A few days of telemarking was enough to put my legs in to spasms of pain. Managed to still ski loads, but resorted to a new pair of K2 twin tips. just to keep up with our little ones.

The darkness of the water and the impact of sunlight during the dark winter days can never be appreciated enough. I will really miss the water over the coming week, but the lure of mountains is too great.

The forecast was too good, despite it being only 1 degree. Sadly I was the only one out for the first half hour, but it was so completely worth it. I literally basked in the sun, and revelled in the beauty of the cold winter morning. Picking off as many waves as I could possibly paddle for, I let the GoPro do the rest.

First light, sliding on the mini simmons. Good times despite the cold. (photo courtesy of John M of ToffeeZebra.com)

Nothing much to say, other than blue skies, small swell and easterly winds making a remarkably groomed swell. Next few days look very promising.

Justin and Alex paddled out, only to quickly disappear into the gloom. So it was only the pounding noise that confirmed it as well over head.

If the Scandinavians have over a hundred different words for snow types, surely North Devon could easily boast twice as many, for rain or mud.

Losten Stolen or Ripped Off.

Please please please keep your eyes open, for my RRD Wave Freestyle 91 windsurf board. The board disappeared from my truck on my way back from the beach today. I would like to think it bounced out the back, but it was strapped and I am not sure how this could have happened. Sadly I stopped into to see a friend on the corner of Chope road, and on my return it was gone. Kind of gutted, particularly after missing a week of solid wind.

UPDATE

Thanks to everyone who has been in touch. The board was collected by Brian, a kind hearted local resident at Westward Ho! , to whom I am so grateful. His take on the whole scenario was one of karma, and wouldn't accept a reward, in fact it was hard enough to leave a bottle of wine. But not only was it great to get the board back, I got to see his collection of some of the finest vintage californian surfboards, I have ever seen. Thank you.

For the brief moments that it howled, before it squawled up to Force 7 gusting 8, Tim, Jim and myself just about had the start of what looked to be a good session. Sadly the wind wasn't going to stay consistent. Any size sail from 3metre up to 7 would have at times been useable. However for that brief moment it was flying and despite missing the guys at spot X, and the two shandy's ( who called me first :) then decided not to go out, it was still worth getting wet. Great forecast continues for rest of week (wind wise).