Feeling better.

Blue skies, clean surf, and no wetsuit required.
Feeling 150% better today, particulary after I hit the water.
Enough said.

The Day after.

Today has not been a great day.

Following a late night session, and forgetting that I can't actually drink, I have been wrestling with a monumental hang over. In fact, I couldn't actually drive myself home from South Devon, and even managed to upset my family in the process. Of course I didn't actually say anything offensive, but as I pebble dashed the front of my sisters lawn, and had a further 'mishap' at my parents., it's clear Whisky is not my drink. So why, oh why did I seem to forget this as the devil liquid flowed, and the afore mentioned friend (of previous post) lead the charge. But when the good times are rolling, I literally get wrapped up in the whole spirit (excuse pun) of the moment. You would hope that at some point, as a responsible father I would have 'grown up' but no. The fault seems to be more ingrained in my makeup, and I think I will be taking at least a few weeks away from alcohol.

So in one final attempt to clear my head before bed time, and take my gaze away from staring at my feet/toilet pan, I strolled to the beach. Although small, a sweet little ripple was lighting up the horizon, and hopefully, just hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

Alby Falzon

As a dear friend prepares to return to the Grizzly bears of Alaska, and risk his life for the sake of film; I can't help but admire the lengths film makers go for their work. However, in the case of surf film legend Alby Falzon, it is more his sacrifice of perfection so that others may enjoy.

Things to do when its flat.

Top of my list, has been hassling master craftsmen and shaper - Mike Peet from Atlantic surfboards. I commissioned a retro styled 9'2 and can't wait to see how it will turn out and surf. In the meantime, I have been totally inspired from looking at Morning of the Earth surfboards and wondering if my baby will be even close to these works of art. Mike has a long history of shaping boards locally in North Devon, and it just felt right buying so close to where it will be ridden. In the meantime, its time to get some miles on the road bike, in preparation for the Tour de France. I never enjoy watching it as much, unless I know I have been in the saddle for a few miles of my own. Can Lance really do it again, I don't think the French media will cope ?

The Come Down.

With no real swell on the forescast, I am begining to wonder why i didn't surf even more last week. Of course this addiction overlooks the fact, that after three sessions a day, for 5 days on the trot, it took me the week to recover. Enjoy the photo, I can't stop thinking about the next swell, whatever the size.

The Kitesurf question ?

I've just got off the water as the sun set, and was literally blown away by one person's ability to give. Hence, as we derigged in the failing light, I had to race back to share what I'd experienced.

Today was great as it was totally focused on the family, without even a hint of windsurfing/surfing. However, by 7pm the little folk were fast asleep and Laura needed the house free. With nowhere to go, a light westerly breeze led me to the beach. I thought I would give kiting one final shot, as it's sat in the garage gathering dust for so long now. Its even officially made my hit list for extraneous toys.
As a windsurfer, I always seem to shy away from kiting, and this reluctance to accept change is not a great asset. I am not proud of this, but I hope that by admitting it I can somehow atone for my sins.
So, I am really pleased to be able to write that from tonight, kitesurfing and I may have a future. Of course, this isn't just about flying kites, it is also about total strangers who have kite knowledge and then proceed not only to help you, but almost provide expert tuition. Its such a refreshing change from other sports, that someone can not only take the time to be friendly but be purely altrusitic and share the teachings and time with you. Thanks South African Gary (and Bev) for all your help tonight, it was really appreciated. See you on the water.

Warm Welcombe

Ventured west today to find the Old Smithy pub, and what a great place to visit. Nestled in the peaceful north devon village of Welcombe, we were treated to some truly inspiring food and beautiful surroundings. Felt like a great little community and was amazed to see what the locals get upto when they aren't surfing (see below).

Thank you Richard http://shoot-the-moonshine.blogspot.com for the youtube inspiration.

Wind blew up but just not quite enough to get out for a windsurf, or at least that was my opinion. Andrew managed to sneak out on his 6 metre sail, and as a result couldn't quite get going. but I was a little envious he managed to get out. Instead I'm still sat looking out the window and enjoying seeing the wind in the trees, looks like tomorrow could be the day. See you at the beach.

Swell and wind still seem to be deciding how the week will play out. Although can't pretend I am in any hurry to jump in the ocean, my arms and shoulders are in a world of pain, not to mention the sleep deprivation. Just feeling so tired from literally not getting out of the water, and Hector and Rosa opting for unusually light sleep patterns. Hoping for some wind tomorrow though - will keep posted.

Swell looks set to continue and can't wait to get out on the new board. Caught this guy in the shorebreak getting some great airs.

The Point

With just two people out at sunrise, the point was working with somewhere between a 2-4ft swell. However there was still quite a wait between the sets but it was great just to get going on the bigger waves, and bask in the morning sun.

Saturday morning

Laura heads to the carboot sales, and Rosco and me hit the beach ! Caught a great little 2-3 ft wave and super clean.

House purchase !

Got up very early to surf an unusually clean wave of just 1-2 ft. Not a soul in the water, but by 10am you could really tell we haven't had any swell for 2 weeks; everyone was heading out. Within 5 short days, we have completed on our house sale and have now become a permanent fixture in North Devon - really great news.

Guincho

Waves are back on tomorrow, and am hopeful of a solid 3ft with offshores (pictures to follow). In the meantime, just stumbled on this old shot from Guincho. Times were a little different then; sleeping rough out the back of my Land Rover with the intention of touring from Morocco to Galicia. We never actually made it to Morocco, but Tarifa and Guincho certainly delivered the wind.

Chinook update

Many thanks to Dan at Chinook , who kindly offered to warranty my carbon mast extension today. The fracture it suffered seems to be more freak accident than any actual defect, and they have confirmed that their products (like the company) really don't let you down. Thanks again - you guys rock !

One man and his bike called 'Charles'

Whilst I am sat waiting for wind and waves to materialise Jon (an old friend) has embarked on the journey of a lifetime. His trek takes him across Alaska; cycling solo. For further info check out his blog site - the trip is truly inspirational.
http://www.sladeride.com/

Teignmouth Rescue

Went down to see the old timers on the South coast, and with just the smallest of swell, the villagers looked on in awe. As we pulled up to my parents front door, three local fisherman were being rescued. Cold and huddled in the back of the ambulance, they had capsized their fishing boat moments before. For such a peaceful stretch of water, the ability for things to go wrong, can happen happen very quickly here. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/7524336.stm

Flippers & Snorkel

Blue skies all day long and barely a ripple. Headed out for a snorkel with just shorts and rash vest, and chased the minnows. Tonights photo courtesy of the eyeball webcam.

Windsurf magazine article.

Following the June update in Windsurf mag, I mention that the RRD Twin Fin was 'equally at home here'. However, since publication the nice folks at Seasprite have let me switch to the RRD Wave Cult 80 ltr. Hence during the month of May, I can honestly say that the Wave Cult is my board of choice here. Wind is pretty consistent, but on bigger days, it keeps you going through lulls or large drops between set waves. Its hull shape is a bit looser than the 2008 model, and it stills seems like an incredibly versatile board. I totally love this board right now, and am just a bit miffed that June looks set to be fine weather.

Dreaming of Daymer

The boiler is on at the moment (felt like 30+ yesterday), with no iminent signs of swell or wind. However when I found this photo from last year at Daymer, I am hopeful for the return of the thermals. Many thanks Nick - courtesy of 360 Photography.

Last of the swell.

Swell is backing off for a few days, and would be nice to see some wind again. Certainly not expected though, but what a month May was !