

Limestone Coast and Barossa/Clare Valley photo shoots are postponed til the new year. I am very sorry if this causes any inconvenience for you. I have been in contact with those already booked and we are working on other dates early in 2017. 

The bonus is - we will have more time!

If you would like to be involved, please send me an email, and I will be as flexible as possible with dates.