I remembered not knowing a soul on that trip. Someone that had been in for years and going for a while was not able to go so I got to take her place.
All I recall was talking to a guy on the plane and in 10min. he goes "Are you the surfer girl from San Diego?" Haha, it was a guy in our group so we had lots to chat about on the way.
I found out months later from one guy that lives close to me (we all lived within about 10 min. of each other and it was funny how I rarely saw these people. But now if I see them randomly I will remember them.), anyways, that it is key to have everyone get along and I totally understand the group being selective. But everyone was super cool- laid back, and you had to be, because if there was a conflict in a group in such tight living quarters for 10 days it could probably get pretty uncomfortable. But we were fine, or too drunk to let things bug us!!

Oh yah!! PONG TOURNAMENTS!!!! Super, super hilarious. We had our own mini ping pong tournaments. One night Caroline and I took on her husband Mark and Larry! She and I were unbeatable, was so funny smashing balls into the wee morning hours! We had one ball so once we lost it the night was over till the staff found it in the morning cleaning!

PREP FOR TRIP
Not nearly as much as I did when I went to Indo. However I had the opportunity for a winter before my trip to surf some solid Nor Cal swells and learn from Jeff Clark.
It was what made my trip so much more memorable, but I have never surfed that well since!
I was used to cold, heavy waves in Nor Cal and then you transition to 80, clear, perfect glassy sets you can't help but think you were invincible! And I did until I broke my foot the last day, on the last wave!!!!!!
For real! It was a rushed morning as we had to catch just a few more waves, and of course I was last one out and the boat with all the guys were waiting for me. So a macking set comes rolling in, I pick off the first one, which I never do and thought I better go so the guys don't freak out!

But at the same time with all them watching I figured I better make the drop ‘cause I am making them wait and now either being the only girl surfer was gonna be highlighted or be downplayed!!

So here it comes a solid 12 ft and the one behind it I could see was even bigger so I really didn't take long to decide. I was deep but with no time to worry, I gave it a couple extra strokes. But still as I was getting to my feet the wave was also getting to it’s feet and standing up taller and before I knew it I was airborne and free falling about 3 feet.

I landed it, but as I landed the impact smashed my left foot! Eeek, didn't know it at the time.
Was stoked!!! I made it, got 2 top-turns in and called it good!!! Once I got home and had a chance to really rest it, it dawned on my why it was so sore. I had broken it in prior years playing baseball and its always tender now!!

That was the trip in a nutshell and the crew I traveled with was FANTABULOUS and
I cannot wait till this year! I missed last year due to surfing commitments but I guess they liked me and my spot is reserved for this year, which will be our groups’ 10-year trip, so it will be a blast! Friends and families first week, then an extra week for the surfers only!!!

If anybody ever says there isn't a paradise… I have traveled to some well-known surf locations and when you look at the whole package once on Namotu, nothing beats it!!
If anything I will bring maybe 1 more SURFER mag next year and DEFINITELY a couple of my Taylor-made Drivers so I can host a Long Drive Competition at our annual Golf Tournament at Plantation Island!!!!! How awesome would that be????

Paradise is there…on that one tiny desolate island known as Namotu! Till next year I am stoked that W.S.S.M gave me this epic opportunity to be featured in their magazine during a year where there are amazing opportunities for me in the my world of Surfing and Long Drive Competitions!!! Hope to see your logo on the grid at the next World
Championship Long Drive Event W.S.S.M.!!!!!!

Till next time VINAKA (thank you) and much ALOHA!!!!

See you next year Scotty and Mandy! And Larry, you better bring extra film for me next year!!! J Bob – I will baby-sit your kids if you stoke me out in the house again…J!!!

Michelle Sheptak
Surfing/ Golfing Athlete
Long Drive Competitor
surfrn@gmail.com
longdrivergirl@yahoo.com