Fisher Viking

2012-01-29T20:09:00.001Z

2012-01-29T07:10:00.004Z

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.

2012-01-18T07:01:00.004Z

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.

2012-01-18T06:30:00.004Z

2012-01-16T20:11:00.002Z

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.

2012-01-15T09:09:00.003Z

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

2012-01-13T14:40:00.004Z

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

2012-01-08T19:36:00.004Z

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.

2012-01-08T19:14:00.005Z

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.

2012-01-07T14:34:00.006Z

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.

2012-01-02T17:29:00.008Z

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).

2011-12-29T12:49:00.005Z

Like an omen of good fortune BP gave me the wind reading at 30+ knots and then told me he wasn't going to go out as he didn't have a small enough fin. As a bonafide living legend, with enough windsurf stories of his exploits to write a book on, I wasn't going to give him too hard a time if he didn't want to sail.
So, sheepishly I unfurled the 4.0 for what was going to be a solo session, and just after three quarters of an hour, my arms and legs had had enough. In fact, 45 mins of constant battle with winds and a large storm swell, had me wishing for the warmth of the truck, and to settle back behind the lens and film someone else. Just as I started to head in Paul and Andy arrived to pick up where I left off, what a day !

2011-12-29T10:04:00.003Z

Wind has howled all through the night and actually picked up this am. Definitely smallest sails today...4.0 and down. See you out there.

2011-12-28T21:07:00.005Z

West north-west ensured both sides of the bay scored it today. Heard from the Sauntonians, that they were all dialled on 4.2's meanwhile we sailed on similar sizes also scoring blue skies, and much reduced swell. Just enough angle and surprisingly well groomed waves, that almost made me think; travelling away at this time of year is a real shame.

2011-12-26T13:06:00.004Z

Tim Lawes kindly sent this in from his session on Christmas eve, meanwhile only a mile away, I was busy making mince pies and doing the final wrapping like a good dad : )

2011-12-24T09:18:00.004Z

During the darkest hours of North Devon's darkest days, there is still a light that burns bright. Matt, Paul and myself just about made it to the ridge, only to be buffeted back by the wind which had now veered north north-westerly. Temperatures had also dropped to around 6 degrees but with windchill it felt more like sub zero. So as we huddled round debating whether to go out into the 3.3 m swell reading, a vote was called and we agreed a 'no sail'.
On these rare occasions, the only comfort, was to accept Paul's generous offer of a mince pie, with a whisky chaser.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-21T17:46:00.004Z

and Thank you ! I had the most amazing feeling today, as Laura called me at work to say a rather large parcel had arrived. Out of the blue, a large 'longboard' shaped package was delivered to the house. Tris (from Homeblown) and the gang had decided to send me a rather beautiful hand finished Tris longboard, complete with Blue stringer and high gloss. Whilst it is an incredibly generous gift, it is the thought behind it that caught me off guard, and brings a small tear to my eye. I have always enjoyed my time with Homeblown, but it makes it all the more special, when you feel like someone appreciates your effort. Its been a couple of years since we first got together, and I am so glad to say that they now provide over 80% of surf blanks to the British surf industry. Tris thanks for giving me the opportunity, I am very proud to call you friends.

2011-12-15T19:22:00.004Z

Despite a ridiculous forecast, and wave heights that seemed to have knackered the bouy readings, we managed to score a pretty fun session. Ok, we were pinned to the shoreline by the onshore winds but the sun definitely brought a smile or two out. In fact the only real challenge in the balmy temps (7 degrees) was the enormous tidal surge, which was so powerful it could actually kill all your board speed. That said, a 4.5 m Ezzy and the Wave cult 75 ltr managed to do the trick.

Storms

2011-12-13T06:27:00.006Z

It's about this time of year, that I really cherish the shelter of a warm office. Getting a contract through the windy time isn't always ideal, as I seem to often miss the wind during the dark months and short days. Meanwhile for most of the crew here, its business as usual. Filling their boots in true winter style, and charging through mast high sets, seemingly a daily occurrence. Each night I return home, I skim through the emails to see what I missed, and just hope the wind stays till my next day off. However what I really struggle with, is listening to the lashing wind and driving rain. Somehow it seems to be calling me, telling me what I am missing. Last night was not really any different from the last couple weeks, but as the wind whipped round the tower, I thought the storm could finally be winning. The house perched high on a cliff , makes you appreciate how exposed the spot really is. Unfortunately giving no shelter or respite from the storm, as it tracks unimpeded off the Atlantic. Wind and rain seem to be able to find their way in to almost any crack and even our latest building project seems to have fallen prey to the torrential rains. If the house hadn't stood for so many centuries, I think the gale which attempted to raise it last night, might have succeeded.

