44FEATUREMIC BRIGNALL
Hard work pays off
I get told this pretty often by nearly everybody. Having worked
in six different countries in the last three years I know a thing
or two about seasons. Firstly, hard work pays off. Secondly,
all work and no play makes Jack (and Mikey) a dull boy. A
balance is critical as it's a touch pointless travelling if you
don't enjoy where you are.
Wherever I am, on the last night I watch the sunset. It’s the
thing that wraps up that season for me, and lets me
reminisce about the time I’ve had - a big part is the sport,
whether it be windsurfing or snowboarding, and if I've
achieved my goals for the season. I’ll let you in on
something... as of the end of 2017, I still haven’t cracked
the forward loop! 2018 though…
Being thrust together with a random bunch of seasonaires
would be a nightmare for a lot of people. But it can be a
fantastic bonding experience – you can usually rely on your
team to support you through anything. Paths cross that
would never have come close, if it wasn't for the season. It’s
this that really turns the work into an experience – with the
right people you are in for a great time!
The season ‘dream’ is to play all day, and not do a single
ounce of work. I've known a few who did this... but they lost
their job pretty quickly. Some people save all winter to have a
work free summer (or vice versa). More common, though, is
to work on season. There are different jobs – instructing,
restaurant work and nannying, to name a few; bar work is
awesome if you want to have the maximum water time. I
much prefer teaching, which is essentially living on the
beach. Simply being around windsurf kit, helping and
teaching guests gives me a buzz, especially when they
complete their first carve gybe.
One of the things I am asked most often about is my
accommodation. It’s not five-star! But for me that's not a
problem. I’m happy if I have a clean mattress to sleep on
and a roof to sleep under. (One of my worst decisions was to
sleep on the beach one night, so I wouldn't be late for work,
but that's another story!)
It’s very rare that a day is spent indoors – I’m either working
or out having a good time. Generally accommodation is only
a short walk away from the resort, or in one case a ferry ride
away. Sitting on the bow every morning was a great reminder
of how lucky I was to be working in Turkey.
Days off are naturally the highlight of any season. Time to do
what you want: windsurfing, exploring or simply recovering.
Windsurfing is of course the first choice, but if there’s no
wind, renting a car is always a favourite, taking some time to
explore the country. There are so many hidden gems;
Sardinia in particular is littered with them (not just beaches
historical stuff as well, although the beaches are great!).
It’s hard work on the beach, especially in 40-degree heat, so
sometimes a chilled out day is required: head to the local bar
(usually open all day, and they serve food) and spending
most of the day there on the WiFi. For some reason my
parents get upset if I don’t call home at least once a month.
uk
WIND
SURFING
Simply being around windsurf kit, helping
and teaching guests gives me a buzz,
especially when they complete their first
carve gybe