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LONGBOARD HEAVEN - NOOSA AUSTRALIA Old Surfers never die they catch the perfect wave to Longboard Heaven. Old surfer dudes who visit Noosa, on Australia's Sunshine Coast, realise they've found where Longboard Heaven is and the Old Guys Rule. The point breaks at Noosa offer some of the most fabulous rides any surfer could ever dream of. But the true beauty for the Old Guys is that more than half the people in the water are over forty years old and riding a Longboard. Floating off the point at Noosa, waiting for a wave, the Old Guys sense a feeling of comradeship, nostalgia, mutual understanding, respect, and of course the joy of knowing a good wave is coming. Ray Sheehan, Billy Parent and Mike Johnson grew up in Southern California learning to surf at Malibu back in the sixties. When they travelled to Noosa earlier this year to visit another old school mate Jack, who now lives in Noosa, they didn't have any idea of what a treat they were about to discover. Jack had only told them "Noosa has pretty good surf" and they should probably dust off their boards. He also sweetened the invitation by telling his old friends the beach was loaded with beautiful young women in skimpy bikinis, which isn't far from the truth. Billy, Ray and Mike arrived the weekend Noosa's annual Longboard Contest was in full swing. Leaving California's on a cool winter morning to arrive in Australia's on a hot summer day was a trip. What a change. Jack was right. The beach was packed with lovelies and the waves breaking off Noosa's 'First Point' were perfect. The buzz of the contest, the atmosphere of the festivities, the music, and the ratio of hip old dudes in the crowd, the Longboards, and the Good Vibrations were the warmest welcome these guys could have ever received. Everything about Noosa is welcoming and friendly. The people, the casual dress, the variety of retailers, friendly shop assistants, smiling restaurant staff, tour operators and even the bus drivers reinforce your presence is appreciated. Although Noosa is as trendy as any place in Hawaii, it retains a small village feel. There are no high rises in Noosa. A three story building height limit ensures the hotels and resorts blend into the tropical shrubbery. Ray said "I've never been anywhere in my life that's had so many people walking around in their swimming suits they even go to the grocery store in their Bikinis here." You know you are in a thriving resort town by the shear number of accommodation and outdoor dining choices. Hastings Street is Noosa's most famous address but for eating, Gympie Terrace is the place to go. Gympie Terrace is located along the Noosa River in Noosaville, five minute's drive from Hastings Street or Main Beach. Noosaville is fast becoming the accommodation destination of choice in Noosa because it's easy access, close proximity to everything, laid back / relaxed atmosphere. The park along the river includes a rambling boardwalk and several covered BBQ areas where families and friends often gather for the day. Kids running, kites flying, boats zooming, sunbathers soaking, its all happening. Jack booked his old friends into Sandy Beach Resort one of Noosaville's most attractive small resorts. Enjoying classical Queensland architecture nestled into the tropical gardens, each of the 21 luxury apartments is fully self-contained with all the bells and whistles. The 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms holiday apartments are incredibly spacious. Each unit also offers two TVs, an ensuite off the Master bedroom as well as a private balcony, Video/DVD player, CD players, Direct Dial phones and Broadband Internet connection for travellers with laptops. The resort facilities include two large swimming pools (one heated year-round) a big spa pool, Swedish Sauna, and an excellent covered BBQ area. The boys were blown away by the quality and the value for money Sandy Beach Resort has to offer. So Dudes, if you are looking for a great place to take a nostalgic surfing holiday or a great vacation with the family, head to Noosa. If you're looking for affordable luxury, you can't do better than Sandy Beach Resort in Noosaville.
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