2011-12-08T15:19:00.003Z

Rain and wind has really set in, although the reports from the north, confirm Scotland as taking the brunt of the battering. Glad to be huddled inside today, warming up in front of the fire, and trying to muffle the calls from the wind.

2011-11-27T21:19:00.006Z

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

2011-11-25T14:45:00.003Z

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.

2011-11-19T11:13:00.004Z

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.

2011-11-18T17:12:00.007Z

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.

2011-11-18T15:29:00.002Z

Can hardly believe I was calling this place busy today.

2011-11-15T21:52:00.003Z

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.

2011-11-15T16:14:00.003Z

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.

2011-11-12T16:54:00.004Z

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.

2011-11-10T15:53:00.001Z

2011-11-10T15:29:00.005Z

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.

2011-11-09T17:00:00.004Z

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.

2011-11-08T20:35:00.003Z

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.

2011-11-06T20:02:00.004Z

2011-11-05T19:52:00.005Z

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.

2011-11-04T14:15:00.010Z

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

2011-11-04T12:25:00.005Z

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.

2011-11-03T15:00:00.003Z

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.

2011-11-03T13:40:00.004Z

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.

2011-11-01T13:16:00.006Z

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

2011-10-31T22:10:00.001Z

2011-10-30T20:08:00.001Z

2011-10-29T22:57:00.004+01:00

Happy Halloween, might be too premature but heard this old classic at the Penny Halloween party tonight. Good times, thanks for the invite, and hope you can get out for what looks to be an amazing forecast over the next few days.

2011-10-29T16:25:00.000+01:00

2011-10-29T16:18:00.003+01:00

Andy and Dan were first down and in amongst it. Swell looked ideal from far away and then it was definitely bigger as I ventured out back. After a mission out, I sat back on the 90 ltr Wave Freestyle, and played around with my newly shaped 22cm fin (as per the shed grinder) scoring a fun little session. Best of all though was the changing light, as the sky changed from bright sunlight to deep overcast.

2011-10-28T08:58:00.004+01:00

Its been a hurried week of birthday parties, property crisis, DIY, endless clearing up and the odd cheeky surf session. All in all a good week but I feel pretty drained and am trying to avoid the atlantic dampness that seems to set into your bones with the approaches of winter. The perma-rain seems to be testing the bounds of both building and ones constitution, ensuring every little sniffle turns into a full blown cough, cold or in Laura's case a chest infection. So its the rare parting of clouds, and sunsets like this, that seems to lift ones spirits through the dark months ahead.

2011-10-24T18:14:00.003+01:00

Sad day as my nephews Hamster passed on. Cupcake only made a year and three quarters, so I thought I would get him out the house and in for a little hydrotherapy. Very windy at the beach, but had some great rides, and Henry got his first taste of a punchy swell.

2011-10-21T17:17:00.006+01:00

Justin Seedhouse dropped by to show me his latest creation in the form of a parabolic stringer, quad fin, rounded pin tail (in epoxy) with the most amazing green (marbled bowling ball style) resin tint. His shapes have always been enjoyed by those who ride them, but recent changes to his workshop, means that he now glasses and finishes the boards himself, to ensure quality of finish. From what I saw of this board, and at under £300 for a custom, the finish and quality was certainly on a par with the larger quality establishments like Gulfstream.

2011-10-18T17:12:00.003+01:00

9am straight after the school run seemed a bit like hard work, particularly after a number of work commitments to catch up on. So we left it a little later and sailed just after high tide with wind pretty much onshore. It did veer occasionally to the North West, but it was still fun for a couple hours, and ideal conditions to try some new moves in. Also great to see the Weston crew, who aren't scared to make the most of a little onshore (regards to Spencer and hope the calf muscle injury repairs soon).

2011-10-18T10:14:00.003+01:00

Before Kitesurf, SUP and all the other new surf related sports, their was more of an intrinsic bond between windsurfing and surfing (nicely summed up by Matt M).

