I’ve been taking a well-earned break from training since I returned from South Africa and I’m really enjoying the opportunity to have a bit of time away from ironman stuff.

Even though I’m not training I’m still keeping active. I’ve taken up cycling with some mates and have been getting out on the bike regularly. It can be pretty full on and is helping me keep fit.

Outside of that I’ve been doing a lot of surfing and getting out whenever I can of late as the swells up here have been pretty big and the surf has been good. I surfed Burleigh the other day and headed over to Stradbroke Island for a surf this morning. It’s great being able to get out there on the board.

I also had the opportunity to head to Sydney to help hand out some gear from the Telstra Assistance Fund. If your sporting club needs gear, be it Aussie Rules, Rugby League, swimming or surf lifesaving head to http://www.beinvolved.com.au/taf/taf.aspx and apply.

I actually had a great day with the kids down there. One of them had visions of putting me on my backside when I was holding the tackle bags but unfortunately for him he bounced off. I felt a bit bad about that one, but what can you do? He was all smiles afterwards anyway.

I also got to meet a few of Australia’s elite sportsmen including Parramatta Eels star Nathan Hindmarsh, swimmer Eamon Sullivan and former AFL star Scott West. They’re all top blokes and it was great to hang around with them for the day.

Back at home the business landscape has changed with ironwoman Krystyl Smith coming on board as a partner at Dolphin Surfcraft, but things will be great. Krystyl has been with the team a while now and does a great job.

I’m going to continue to enjoy time away from training this weekend as I head out to watch the mighty Gold Coast Titans play South Sydney. With Luke Bailey and Mat Rogers back I reckon the Titans are irresistible and will be tipping them.

I’m going pretty well in the NRL.com tipping at the moment, but not so well in the Toyota NRL Dream Team where I need to pick up my game.

Zane