Uncommon Ideals. from Doggerland. on Vimeo.

Somehow managed to miss this a when it came out, but certainly has all the hallmarks of a truly creative group who show that surfing is a bit more than a heartless multi-billion dollar industry. Its also a lot more than just a sport, and for some collective movements like Doggerland, it really is an artistic outlet, that encompasses so much more than catching a wave. Enjoy.

Got up for the early bird this morning, only to be let down by Carlos 'the sleeper'. Best intentions from the night before, were exposed as he slept through a nothing special swell. Fair enough really, but I just found this shot from a session last week, and remembered how atmospheric it is surfing in the early hours. I totally f^&\ing love surfing.

Fell in love with this image from Trent Mitchell - check his work out here.http://www.clubofthewaves.com/surf-photographer/trent-mitchell.php

More wind, brings more swell and rain. Despite a week of torrential rain, the sun shone and it felt like June, if only for a day.

Been saving this board for some special swell, or just that place that I have been meaning to go when its just right. But after pulling it out the bag the other day, I scored some perfect little sessions on a surprisingly quick quad fin. I can't really tell if the parabolic stringers enhanced anything, other than looking like they should. Other than that, Justin glassed this in epoxy, which just felt so completely different, and offered more buoyancy than I thought it would, due to the EPS foam. Still a cinch to duck dive, just easier paddling.

Whether you know Marrtin, have bought his book, or seen him on TV, one thing you might not know is he rides a Seedhouse. When I flicked through my wife's magazine, I almost fell of my chair when I saw the lesser known  Justin Seedhouse shapes logo, or more pointedly my Hartland tree : ) 

This morning its cross on, gusty, wet and horrible. That said, the usual crew have headed for the beach, and I am heading in land away from the maelstrom. I took these shots of the lone Ed, waddling out back to get some solid rides in, late afternoon on Friday. What impressed me so much, was his raw tenacity just to sit there and keep pushing through large walls of water, just to get out back. I don't know if its my age, having three children or just too many responsibilities right now, but I was happy just to watch and appreciate the will of someone completely driven with their windsurfing. 

Got up way too early this morning, in the hope that the forecast would deliver. It was certainly showing signs of promise, but I opted for more volume than my regular shortboard, and went straight to the mini simmons. Sets were often closing out, but was able to catch the odd peaking right and couldn't determine if the banks were working properly, or if it was me. It must be officially mid summer, as the drought/water bans have been lifted, its blowing a gale this weekend and the we seem locked in a cycle of forever autumn. 

Swell was pretty weak last night, but I still wouldn't have missed it for anything. Summers evenings and surfing till 10pm makes work all the more bearable. Wednesday looks promising !

Heard stories of the point working first thing this morning, but it was a work day, and my only option was a slightly longer lunch break. Paul arrived with a windometer and it looked like it was pushing a Force 8 so it was a straight call to the smallest sails in the quiver. Fully powered on a 4.0 and enough angle to edge out further and further into the big stuff, you still had to keep your wits as a massive groundswell pushed through. After an hour, I called time and headed back to the grind, and the rest of the crew ventured a little further down the road, to a somewhat secret point break. Judging by the texts, it sounded it like it was absolutely firing.

It didn't matter if you were a republican or a monarchist, as the atmosphere in Abbotsham was all about sharing a great British tradition. Real ale was flowing, the BBQ seemingly fed hundreds, and a great village got together on hallowed ground over looking the cliffs that define them. By 10pm it was still just about light, and the Beacon was lit, whilst the folk band led the ceilidh. Apparently some 4200 were lit across the commonwealth yesterday, but as we sung the national anthem, and all celebrated in the beauty of a rural English village, a small but perfect left-hander pushed through in the background. 

Managed to finally get out on the single fin (home creation), and it is without doubt the smallest piece of foam I have ridden to date. It still managed to paddle pretty well, and the undersized fin, made it feel so loose, but still enough speed to go flying down the line. Hopefully get out again, but this time run the quad fin rounded pin (5'11 Seedhouse), for a bit more drive as the late afternoon starts to work closer to home.

Occasionally for my day job, I read through numerous publications that pass across my desk. Amongst these, is Management Today (for my sins) and it's rare to find something that really enthuses me. However, I almost fell off my chair when I saw the above article about the hallowed Ernest Capbert AKA Ernie. It seemed that no so long ago, Finisterre went through a very real challenge that a lot of principled businesses often face. Do they sell out, compromise everything they strived for, get rich and buy fast cars, or stick to their guns and keep true to their original business concept. Finisterre chose not to produce in places that aren't governed by same stringent laws of manufacture as the markets they sell to. Most impressively they didn't put profit ahead of ethical manufacture, or quality of their end product. Topically, both Marks and Spencer and Tesco were in the news for this today, as questions have been asked about 'slave labour' in factories that are producing for UK markets. Whether you have no interest in these principles, one simple fact remains, the clothes that are designed and manufactured in England/EU (certainly in the case of Finisterre) are without doubt exceptionally high quality and to date have proven a much more durable garment. At least when you see such professional marketing with Finisterre, it's all the more admirable that the product is actually consistent with the activities they are marketed for.