2011-10-17T16:09:00.001+01:00

Wind SSW - 24-30knts and almost perfect cross shore at times.

2011-10-15T21:28:00.002+01:00

Great couple of surfs, and even took the little ones in for a final dip before winter returns. Looks like its the end of the offshores for the time being, and rather sad as I had to shave off the beard for an interview. Not good. Hope you got out there !

2011-10-14T06:53:00.005+01:00

Seem to have lost the GoPro Wrist housing, so if you see anything at the burrows, please get in touch. Nice head high wave (although I think Luke got the best of it), and complimented by a light offshore breeze, and even sun. Water is still warm, but it won't be long before the big chill down.

2011-10-10T22:46:00.004+01:00

Another day of driving wind and rain, and the memory of gentle summer rain and drizzly evenings a fading memory. Fortunately I did manage to escape from work for a short while, and good to sail with all the reprobates, along with the alleged wounded, who looked on fine form. Most notably D-Lo pulled out the cleanest, most text book forward loop that I have seen to date. Its only a matter of time before he is committing to big air, and doing huge end over end loops. The great thing was, he did it just in front of me, and I was so stoked for him, and inspired at the same time. Really fun when your friends are pushing the limits, so thanks for keeping me motivated, my windsurfing buzz came right back today.

Changing coastline

2011-10-08T22:51:00.001+01:00

2011-10-06T14:53:00.008+01:00

Its been a great couple of days, with cross shore and good size swell yesterday. Today was also super fun, playing in chunky onshore, and enjoying some space between the sets. The Wave Cult single fin is still very throw around, and despite reading all the press on multi fins, I am so dialled on this little board right now. Blue skies and a little cooler today, but only lasted an hour as work commitments called. Forecast is set to continue till Monday, and the house is taking a pounding from the weather, still with no roof. The sound from the tarps flapping in the wind is horrendous.

2011-10-04T20:09:00.004+01:00

If 6 Was 9 has been quiet for a long time, so when I found this on their blog I got really excited. I think its a quad fin mini simmons variant , and how Dane rides it, kind of sums up the feeling of how it feels to ride one.

Dane Reynolds Sucks At Surfing. from Michael Kew on Vimeo.

2011-10-03T22:25:00.006+01:00

Apologies for all the POV, and lack of effort of late. The GoPro kind of ensures I still get out for a surf, without really thinking too much about my photography. Ultimately it ensures priorities are never compromised.

2011-10-03T18:39:00.004+01:00

Really had no plans to surf sunday, as the swell was all but gone. But a chance meeting with Jack and a promise to try out the Mini simmons proved a nice little dawn session, even dragging Henry out for the early morning paddle. Little H (nephew) was on fire paddling into some of his best waves, and found a new confidence on the 7'2 Seedhouse (pin tail with some serious references to MP from the 70's) . Stoked just to be paddling alongside.

2011-09-30T14:06:00.001+01:00

Crystal perfection, what a day, and Happy Birthday Luke.

2011-09-30T07:05:00.003+01:00

Amazingly clean and almost a half mile paddle out, to long peeling sections. Feel totally worn out as I took some beatings, but it was all worth it just to be out in blue skies and 25 degrees ! Oh and did I say '25 degrees !!!!'

2011-09-27T20:19:00.006+01:00

Managed to get another convert to the Mini simmons today. Instead of the funky looking and hard to grapple Diplock, Alex enjoyed my own handcrafted version, and it was a delight to see someone quadruple their wave count on far from a sizeable wave. Weather has really snapped back warm again, bright blue skies and a joy to paddle out in the perfectly groomed micro sets.

2011-09-26T15:50:00.004+01:00

Amazing day really, unique light and a great wave despite a very long paddle. Definitely my best surf to date on my 6'1 as it really felt possible to gouge the wave, and of course give Matt a run for his money on his longboard.

