good post Mike..
I was talking to Michael Nov some time ago about living on the water (or right next to it).
Barton Lynch was a Mosman lad (where Bud McCray's father once lived) and had to travel to the water as a kid.
Still only like 20 minutes away (but way worse during peak hours)..he didn't win a World Title (1987?) until he moved in with Mick Mock (kneelo legend) on the beach at North Steyne (Manly).
Cross the road and you're wet.
Crawford lived on the second floor of an apartment DIRECTLY above DY Point during his principal years..like, you could throw your empty stubbie (dead marine?) onto First Rock
(not that ya would) but!
Nov himself grew up in Clarke Street..6 lanes and a block from Southy (Narrabeen) and from the moment he woke up in the morning, he knew exactly what was going on
Living next to the Ocean and having a certain degree of flexibility in your working life can sure lift your surfing to another level..

and maybe let you save on some internet fees
hart
ps
what way is the wind blowin' anyway?
just jokin cause I got a wind sock...