Day 5 - Cookout at Carl's

(Please note: The blog for Day 4 has been published slightly late, but can be found below this, apologies for the delay)

We enjoyed a much-needed lie in at the condo this morning, a welcomed luxury after our busy (but of course fantastic) days in NYC. After a breakfast of bagels and Special K (yes people, they do have it in the US... although it does taste different), we started off by watching a few of the DVD's from Paul's freestyle archive here at the condo - a facility we will be taking advantage of at plenty of times during our stay.

Just before midday, our new friend Josh who we'd met last night called round. Josh is actually only 16 years old and is a budding freestyler - it's great to know there is at least some young blood in the sport within the USA! After for relaxing for a while at the condo, the three of us begun the long, treacherous walk to the beach (a staggering distance of about 20 metres). The first jam was quite difficult with the wind coming from inland, however, we still managed to have a great time. And it has to be said... Florida is hot (with a capital H)... making it necessary for regular water breaks and copious applications of suncream. After sticking it out for a good hour or so we headed indoors for some lunch, and to cool off in the air-conditioned condo.



During our break, we were joined by Paul, who was fired up for a jam after his morning at work and brought with him a welcomed box of luxury doughnuts (Krispy Kremes in fact... for any connoisseurs out there). Luckily, the beach conditions were due to step up in the mid-afternoon so the chances of a high quality jam were looking good. We waited for the perfect sea breeze then made for the sand, and we were soon enjoying a high-energy beach jam, packed with big combo's and brought to life by Paul's boombox. Later on in the jam, we were joined by Carl (Josh's Dad, and a close friend of Paul's) and we 'shredded' (frisbee terminology for playing well and nailing the moves) into the early evening.




Once we'd showered and freshened up, it was time for the big social event of the day... a 'cookout' (translation for UK readers = barbeque) at Carl & Josh's place. We were joined by a great group of locals, who were all friends or family of Paul & Carl. We really enjoyed the evening and we're made to feel really welcome. It was nice to spend some time relaxing and socialising with people from the State, made even better by ideal weather an expertly produced barbeque from Carl... is there no end to this man's talents?! To our surprise, our British accents were greatly admired... see below for just how well...






As the night drew to its late end, we were given a lift back to the condo by Paul's wife Cheryl. And now it's time to get some sleep before a 'death jam' on the beach tomorrow afternoon.

We hope everyone is well back home!

J&J