Thursday 30 June 2011



Continuing my journey in the world of the mini simmons, the latest test has some refined features from the multi talented Badger. Sadly this board wasn't quite as planned, which is strange, when considering it was a cut from the same computer file as the last. However, I am sure its new attributes will still put a smile on my face, and I can't wait to see how it goes, once I finish sanding.

Tuesday 28 June 2011


Thank you Ernie for the inspiration today. I spent far too long travelling, stuck behind the wheel, and loosing the will to live. By the time I finally got in, the last thing I wanted to do was run, but thats exactly what I did. All it took was a couple of key words, and a few hours thinking about their relevance.

Monday 27 June 2011



Ran 20km in the last 24hours in a bid to get ready for the big run. However the surf has got in the way a little. Another fun little session this morning in upto chest high, and still warm with blue skies.

Sunday 26 June 2011


Apologies for the poorly focused snap, but I couldn't resist posting as the colours really summed up the morning. It was hot, a pumping swell and a cross offshore breeze, and it felt nothing like the last few weeks. I literally felt like I was transported to Portugal, if only for a day.

Thursday 23 June 2011


Thanks Seasprite for the latest instalment of a shiny new RRD Freestyle Wave 91 (for those light wind summer days !). Wind has been great the last few evenings, and really decent 5m conditions. Unfortunately no wind today, and its been a bit stop start, so quite excited to see this arrive at the door. Lets hope it stays on forecast for weekend.

Wednesday 22 June 2011


Frustrating day yesterday, neither completing my work particularly well, seeming to mistime most things and even missing the wind. By the time I got to the beach in the evening, it was sunny and the wind was actually fairly solid. Rigged my new 5.2 and was underpowered on a 75ltr, that said it was still fun to play in the small waves in pretty much side shore. Eventually after further thought I realised I had over rigged the sail, and it was spilling too much wind, when I did finally adjust the downhaul it all worked much better, but as you can see a few extra litres wouldn't have gone amiss; as Ian (see photo) was flying (as usual).

Saturday 18 June 2011


Its rained, and then some. Was up at 5am this morning tending to my 5yr olds little friend, who got scared by the wind during their sleepover. However, at first light, the wind had eased a little and the big gathering at Spot X, looked set not to happen. Howling WSW was predicted but has been a little slow ramping up to the Force 6, I was hoping. Managed to at last get down to the beach but at this point am still waiting to pick my time. Swell will definitely be on the increase with the pushing tide, and I can even see a glimmer of blue sky poking through as the wind starts to increase.

Friday 17 June 2011


School dropoff meant I missed the early session, but snuck out back just to catch the start of Justin's solo session. Despite endless rain, Summer isn't so bad.

Got down to the beach to see a lone windsurfer struggling out through the clean sets. My heart really wasn't in it, particularly after watching the other place break so perfectly. So paddled into some fun size swell, and tried to tuck into the odd closeout to claim a barrel : )

Thursday 16 June 2011


Its been a remarkable day; surfed early on in the sunshine, caught a rainstorm as I duly ran my 5k (in preparation for the 36k trail run), and then got a chance to get out for a windsurf with friends, in something close to mast high waves out back. First session on the new Ezzy Wave Panther 3 and they flew. Really controllable mid air, and the sail felt surprisingly light, considering the bomber build quality. Thanks Seasprite !

Too onshore to call anyone, but enough chunk to make it worthwhile for a paddle out. The MS was flying and it was a real surprise to be picking all manner of peaks, plus a punchy reform swell all the way to the inside. The board feels really fast, and when I look back at this shot, it makes me realise how quick it is getting away from a closeout.

Tuesday 14 June 2011


Just warmed up enough for a dip, whilst H Jnr worked on his duck dive technique.

Friday 10 June 2011

TSJ | POV - "Richard Kenvin behind the polyester curtain" from The Surfer's Journal on Vimeo.

Thos from the blog - A board, Some wax and a Leash - is just about to get his hands on one of RK's mini simmons. I am so excited for him, and just can't wait to see how it flies. These things should be littering our beaches and shores, everywhere. Only time will tell.

Tuesday 7 June 2011


Four seasons in one day, but mainly autumn with a solid Force 5. Sailed 5.0 and at best I can only describe as 'pleasant onshore'. Apologies to Team Xcel who I forgot to call (amongst others), as I didn't really think it was worth crowing about. I guess windy and a little blue sky isn't so bad after all, and with hindsight from the GoPro it looked alright.

Sunday 5 June 2011


H Jnr decided that the new wetsuit was a winner, and promptly rode his first wave standing up (Dad holding hand).

Saturday 4 June 2011


Swell almost gone, but those blue skies were so welcome. Went back to the 8'0 Hull for some superior sliding, but the mini simmons has been the most fun recently. If you can't get hold of one, beg borrow or ask really really nicely.

Took the children to see Fantastic Mr Fox, at an amazing makeshift outdoor theatre. Nestled in a small leafy valley, in the blazing hot sunshine, it was hard to not love the Great British summer, if only for a day.

Friday 3 June 2011

Blue skies, offshore, and remarkably good fun.

Wednesday 1 June 2011

Take care


For a while now, I have been watching the gradual break up of a metal hull which has littered the nearby beach. Its amazing as the hull changes colour and over each tide it moves and slowly scatters. But with horror i noticed what appeared to be a drive shaft thats now residing under one of the main breaks and alarmingly close to the take off point. The large steel pole was pointing skyward and it looked like an accident waiting to happen. After much pushing and pulling, all I managed to do was push it further down so as to get the point away from anyone in the take off zone. Whether this in time could lead to a potential snag for leashes is anyones guess, so please take care