Swell looks set for a return visit on New Years day, which is a great omen for the new year. Enjoy and get out there. Happy New Year

Nice day...for some

Got a little lost today in my own vibe, and drifted from the peak. It was a strange setup, with the sets that did push through, sizeable enough to keep me off the peak. That combined with a paddle directly back into the rip, had me looking like the man who hasn't really been on top of his surfing for some months now.

Cold Turkey

The swell machine switched back on, and I for one am not missing out just because it was sub zero. That said the swell was bigger than Sunday and warmer too, so no complaints. A perfect day !

More Ski Videos

For Sale

7'2 x 22 1/2 x 2 7/8 - Flying Carpet from the backwoods of North Devon. This is all British made, and crafted under the careful eye of Tris. The finish is outstanding and I have 2 brand new boards for £199.

Merry Christmas

Couldn't think of a better christmas present to share. If you haven't got all of Sufjan Stevens albums yet, then maybe start with 'Chicago'.

Pre-work slidin'

The walk in

Weak forecast, but a wave is wave. Christmas day onwards looks set to deliver. Praise the lord, its been too long.

The look out

Seedhouse

Patagucci

180º SOUTH Trailer from Woodshed Films on Vimeo.

I have to confess that whenever I see any Patagonia sponsored adventure, I just want to go out and buy their stuff. Funny huh ?

New direction

The past three months have seen a change for the worst on my personal development, and sadly lacked content from which to blog. I have been bashing away at a troubled project and often left wondering why ? Its been a bit of an uphill struggle but the end is in sight, and with it brings the hope of catching up with friends and family and playing with new toys. New Cameras, lens, and super duper blanks made from Sucrose (lighter, stiffer, and more friendly for our wonderful planet), not to mention the relaunch of the highly sought after Cake Boy - soon to be Seedhouse Shapes or surfboards or perhaps just Seedhouse. I am still trialling logos for him, and will post one up very shortly. Justin's boards were amongst three of the 6 man team that won the National Interclubs, and this secretive surfer still remains a mystery to many. Google free, and free from the chatter of the Interweb, any enquiries for North Devon's nicest and perhaps humblest shaper please email me to get in touch.

Radio 4

Radio Four is in part my main reason why I live in England. Its shipping news, and general discussion is so quintessentially English, so when I heard James Naughtie (pronounced Nocherty) on my morning commute, usually with flawless delivery, I couldn't stop snickering for the rest of my drive.

Stab and Dodge.

If you have seen this elsewhere, apologies. But it made me chuckle and I just thought it was too good to pass up. Besides no one wants to see cold, flat North Devon coast line (with SUP's).

Brrrrrr

Sat freezing in my little office at home, lots of pressure from work, and little solace on the horizon. So slipped out for a quick walk with bear, and looked at the clouds with a degree of hope. Hope that they might bring warmth, and perhaps a sign that swell will arrive for the weekend.

Polar 'Bear'

Literally chilling in the frozen gorse, Bear is my newest buddy. He's very clean living, as we don't drink much alcohol together, and we tend to walk a fair bit, usually just to the bottom field to check the surf.

Norske

Got my haircut on the weekend, and read this article in the barbers; on the Norwegian Black metal scene. Some pretty dark overtones, but made for a great read. Funny to think that the land of trolls, telemarking and Fjords has such a twisted side. That said, all those mullets remind me of growing up in Canada in the late 70's and 80's. (If you can't stand the music move the slider to 1min 15 to hear the narration).

Missed

I heard a few rumours that the swell was big during the week, so was a little surprised to see the beach firing. Looks like Westward does get some swell, no wonder the locals cleaned up at the Tiki Inter clubs : )

Weekend

Well despite missing a week of seemingly amazing surf, there was still enough to give me a buzz and weaken me sufficiently to come down with cold/flu.

Sat on the shoulder.

Keep forgetting to take my camera out in the surf, and always seem to be in a rush right now. So, it was really nice to sit back on the shoulder of this head high set, and let Andy paddle for it. Clear blue skies, and a clean little swell, cleans my head from the stresses of a rather grim week of work.

Homesick

Missing home, missing the air, the cold winter skies, and most of all the people to share it with. Every weekend, whether swell forecast or flat, they all seem so special.

The Horror

I don't know if it was worse missing the epic winds of mid week, or arriving very early morning to see this blown out mess. Such is the life of the digi slave, and I am begining to understand how people can get jealous if you are out there continually gettin' some. Full respect to the brothers who have enjoyed it this week, you have nothing but my admiration.

