Manly Appeal

Veronica Apap

"...Manly’s reputation as a surfing mecca was recognised recently when it was officially declared aNational Surfing Reserve. But for landlubbers like me, China Beach is my kind of beach. The modern twist on Asian cuisine was fantastic and the menu included tea smoked quail with olive oil and roasted garlic pepper sauce; sashimi of kingfish and ocean trout with chilli dressing; massaman lamb curry with mild coconut, peanuts and roasted sweet potato; and addictive crispy pork belly.

Sharing was very difficult at China Beach and I had to restrain my chopsticks on more than one occasion in the interest of good manners. After lunch it was time to face my fears and try out surfing, but not the traditional, terrifying brand of surfing involving massive waves and being unceremoniously dumped into the ocean. No, for me it was a stand up paddle surfing lesson from Manly Surf School in Manly Cove.

I was astounded at how easy it was to get a start in the flat aqua water: in my one hour lesson I went from kneeling on the board to standing and paddling around to Little Manly and back again. Paddle surfing can be a great work out and is really good for core strength, but the reason I’ll do it again is because it was loads of fun and easy to enjoy the view while paddling…”

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Nice break for bush children

Alice Marshall

A group of six Brewarrina Aboriginal children spent yesterday with Manly Surf School.
The grouo, aged from seven to 13, were taught water safety and surf skills.
Joyce Doole, who accompanied the group, told Manly Daily that as Brewarrina was five hours west of Dubbo, many of the children who take part in the surf program have never seen the ocean before, let alone surfed.
Warringah has previously hosted Brewarrina locals as part of a Sister City youth exchange program between Warringah and Brewarrina councils. "The kids are just so excited to be here," Ms Doole said. "It's just really great for them."
The children are chosen for the program by the local "Granny Patrol" - run by Ms Doole for 19 years - a group that works with Brewarrina women and children in need of assistance.
Selection criteria for a surf trip includes school attendance and good behaviour.

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36 Hours in Sydney

Celia McGee

Sunday
10 a.m.
11) BEACH BUNSIn the nautical hierarchy, the beach resort of Manly may be lower-profile than Bondi’s more chic surf culture, but that’s exactly what makes it such a treat, starting with a quick ferry ride seven miles north of the city. (This year Manly is celebrating its official recognition as the birthplace of Australian surfing.) The town is sprucing up the Manly Scenic Walkway that winds through a large nature preserve. At the other end of the beach, Manly Surf School (North Steyne Surf Club, Long Reef; 61-2-9977-6977; manlysurfschool.com) offers rentals and lessons starting at 60 Australian dollars.

Click here to read the complete article.

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New tricks for old dog

Peter Bodkin

ALTHOUGH a long way from the footy field, retired NRL legend Hazem El Masri uesterday demonstrated the same surefooted aptitude in the surf that he displayed on the wing for the Bulldogs.

El Masri enjoyed expert tuition from Manly Surf School as he took to the North Steyne breaks, joining a group of Muslim women from southwestern Sydney for the session. "It was really good, better than I expected," El Masri said.

"Dave (the instructor) was putting a bit of pressure on me, saying `now you've retired. you've probably put on a bit of weight`."
The lesson was filmed as part of a series called Manly Surf, which tells stories of the instructors and students.
Despite it being his first attempt at stand-up surfing, El Masri impressed onlookers by getting to his feet and even carving across the face of several waves.

"He's ripping, he must have surfed before... it usually takes months to get to that kind of level," series creator Daniel Starling said.

But a modest El Masri was quick to credit his instructors.
"As soon as you get some tips you can go out there properly - if you just jump out there with no idea you're going to suffer," he said.

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Justin Burke - Youth Development Officer - Warringah Council

"Thanks again so much for giving the kids surf lessons. It is so nice to see local business people like you out there in the community proving services to disadvantaged groups such as the Bre guys. They had an unreal time and I couldn’t believe how quickly they picked it up.

The weather was unreal, conditions perfect and couldn’t think of a better place to be. The set up at the roy worked really well.

I wanted to acknowledge what you and Manly Surf School have done for us in the past and it is important that the Mayor and Councillors see first hand the benefits to the program and the people like you that are involved in such positive ways.

So mate thanks again, I had a good time as well as the kiddies and hope you like the photos. Cheers and talk soon."

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Helen Appleton - Family Therapist - Giant Steps Sydney

"I brought a group of kids in on Saturday afternoon for a surfing lesson, and despite the shark alarms the kids had a wonderful time!
I wanted to say a huge thank you to Eden, Ryan and Brendan for being so patient and great with the kids. Many of them were very nervous and were determined to not even get in the water, and I’m thrilled that they all had a go and felt so proud of themselves for achieving something new.
Thanks again, you guys are fantastic!"

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Paul's big Wednesday

Peter Bodkin

DESPITE his prosthetic leg, shark attack victm Paul de Gelder blew onlookers away with his board-riding ability when he returned to the water on Wednesday for a lesson with Manly Surf School.

Surf instructor Nick James took the learner through his paces and watched as his student successfully got to his fit and rode the waves.
Mr de Gelder, a former navy diver, lost his right leg during a shark attack in February 2009 while he was diving on duty in Sydney Harbour.

Mr James, who has been with the school nearly seven years, said he was gobsmacked by his student's ability.
"He was amazing for a guy who's got one leg and basically one arm," he said. "He blew me away, I couldn't believe how well he surfed. His jump-up was as good as , if not better than, most of the students we get here."

The lesson will be featured in one of 10 episodes of a TV series currently under production called MANLY SURF, which is the brainchild of four locals. Creator Daniel Starling said the series focused on Manly Surf School.