deal with it. Mucking around in the pool the other day, my partner’s daughter held her breath underwater longer than me. I don’t have any interest in doing that. I think you just do what you have to. I am a very strong swimmer and am fit so I know what I can handle.” Russell did Taekwondo for twenty years and fought full-contact tournaments for eight years. “I wasn’t the best martial artist, but I trained my arse off and was as fit as you could be. I did ok because I was very fit. You get the best out of your body. Likewise with surfing, being fit will put you in a good position to catch a few good waves.” BEST CONDITIONS North-east depending on the break. A south-west swell is normal. On surfing iconic landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles: “I have surfed there up to 10ft, but waves there can often be closeouts. The region just gets so much swell and consequently, the sand banks are constantly changing. You can have months where it’s so big and disorganised that it is unrideable. “
LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK “There are some good spots in the region. In Port Fairy, Rebecca’s is really good. Time and Tide is also a very nice restaurant. The Merrijig Inn is great. “In Port Campbell, Room six is great for breaky, lunch or dinner. The pub is good for dinner and to socialise. 12 Rocks is ok as well.” And as for a good spot to grab a beer, Russell’s reply was the same as Mark Richards in our last edition. “I don’t drink beer. I have never been a beer drinker. I will have a stubbie in summer if it’s warm but more often than not I will drink a lemon squash. I guess that’s why Russell rides 18ft waves and I don’t. At least I now know what’s been holding me back. Incidentally, from my personal research, the Caledonian Inn in Port Fairy is also a cracker. Roaring fire, good beer and one of the best steaks I have had. Spoons Café also makes great coffee and muffins.
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