Same storm different coast

"The Hunt" Nicole from ALEK PARKER on Vimeo.

Prowlers

Thanks Ed for so many reasons, in part for sharing this, but really for not telling me what i missed today. Getting up up at Six tomorrow just to catch the last of the hate winds. It just sounds so angry outside, can't believed I missed it.

Woon

For those who like to watch clouds !

Secrets

Solo'd this morning, as I didn't want to harrass anyone with the poor forecast. On that note it was pretty fun, although definitely getting close to boots weather.
I always find as the chill sets in the number of takers for a dawn patrol tail off all too rapidly.

Lane time

To and fro back to the beach, and managed to miss it all. However on evenings like tonight, it isn't just about time in the water. The seasons are changing and it's this transition from Autumn into the bleakness of winter, that I just love.

Weekend

I am now firmly in the stable of the weekend warrior, so it was great to score this little two day bonanza of clean and small at home. Just can't believe how lucky you feel when wind or swell falls on the same day as the weekend.

Life is short...be kind.

Haven't been on the web much lately, so when I saw this I could barely believe it. How terribly sad, somehow makes you think how short our little existence is. Full respect to a truly talented surfer, and to someone who must be a considerable loss to all his friends and family.

Mighty Jordan

Jordan and team put Westward Ho! back on the map, winning the Tiki National Surf Interclub event held at Croyde. I haven't caught up with any of them yet, but just makes me proud to call Westward home. Well done to a truly talented group of guys, and check out Jordan's blog at Living the Dream

The Interclub

Its the first time in many many years, that this competition is being run between all surf clubs in Devon and Cornwall. So its with little surprise to hear that the latest generation of Westward Ho! surfers are leading the field by two points, and assuming the swell stays consistent, should be able to pull off a win. Good luck guys !

Stolen

Actually its borrowed from Lost,Stolen or Ripped off and its possibly my favourite photo of all time.

Missing Out

in so many ways. Had a rather hellish week, and just glimpsed this shot of Ben (courtesy of MagicSeaweed), realising there are too many people I haven't spoken to for a while, and too many waves I have missed.

Respect

This guy surfs, photographs and generally just does things extremely well!
http://lifeproductionsuk.blogspot.com/ Its a pleasure to call him a friend, so check out his latest endeavour into the world of blogging.

North West

Blue skies, grey skies and brilliant sunshine lit up the sea on a cold North westerly soul session. After a rather busy day, I snuck out for a quick session just as the tide pushed the ridge. Great to be home and time it right with the wind, just missed seeing the familiar faces.

Shaun of the Shred

Met shaun the other day and was pleasantly surprised to see he had been taking shots of a rather fun session in early morning small stuff. Whilst he is keen to stress he is not professional, his shots are well positioned and its always nice to see anyone offering a low cost photographic service. I think his real interest is being invited along for a surf session to film and record, really for a pretty good price. If you are interested please visit shaunssurfshots.com
Thanks Shaun for this shot, clearly showing my delusion that I was about to tuck in for a knee high barrel : )

Gold Panda

Travelling hundreds of miles during a week has some benefits, and for me this was one major one. Heard these guys amongst the radio waves. Enjoy.

Gold panda - you from quatuorlindsay on Vimeo.

Nephew

After a busy week, and a successful presentation at the NMM, I was a little sad to have missed the swell. So despite the poor forecast, I managed to sneak out for a dawn patrol with my nephew Henry, and loved it ! Even if the swell was really small it felt great to get out and share a wave with someone so enthusiastic about a new sport. Stick with it Henry, its a great addiction.

County Line

I thought I scored pretty well yesterday, until I caught up with Luke. This was just across the border, deep into no mans land, and I am quite content to say I was happier on the shore line.

One of those days....

Its not often when you can choose between sailing cross off down the line in head high plus or surf perfectly clean unspoilt rights or lefts. Managed to secure this little gem somewhere near Bude.

Coming Home

Nothing like heading West, in search of family, a perfect forecast and fading autumnal sun. Makes hard work, long drives and the daily grind just that little bit easier to cope with. Have a great weekend !

Just enough wind to ruin the sizeable swell, but not enough to get out for a windsurf. Days like today remind of driving up the pacific coast highway.

