SUP Mag UK October 2016 issue 11 | Page 70

When I awoke https://goo.gl/maps/MckRJ6ys2zD2 It was awesome to discover this other facet of the man, Roberto Ricci, his paternal side, and his ability to let go of work problems, to live fully and take advantage of the present moment. I believe life should be lived that way, and it was inspirational, they kept calling me ‘Grande Matteo’, but I would rather reply ‘Grande Roberto’! on the first morning in Corsica, Roberto suggested we take some more photos underwater. The plan was to play with the early sunlight and its reflections on the sea. I felt honoured to be able to shoot this session with him. Roberto took the camera, while I put on the latest 2016 winter wetsuit. We worked all morning, and the time passed without us noticing. In the evening, all the crew, children included, were delighted to tell stories about their adventures while everybody enjoyed a good plate of ravioli, and many other delicious dishes I couldn’t even begin to describe. We explored Corsica as much as we could in those four days. We paddled until our arms could take no more, and ate some of the finest Corsican food that you could imagine. As ever, when you are having the time of your life, the clock moves too quickly and before I knew it my trip, which had turned into a blur of fun and great people, had come to an end. In a short time I got to feel like I had not only met the people I regarded as my family but truly become one of them. Roberto was an inspiration at every moment, and I flew home to Tahiti with some fantastic memories and moments I will cherish forever. I’ll be back in Tuscany soon! s t a n d u p p a d d l e m a g u k 70