2011-09-25T09:07:00.004+01:00

This morning's surf was blighted only by the fact that I missed something, really really special last week. The European Fish Fry at Crackington Haven sounded pretty interesting, but I felt it to be more of a connoisseurs event, and for the more discerning surfer who knew what they liked and loved. Besides I felt if I had time to trawl along to events like that, I probably needed to be surfing more. So being windy that day (more to the point), I recollect squeezing in a quick sail, as well as a long list of family duties. So the Fish Fry went by without much notice on my part, and it was sufficient just to catch up reading blogs and seeing the photos. That is until, I discovered the fact I just couldn't cope with. Mysteriously Thom Yorke turned up, and played a rare acoustic set. I still can't quite get over this, but heh according to the NME - it really did happen !!!

2011-09-24T21:19:00.005+01:00

It's been a hectic 24 hours, and a rather pain staking building project is nearing the end. Sadly we are still exposed indefinitely to the elements, and hopefully the winds and rain are over for the moment.
Beach served up very little to be excited about today, and where I paddled out, it was endless closeouts. Elsewhere a little closer to home was just great.

2011-09-24T18:56:00.006+01:00

LSORO is the blog that always makes me smile, even when I am not quite sure what is going on. The only thing I am clear about is that the repeating face in all three shots is Richard Kenvin. Smile, life is short.

2011-09-19T20:32:00.004+01:00

A digital Nikonos ? (Nikons Iconic Underwater Camera) Nobody had a digital Nikonos, Nikon never manufactured them, as they clearly didn't exist. Nor did they exist in 1998 when this shot was taken, and Nikon cancelled the Nikonos in 2001, three years after this photo was 'never' taken. Guess the Navy Seal Team One are all on GoPro now, but it just doesn't seem quite the same.

2011-09-19T16:09:00.004+01:00

Have been admiring so many different surf creations lately, that I decided to build my own rack where I can easily locate my boards. Hence it seems to be a little top heavy in the mini simmons department, so might need to say goodbye to the Diplock (second from left). If there is any interest, please email.

2011-09-18T14:25:00.003+01:00

Wind was pretty full on this morning, my current smallest is a 4.5 and it was solidly 4.0 weather. So combined with some very tired arms I didn't have a great session as I was just trying to keep the board in the water. After I pulled the outhaul to max setting, the sail felt very twitchy, and I just couldn't really enjoy it out the other side of the estuary or in close in the peeling sections. I still enjoy sailing off the beach a lot, and dare say those who make it out this afternoon will get the best of it.

2011-09-17T22:12:00.009+01:00

Missed the Fish Fry in Crackington Haven today (hosted by Rob Lion, Royal Surfboards) but for good reason. Wind blew just enough to sail, so apologies for the uninspired footage.
Typically, the wind backed off when I finally got on the water, but it was still great to get out, and had me charged to go bouldering with H Jnr in the afternoon. Wind is now back in full roar tonight, and hoping to sail at first light.

2011-09-17T09:59:00.003+01:00

Oh yes - more storms are upon us, according to the webcam this morning. Autumn is definitely in full swing this year, and its blowing 25mph WNW; see you there.

2011-09-15T19:59:00.008+01:00

What a week, super fun little wave today and scored really clean swell on the 6'1 Seedhouse. Wind still offshore tomorrow at first light, and then the wind cranks back into play in the pm. Can't wait, although barely a dry wetsuit here, and my first autumnal cold on its way.

PS - Many thanks to GoPro for agreeing to send me a replacement wrist band, after losing part of it dragging my hand in this attempted dip into the barrel.

2011-09-14T20:40:00.002+01:00

Passed on from a friend, and I had to share. We have fortunately endured similar sized swell but been pinned to the shore with onshore conditions. If they had been side shore, I think the size would have been comparable.

More Windsurfing Videos

2011-09-13T16:47:00.004+01:00

Still the battering continues, super windy with bright blue skies again. The Baxter was fully old school riding his latest purchase; that resembled a tooth pick. Crazy thin, and its interesting to see how much boards have changed in 8 short years.
Still reckoned he would have been flying better on his 70litre, but he seemed happy with his choice. Forecast is going offshore for the end of the week, and the swell holding !!!

2011-09-12T16:31:00.004+01:00

A new ginger brotherhood is emerging from the shores of Westward Ho, with Mark M leading the charge. Mark has really got dialled in this season on his new kit and my old Ezzy sail. SSW today, tonnes of wind and nearly drowned as I got my harness bar stuck to the boom on the under side of the sail. Took about a minute or so to detangle, with a long hold down, against a surging tide !

