Like most women with a surf-mad partner – I could relate to the surf-widow analogy – I was one until we had our two boys and I realised I didn’t want to miss out on a thing...
Debbie and the Tan family
(Uge & Debbie are the duo behind the amazing Aquabumps Surf photography in Bondi Beach)
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“When we had the opportunity to get involved with Wisemans – a wave pool in nature, with luxury accommodation, wellness facilities and good food – I wanted in.”
Debbie Tan / Partner Aquabumps
I never quite understood how ‘babe going for a quick surf’ meant 4 hours, more so when the kids were babies and 4 hours felt like a lifetime. I remember when it dawned on me – about 5 years ago when we were pushing our kids on waves and watching both their joy and ours, that I was not only going to be left by my husband for the waves, but likely all 3 of them would be off enjoying this lifestyle addiction.
That was it, no sitting on the beach for me. I asked for lessons from the pro husband – got myself an extra-long soft board and the rest is history. I’m terrible, but I’m determined to get better and my kids don’t seem to notice just how bad I am, so that’s the main thing – right? Now, my eldest son and I surf more together than he does with his dad. It’s our thing, we talk – we cheer and there’s nothing more heart exploding in the line-up then hearing ‘ Go Mum’ when it all works out and I’m up and on!
Only a surfer knows the feeling.
I now get the 3 – 4 hour thing. You’re always waiting for the next wave and the euphoric feeling of riding the face of a wave – albeit 2 foot for me, is like nothing in the world and to do it with my family is actually everything to me.
I know that they will surpass my ability and be off to the more challenging waves – boat trips and reef breaks with their dad – it’s inevitable. So when we had the opportunity to get involved with Wisemans – a wave pool in nature, with luxury accommodation, wellness facilities and good food, I wanted in. Not only because I’m a Murfer, but for any mum that wants to give surfing a try or is happy to do some yoga, have a massage and be close by to her family while they surf – it ticks all the boxes.
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“Party waves, the serenity of the sea and the paddle out are all mood lifters, like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.”
I know that they will surpass my ability and be off to the more challenging waves – boat trips and reef breaks with their dad – it’s inevitable. So when we had the opportunity to get involved with Wisemans – a wave pool in nature, with luxury accommodation, wellness facilities and good food, I wanted in. Not only because I’m a Murfer, but for any mum that wants to give surfing a try or is happy to do some yoga, have a massage and be close by to her family while they surf – it ticks all the boxes.
Our kids are little for such a short time – and it becomes harder to keep the family together, as they are seduced by mates and we become redundant. Wisemans is a ticket to keeping them with me for a little longer.
A wave pool, means I can ask for the easy take off – 2 foot peeler that sucks up a little once I’m steady and on and just behind me in the same pool, will be my boys on the 3 – 4 footers that are more like HT’s in the Ments. Once we’ve surfed we can eat together – no cooking required, another plus for me and luxury stay over, so we can enjoy a post surf cocktail, discuss our waves and spend the night surrounded by nature.
Even if you’re a mum who’s not keen on the surf – it’s a luxury way to experience what your family love with the chance to relax with a wine, good book – spa treatments, yoga, infrared sauna & gym.
Needless to say – I’ve signed us up.