Having learned to swim, comedian Stephen K. Amos thought he would go one better and learn to surf.
During a visit to the Sunshine Coast for two shows at the Solbar, Maroochydore, he managed a surfing lesson with Chris Kendall of Coolum Surfing School on Thursday, thanks to Visit Sunshine Coast.
Although rain poured throughout and the surf was a little washy, Stephen did manage to fleetingly get to his feet on a board and emerged from the water a happy man.
“Let’s just say that coming to the Sunshine Coast on one of the rainiest days of the year was not ideal surfing conditions, although the water was incredibly warm and I had the very, very experienced coach in Chris,” Stephen said.
“I thought I’d get a bit brave because I learnt how to swim just recently. I didn’t have a fear of the water but I didn’t realise how bad my balance is on a board.”
Stephen has become more adventurous in the water since appearing on the television show, I’m a Celebrity, Get Me out of Here.
The Englishman, who is in his mid-50s, learned how to swim on the show courtesy of paralympic swimmer Ellie Cole.
Describing himself as an “intermediary” swimmer and “not quite Bondi lifeguard”, he was emboldened enough to try surfing.
“I think one of the things I learnt from the jungle is to try new things, challenge yourself, push yourself, and if you have the right network of people, like Chris, then you’re in safe hands, so why not give it a go?” Stephen said.
He said his first go at surfing felt “really good.”
“Being in the jungle was like at one with nature. Being out there, all the water surrounding you and Chris knew all the things I didn’t think about, knowing where to stand, gauging how deep the water is just by looking at the surf, the waves coming in,” he said.
“I had no idea. I just thought it looked dangerous before but if you know what you’re doing, it’s great.”
“It’s quite scientific, and I’m no scientist. It’s like baking, and I can’t bake for s….”
Chris said his star pupil for the day had the right attitude.
“The main thing was he was out there to have some fun,” he said.
“They say the best surfers are the ones having the most fun out there and he’s well on his way.”
Stephen said he would give surfing another go on the Sunshine Coast if the weather was fine or find somewhere for another lesson while travelling down the coast.
While on the Sunshine Coast, Stephen will visit Australia Zoo as a guest of his I’m a Celebrity mate, Robert Irwin.
“I can’t wait. It will be my fist time going to a zoo since I was probably 11 years old and on a school trip” he said.
“I want to see all the animals that won’t kill me. There is the stereotype that Australian animals will kill you. I’ve heard of drop bears.”
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