Really special sunrise this morning, as I managed to contain myself not to sail from first light. I waited till eight, and then started to get ready for the beach, rigging a 4.5m to blast out through the North Westerly. Most people were still nursing a hangover from Dan's, so it was to be a s solo soul session, playing and sliding in the chunky cross onshore conditions. Felt a little out of control at times, but by 9.30 the wind was already backing off, and I had Bear walking duties to get on with. That said, I couldn't stop laughing tonight, when I saw this little clip, as I can really appreciate frantic dog walks with my very own version of Fenton.
http://youtu.be/CtB1HQt6ak8

At 14 years my senior, Ian shows exactly why you should always respect your elders. Thanks for the intro to a truly beautiful spot today. Just amazing.

Bear was destined to ruin some of the shots today, he even managed to climb over some guys board, who did not look amused. In between trying to call him back, i snapped this shot of Alex, but Bear still managed to get in the frame.

Last day of freedom, as the new job will no doubt devour any water time. Alex joined me on a trip up to Woolacoombe to see the boys at Gulfstream, the fabulously camp Uncle Skel (a chance meeting providing diet for his whats hot blog), and finally a long overdue intro with Tom of ' A Board, some wax and a leash'.
What was simply planned as a trip to Woolacoombe, then evolved into a surf at Putts, and then onto Croyde, Saunton and eventually home. For me, despite the slow fat wave of Saunton, it still holds such beauty at the far end of the bay, and had far less people than Puttsborough. Definitely a worthy trade off, when you consider the amount of actual waves you can catch when the weekend hits.

Can hardly believe I was calling this place busy today.

Seems like a lot has happened in just a few short days. Most pointedly, the swell has all but gone, and a new system is only 24 hours away. Definitely excited about getting in the water and being fit for this, but also all the more important as my winter work kicks in from Monday. Nothing like a few more restrictions on my water time, to make one savour it all the more.

Tasty treats abound our fields and countryside this time of year, but please please please take caution when picking. I swapped stories with a friendly neighbour today, and it still seems that even the most professional mycologists make mistakes. In one extreme example an unfortunate guy poisoned his whole family, after cooking with his prized specimens.

Backyard looked pretty special in the late afternoon glow. Small size wave, but just about perfect for me in the setting sun. That said, I was wrapped up warm and behind the lens, as a week of work and wind blown surfs has caught up with me. Currently trying to limit this stinker of a cold before it loiters into something worse.

Another day of classic lines, peeling in from the horizon. Cold doesn't seem to be improving either, and despite sneaking down for a quick peak, I couldn't resist a getting in. A perfect forecast again for the morning.

Just clicked on the webcam to see what had happened to this mornings surprisingly bountiful surf. Didn't really score the best of it, as I was horrified to see Keith SUP'ing in a shorty and making a fairly good job of it out back. After the initial shock, I weakly paddled in to some clean waves, and just hope my cold hasn't turned into a chest infection.

Read through Windsurfer International tonight, and really enjoyed this little clip. This online magazine really goes a long way to replace where Boards magazine and Windsurf once were.

Jim Box always puts together a good video, but I love this clip as the guys expression changes. He realises the wave is about to close out, and his final grimace as he just lets go, reminds me of a pounding I took a week or so ago. Whilst surfing might have been a better option here, not to mention less costly, there is something very satisfying of raking the rig back and bottom turning.

Rob P and Skelly (superhero wetsuit), put to shame the rumour of travelling Pro's dominating the line up yesterday.

Only takes me a couple of decent waves to make a good session, and despite a hefty paddle out and some cleanup sets coming through, managed to have a little fun in amongst it.

Rob M Greenslade was seemingly on every peak each time I moved my camera from break to break. No doubt he will be helping lead the Westward Ho! charge at the Interclubs this weekend. Best of luck guys.

Must be getting old or something, because getting a nice shot can feel almost as good as catching the actual wave. Watched on from the sidelines today, and spent some quality time with the camera.

A cold day in November, and this lone swimmer braved the seapool in nothing but his speedos !