The English Expressions 30-Day Challenge
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Start Here!
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Day 1 - Surviving the Outback
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Day 2 - Surfing a Monster Wave
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Day 3 - From City Lights to Country Nights
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Day 4 - Opal Fever
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Day 5 - The Museum Heist
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Day 6 - The Ghost of Ashgrove Mansion
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Day 7 - The Croc Hunter's Apprentice
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Day 8 - Saving the Reef
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Day 9 - The Forgotten War Hero
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Day 10 - The Outback Doctor
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Day 11 - The Gold Rush Legacy
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Day 12 - The Lost Tribe
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Day 13 - Jack's Choice
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Day 14 - Secrets of the Nullarbor
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Day 15 - The Haunted Homestead
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Day 16 - Surviving Darwin
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Day 17 - Melbourne Cup Glory
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Day 18 - Escape to the Coast
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Day 19 - The Outback Schoolteacher
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Day 20 - Making a Tradie
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Day 21 - Barbie Blunders
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Day 22 - The Storm & the Snake Bite
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Day 23 - The Last Thylacine
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Day 24 - The Unlikely Hero
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Day 25 - The Shark Spotters
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Day 26 - The Vineyard Revival
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Day 27 - The Yacht Race Rescue
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Day 28 - Koala Crisis
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Day 29 - The Great Emu War
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Day 30 - The Highlands Mechanic
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Bonus: Day 31 - The Shipwrecked Family
Transcript of Day 2 – Surfing a Monster Wave
Day 2 – Surfing a Monster Wave
Phil was a seasoned surfer who lived for the thrill of the waves. He had spent years mastering his craft, and surfing had become his bread and butter(1). The upcoming competition was the talk of the town(2), and Phil was determined to win. His biggest rival, Geoff, was known for his bravado and trash talking(3) his opponents, though everyone knew he was all bark and no bite(4).
Phil started his day fit as a fiddle(5), ready to tackle the waves. He felt as strong as an ox(6), and his mind was focussed in on getting the job done(7). As soon as he hit the water, he felt the familiar rush of adrenaline. The ocean was his playground, and today, it seemed to welcome him with open arms(8).
Right off the bat(9), he knew today was going to be something special and a cut above the rest(10). The waves were perfect – towering and cresting beautifully, each one an invitation to perform. As he paddled out to meet them, he got in the zone(11) and become one with(12) the sea.
As he approached the breaking waves, he crossed paths with(13) Geoff. The tension between them was tangible.
"Hope you brought your A-game(14), Phil," Geoff sneered, his eyes gleaming with competitive fire. “You’re about to get dominated, buddy!”
Phil just smiled, unfazed. "Always, Geoff. And we’ll see, mate. Best not to count your chickens before they’ve hatched(15).”
Geoff was barking up the wrong tree(16) it he was trying to psych Phil out with all his usual taunts. As they paddled side by side, Geoff continued, "You're looking a bit rusty and off your game(17), Phil. Maybe it's time to hang up your hat(18) and retire."
Phil chuckled, "Keep talking(19), Geoff. We'll see who comes out on top(20)."
Phil just smiled and kept his focus on the waves. He knew that to win the competition, he had to spice things up(21) and show something new.
The rivalry between them intensified in the water. Geoff attempted a daring aerial manoeuvre on a massive wave, but Phil fired back with(22) a picture-perfect(23) cutback, drawing gasps from the crowd. The waves were challenging, with sets rolling in fast and powerful, providing the perfect stage for their showdown.
As they paddled back out, Geoff continued his trash talk. "Nice try, Phil, but that wave was just a lucky break(24). Lightning won’t strike twice(25)."
Phil performed a barrel ride and executed it to perfection(26). He then disappeared into the wave only to emerge gracefully, while Geoff countered with an impressive floater, riding the crest of the wave with ease like it was nothing(27).
"That's all you got(28), old man?" Geoff jeered, "I'm just getting warmed up(29)."
Geoff and Phil caught several waves each and did pretty well with the tricks they displayed during their round. Unfortunately for Phil, Geoff was doing very well and the scores were neck and neck(30). As the end of the round approached, one final wave started to rise up from out the back.
To top it all off(31), it was the biggest wave of the day. Fortunately for Phil, Geoff was too close to shore and didn’t have enough time to swim out and catch it. So, Phil knew it was time to put Geoff on the back foot(32). As Phil frantically paddled out, he felt the eyes of the crowd on him. He knew this was his moment. The wave rose majestically, and Phil rode it flawlessly, feeling like he was on cloud nine(33).
Even if Phil had felt a little nervous at Geoff’s earlier taunts, it was just him making a mountain out of a molehill(34). Phil didn't need words to prove his skill; his surfing did all the talking(35).
As he emerged from the water, the cheers from the crowd confirmed his victory. The prize and the recognition were great, but the true reward was the thrill of the surf – the gift that keeps on giving(36). Phil knew that as long as he could surf, he would always find joy and purpose in the waves.
After the competition, Phil was still over the moon(37) with his performance. The feeling of victory was indescribable, but it was more than just winning the competition. It was about overcoming the challenges and proving to himself that he still had what it took(38).
Geoff, finally realising his own mistakes, came over to give Phil a pat on the back(39) and congratulate him.
“Well done, Phil. You won that fair and square(40). I talked a lot of shit(41) in the competition, but seeing is believe(42). You’ve got some skill, mate!” Geoff said.
It was a rare moment of humility from Geoff.
“Thanks a lot, mate. It was good to go toe to toe with you(43).” Phil replied.
And then, they shook hands, knowing that this competition was just another chapter in their ongoing rivalry.