Yesterday was the first day of our surfing lessons. A good day in many ways. Firstly I stood up (well, shambled up) and caught a wave for the first time, which was very satisfying, if not totally bodacious yet.

Secondly, we met Eric, our surfing instructor, who was given 5 very enthusiastic thumbs up by myself, Romilly, Josie, Olivia and Emily, four girls from Birmingham on their gap year who were also lucky enough to have surf lessons with him. Needless to say he was rather hot - a tanned, pert and toned package of Tico loveliness.

Anyway, onto the surfing – very fun, but also very hard work, as the currents of the beach at Buena Vista are quite strong, making wading back out once you’re surfed in a bit of a challenge. Eric, as well as being easy on the eye, had the added bonus of being a great instructor – he was patient, explained things well, and didn’t laugh when bikini bottoms inevitably went awry*. Give the man a raise.

*When you’re starting out you have to lie on the board before being pushed into the wave. Perfect except often you have to wait, with your instructor holding on to the back of your board, for a few waves to pass over you before the right wave arrives. This wouldn’t be a problem, except each wave forces your bikini further into the realms of indecency. All I can say is thank heavens for strong Marks & Spencer gussets.