Dynamics

of business innovation presented by Cornwall Marine network isn't something that would usually get me excited. But on this occasion, if you happened to be nearby and want to hear a modern day hero speak, then you can catch Chris Hines (SAS founder) speaking at the event. Sadly I have to speak directly after and certainly have a tall order to be even close to comparable, let alone interesting. If you are in any way inclined to learn more on environmental innovation in the surf industry, please come and give some support at the National Maritime Museum (Oct 12/13th).

Grumble

After a stressful 7 hr journey up to the big smoke, 4 hours of sleep last night, and my dread of 'thoughts from the north shore' turning into 'thoughts from the M4' , I eventually got back to my beloved Devon. However, as the swell spanned across the bay this morning, and H Jnr and I watched on in awe, I was just so grateful to call this home. By the time I eventually got in, the swell was still pumping, but I reckon the best part of my day was picking blackberries for our crumble tonight. Thanks Hector - you know some great blackberry patches !

Last Post

After a pretty good run of surfing, windsurfing, and all things blog, it seems like my time may be coming to an end. I can hear a huge sigh of relief from my friends trapped in their city confines, wondering how and when this journey would end. Tomorrow sees the start of a series of interviews which will be interesting to see how they play out. One thing is for sure, as the nights draw in, my hegderow meander on route to the beach, feels all the more special.

Twin Fin Keel Fish

I have to get rid of this little beauty which was hand crafted by Tris at the start of the year. Its ideal in slack waves and is just a lot of fun to play around on in the small stuff up to 4ft. After that my personal preference is something a little less floaty (6'2 x22x3). Email me if interested - its £250 and in amazing condition.

Run

No cars, no people, no noise. Just head time.

Another year...

and the brothers finish up for the season. Always a chill in the air and the question of who will return to patrol for the coming year. If you are so inclined, please donate - these guys do a great job. Thank you.

Turning Point

Yesterday was the first time as a windsurfer, that I actually sought shelter from the wind, just to have a decent surf. Its been a smouldering/slow burn relationship with me and surfing but I think it has me in its grip, so much so that windsurfing just isn't there right now. That said, the RRD team just sent me some new pictures of the Wave Cult 75 and it looks amazing with a totally different hull design for 2011.
The shot above is just after sunrise this morning after a particularly good surf, somewhere around overhead and enough to put a spring in your step for the day.

Camera shy

Paul is apparently never far from the lens, so it was with no surprise that he managed to catch this peak in the final moments of the fading light.

Battleship Grey

As Her Majesty's Forces practise maneouvres on the horizon, Her loyal subjects practise more genteel techniques closer to shore.

Lorax

Met the amazingly talented Richard Stewart today, who amongst many things filmed the Powers of Three film for Relentless (check out his show reel). But what really impressed me was his desire to share his studies around sourcing environmentally responsible surf and snow craft. If you are so inclined, check out the Lorax project and pass it on...

Wood

Managed to score a surf either side of dinner tonight, in part because I have a very kind and wonderful wife, and secondly because it was clean and perfectly offshore. This is LP just about to lay down another 360 on his Alaia. What an amazing day !

Westerly

Under the auspices of 'try new moves', absent friends would have been delighted as I pushed for a shove it/table top. However as neither move really stood a chance of coming off, and my exit was fairly painful, the table shoveit will have to wait for another day.

Friends with Housings

are the best sorts of friends to have. So big thanks to the one that must remain nameless, you helped me shake off my lethargy and made me realise a little shoulder pain is easily forgotten when someone has a camera :)

Fightin'

Its with a little bit of sadness, that I write to share the alleged tale of a full blown fist fight between a surfer and windsurfer on our local beach. I don't really know too much detail, although I gather a windsurfer was sailing at pace and too close to a group of surfers. Suffice to say when your local beach is almost a mile long, you might think there would be enough space to afford each other. Hopefully those guys put to rest any animosity, and perhaps we can all learn a little about respecting each others space.

This is England

Or to be exact, this is Will, just about to pull into another barrel during last weeks swell. What strikes me most about living/working in and around Devon and Cornwall is that despite everything you read or hear about in the national media, of what England has become, there are people out there defining their own version of what England is. Look out for Will Brawn, his shaping, surfing and film making which will debut at the upcoming 2010 Cornwall Board Shorts film festival.

Sore

Its been an endless onslaught of waves since the start of the week, and I am sooo sore. Just glad I managed to catch a few images if just a little late.