Many thanks to the kind folks at surfdome.com who sent me the above fin, which is out of the Dolphin natural glass flex series.  You can literally twist the tip to almost 45 degrees, so I am curious of how this will feel. This is the second fin out of the series I have used, and whilst it almost looks plastic, the 9" version was amazing. Its hard to know how much drive comes from the fin, until you put the wrong one in. Hopefully I can get some success with testing this 8" version in the Andreini Hull I have my eye on. Update to follow, but right now its flat and raining !

Its been an amazing couple of days fully powered and charging around on a 4.5, I even took the quad fin out in what should have been overpowered conditions and it still seemed amazingly responsive. After a drunken pact late last night Matt and I agreed to sail early, as the wind had gone onshore, and family commitments would prevent us from making the trek to our local point break. So even after a great sail yesterday, it was a real surprise when I went out to GS last night for a stroll with the kids.

Family life is definitely rewarding in so many ways, but it has made me forget about all the conditions that make certain places work locally.  As I strolled over the ridge towards the sea, I watched Alex literally bottom/top turn down a wave almost 100 meters long, and flying at faster speeds than I have seen anyone sail there. His attitude to just get out and kite some of these spots is nothing short of inspiring, and after seeing all the familiar faces (including the elusive Neil Randall) I felt a touch sad to have not seen so many of the gang for so long.

It has to be said I love living here all the more after recent travels, as it makes you appreciate what you do have, but sometimes taking a stroll when one of these spots is going off, can just be way too distracting. Suffice to say I'm keeping off the coast path today - Alex Bird officially makes kiting look way too easy and the heir apparent to wind assisted surfing, 

Its been a great week with sun, and as Laura left me with the kids we capitalised just in time, before the rain came.  Shortly after this shot, I managed to push Hector fully standing into some waist high (his waist) waves, and his smile on his face said it all.  It was one of those moments when I had more fun than actually surfing, and hopefully he did to.

I finally made myself get off the Bing, my go-to board all too often. It kind of makes me lazy, and paddling so much easier, so I opted for my second best thing the Seedhouse fish. It was a little under finned with the Rasta Future Keels, but it still flew and felt really loose in the turns. This board is an absolute gem, so I have decided the only way for me to surf this more, is to let go of the Bing Mini simmons. Its in great condition so if you know anyone who may be interested please get in touch. 

Scored a cheeky surf as the wind swung cross-shore in the fading light. Water felt so warm, and after talks with old friends and 10,000 miles later, I really appreciate living close to the beach. Someone left a short board (guy in green van parked near Sandymere), so if you want it back please get in touch, Rupert complete with Alaskan lady friend is looking after it.

Still can't get to sleep at 4am, so have decided to download the 700 or so images we took from our trip back to BC. The mountains and ocean amongst the San Juan islands and mainland were breathtaking as ever, and all the more enjoyed sharing with my children. So whilst its been an amazing couple of weeks, its still very special to return home to warm weather and the chance of both surf and wind over the next few days.