2011-09-11T20:24:00.007+01:00

Wasn't allowed in the water today as I was babysitting (and recovering from Dan and Jo's wedding), but it was one of those rare times of preferring to be behind the lens. Charlie was literally flying on this one, and a joy to photograph.

2011-09-11T17:16:00.002+01:00

Wind and swell are currently pounding the coastline, and amazingly only the talented manage get to surf it like this. Good job Luke.

2011-09-08T13:32:00.011+01:00

I'm certainly not a fan of the SUP for so many reasons. But this throws a new dimension to another board in the quiver, and the concept of unstrapped windsurfing. Of course, the fact that this is Punta San Carlos (Baja) helps make anything look more attractive.

2011-09-07T15:16:00.005+01:00

Nothing but my GoPro to show as evidence of a pretty good session . Wind WSW 21-30knts, but just can't seem to keep my feet locked in on my rotations.

2011-09-06T22:35:00.005+01:00

Couldn't really sleep through the night as the wind chimes were on overtime, and the rain was seemingly unstoppable. So I started the day at 4am, and by 8, I felt really tired at the thought of sailing in the storm. After dropping the kids off for school, I met with a smaller than normal crew, and we headed off the front. Wind seemingly had calmed down from the 61mph gust recorded at Chivenor, but still solid enough to score a good session, and some painful back loop attempts. Most impressive of all though, had to be Luke, with his large frontside airs surfing in almost blown out conditions. Amazing !

2011-09-05T20:21:00.009+01:00

Finally got to the beach after a rather fraught day (more to follow). Wind was a little up and down but managed to have an ok session in the much decreased swell (reading over 6 mts this morning). Almost cross shore at times so quite fun for the wave riding back in. Think the kiters had the best of it though, it was actually nice to watch them ripping around !

2011-09-05T08:39:00.007+01:00

Wind is howling and the skies are turning from deep blue, to fast squally rain showers, and then clearing again. Bit gutted to not be hitting the water on the high tide, but hopefully catch a late afternoon session when the wind has stabilised and the blue skies will be holding.
Photo updated from sail this pm.

2011-09-03T09:52:00.001+01:00

2011-08-31T00:32:00.004+01:00

Forgot to mention we had a great early morning surf with our Californian guest last week. Both wind and swell conspired to make Westward Ho get the compliment that it so clearly deserved - 'heh, this seems just like home' - to which I couldn't help but chuckle.

Worth a thought

2011-08-28T13:31:00.007+01:00

As the age of environmentalism continues to drive home the harsh reality; that we consume too many of the earth's resources, the proposed Atlantic Array (one of the worlds largest wind farms to be sited off Lundy) - throws up some interesting dilemmas.

Firstly most popular debate will classically fall into the Not In My Back Yard - NIMBY category, and unfortunately such argument really does little to abate the steam roller effect of such a national sponsored plan (approved by the Crown Commission).

The economist Tobin's view of Intergenerational equity (according to Wikipedia) is the closest thing to being a real thought provoker.
Basically it refers to a relationship that a particular family has on resources. 'An example is the forest-dwelling civilians in Papua New Guinea, who for generations have lived in a certain part of the forest and thus becomes their land. The adult population sell the trees for palm oil to make money. If they do so at an unsustainable level there will be no resources for their children or grandchildren in the future. The unsustainable use of resources would then lead to Intergenerational inequity'.

My concern is that by building such a large offshore power station (akin to the size of the isle of Wight) in both an AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty), Unesco Biosphere reserve and Marine conservation area, one might question whether Torridge district council should be agreeing a 1.5 gigawatt cabling through some of the countries finest coast line, and back through the villages of Abbotsham, Littleham and ultimately Alverdiscott.
(see article here from Local Press)

To date, the National Trust oppose this, yet the Local council who run AONB and the Biosphere reserve office, (according to article) have made no opposition.

Could this be that Torridge will be getting a considerable payout from the energy company, as NDDC did for the Fullabrook power plant (£120m into Council coffers). If this is the case, do you want your local council getting a payout/buy off, as it might slightly bias their view on whether to agree or not.

Hence my real concern on this, is I would rather a council that is lean and works hard to balance its books, without necessitating the selling of planning permissions. If this was a single developer, I believe this activity would be illegal ?

