It's been a long march across the desert for Victorian surfers. For six weeks they've endured trying conditions as the southern swell window has seemingly dried up for the season. It got so bad that even the days when small waves broke they were destroyed by southerly winds as surely as they were a mirage.

How one responds to such circumstances says much of their character. Some surfers turn to the bottle to drown their sorrows. Others to retail therapy and the rush of an interest-free bargain. While the more pious amongst us turn to the heavens, pleading for salvation from the big fella upstairs.

Whatever their chosen method it was with great relief that Vicco surfers woke to good waves on the weekend. All coasts were head-high plus with offshore northerlies. And because it was a weekend even the office jockeys were able quench their thirst.

This is the first Session of three from a great weekend of waves.// STUART NETTLE