St. Kilda Kite Surfers

Kite Surfing has gained in popularity in recent times and the Melbourne bayside suburb of St.Kilda is a buzz with activity each weekend.

The kites cost around $1000-00 Australian Dollars and it's not unusual for a kite surfer to own more than one.

Watching these guys in action is a sight to behold as they go about their jumps and pursue speed across the water.

All these photos were taken with my Canon 20D and 70-200mm f/4L lens on Sunday 19th February 2006.

Darren Stones

Freelance Travel Writer and Photographer

Gibson Beach

Canon 20D 17-40mm f/4L

Who cares about what I write?

I'm hoping there will be many who are interested, as I enjoy relating my experiences and taking the reader for a journey.

Writing is a discipline that doesn't always come easy, however with some study and coaching it can become a reality. I've determined it's time take the plunge and make it happen.

Currently, I'm undertaking the Freelance Travel Writing and Photography course with Thomson Education Direct.

To date the course is going very well and my tutor, Robin Copeland, has offered some fantastic advice and given me a good grade for my first assignment. I've communicated with Robin and bounced a few ideas off him already and gladly they have been well received. His encouraging words and guidance are most appreciated.

Gibson Beach

Canon 20D 17-40mm f/4L

Where am I heading with this?

My intention is to become published in various magazines, journals, newspapers, periodicals etc. I'm even looking long term at writing a book.

I've always loved travelling and have made it a habit to take my camera with me on my journeys. Last year I visited places I'd never been to before and I'm looking to continue in the same vein for the rest of my days.

Like most, I still have to work to pay for the bills and my travel adventures, but with a passion of writing and photography always calling me, hopefully one day soon I'll be making some good money from my work.

The journey is rewarding.

Darren Stones

Torquay Lifesavers

Torquay Lifesavers

Canon 20D 70-200mm f/4L

Look at the strain on the faces of these young men as they go about their training as lifesavers.

The chap steering the boat is of a slightly more mature vintage, however I'm sure he's been in the situation of having done the hard yakka of rowing one of these boats in days gone by.

Lifesavers have a very responsible role in Australia and it's in holiday times that their expertise is called upon most, as many people flock to the beach. Beach goers can suddenly find themselves in difficulty due to the dangerous currents and rips that can make swimming hazardous.

For your own safety and to make the job of the lifesaver easier, it's best to swim between the flags.

http://www.slsa.asn.au/
http://www.torquayslsc.com.au/surfsafety.html