A completed wind farm of 418 wind turbines, could provide enough to power more than a million homes, but in terms of Carbon emissions for the build, how long will the £4.5bn spend take to recoup from its enormous environmental impact. Hopefully the UK government (who will be heavily subsidising this through our taxes) has done their sums correctly, and taken on some basic environmental economic premises such as Tobin's (Intergenerational equity).

Certainly - one thing is clear, in terms of view, future generations will never get to share the same uninterrupted landscape and horizon (pictured above) that ours and past generations have.

If you have any view or further interest; perhaps drop by when the consultation is on -
10th September
10am - 5pm
Abbotsham Village Hall, Abbotsham, Bideford, EX39 5AP

2011-08-27T22:40:00.002+01:00

2011-08-27T22:32:00.007+01:00

Really nice to dust off the kit and just get out for a good hack around. Smallish swell, but super fun at the river mouth on a 5.2; great to be so windy (despite onshore) on such a sunny day.

2011-08-26T12:37:00.007+01:00

Last 24 hours saw a range of conditions, from clean to down right blown out, and bright sun to foreboding darkness. The shot above is the brief interlude where Dan and Andy sneaked out to score literally a few waves. I like this photo, because it was the one exception to what looked like a fairly poor session. After I shot this, we went up to the corner and the wind seemed to back off long enough to deliver some perfect overhead sets. Definitely an improvement from my session moments earlier in the wind blown slop, and my walk of shame past the life guard hut.

2011-08-25T12:52:00.004+01:00

Nothing better than a shared wave with a friend or two. Great to see the full crew this morning, and Dan was heavy on the style today pulling off the longest ride complete with 360 pirouettes. Meanwhile the new board flew pretty good, tough to be too objective as it was such a nice morning. Wind goes fully offshore tomorrow with an improving swell.

2011-08-24T19:26:00.004+01:00

In between grouting the new floors, sealing, sanding countertops, painting and generally sorting out a long list of chores, I snuck out to sand and finish this. Cherry resin tint 6'0 mini simmons all ready for its inaugural surf probably for tomorrow am. Results to follow, although I am hoping its possibly going to be bigger than predicted so I can score another session on the 6'1 Seedhouse.

Update - added the wonky chevrons for a bit of variance.

2011-08-22T10:14:00.002+01:00

2011-08-19T08:43:00.004+01:00

I love this little vid, for the beard action from Chris Del Moro and the offbeat look at design. Find your next board here - courtesy of Tom

2011-08-17T14:52:00.001+01:00

2011-08-17T10:08:00.005+01:00

I set the alarm a little too early for a 5.30 am session, hoping that I would see a little sunshine this morning. But by the time I got down, there was just one other, and no sign of Team Xcel. For half an hour the waves were clean and fun, and the sunrise was stunning, making the solitary surf all the more worth while. Shortly after it all clouded over and I think it was the gloom that helped produce this picture (its raw from the camera), with the camera overcompensating with a slower shutter speed to allow for poor light. Clouds are good, but whatever happened to August sun ?

2011-08-12T14:33:00.005+01:00

Scored a great little session this morning on the latest Seedhouse, it is a hark back to the 80's but has some clear similarities to some of the JS-Blak Box and Al Merrick Motor boat shapes. It just flew and I couldn't believe the speed, on what was clearly a fairly limp swell. Going back in later for another session.

2011-08-11T10:11:00.001+01:00

It was clearly time to return, when Hector exclaimed - "not another castle !"

2011-08-11T10:02:00.005+01:00

Ten days of rural France, escaping the masses and whiling away the days thinking how much wind and swell there is going on in on our angry part of the North Atlantic. As becoming more of the norm for August, wind and swell and lots of rain forecast for the next 24hours, and it feels like a welcome return.

2011-07-31T12:19:00.003+01:00

Just getting the itch to climb again. No signs of any real swell and its hot, albeit a little cloudy. Perfect conditions for a little dabble on Blackchurch (I wondered if they ever appreciated its satanic connotation).

2011-07-31T12:18:00.001+01:00

2011-07-27T19:58:00.002+01:00

Sharing the mini simmons stoke today in the small stuff. Just good fun, and great to watch your friends ride and hear the feedback.

2011-07-25T19:54:00.001+01:00

Josh Kerr in J'Bay ep.3 from rustyintl on Vimeo.

Single fin fun, stolen, err borrowed from Stab.