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.

It's official - The RRD Wave Cult quads are amazing. So much fun today in late afternoon Force 6.
I should have been overpowered but just wasn't, this thing flew and was so nice to slide around on the wave face in the brisk (sub 10 degrees) North Westerly !

This Quad fin beauty came through the post yesterday, and I just had to give it a baptism in the north westerly early this a.m..  It felt about as directional as a single fin to point up wind, plane etc. but what amazed me was how it felt on the wave face. These things are incredible to turn, as loose as a twin fin, but somehow felt quicker. I will try and critique in more detail when I get the chance, but in the meantime if you get a chance to try, I totally recommend it.

Its been a pretty amazing weekend, and the wind seems set to continue at least for the next day or so. BST means evenings after work are an entirely new opportunity. Despite the temperatures being pretty cold for mid may, I have reverted back to my winter suit, and had some of the best cross onshore conditions tonight, since ever. Big thanks to the guys at SeaSprite for sorting me out with a new RRD 92 Wave Cult quad, I have loved the RRD Wave Freestyle 90 but it wasn't to be.

I don't think there is any place I would rather be when the sun shines in North Devon.  It somehow feels like the Gods are smiling, and whatever crap is happening elsewhere it just doesn't matter.

Iceland from Sitka on Vimeo.

After a solid week of wind and waves, and then stunning blue skies, the only way to end the week is

with a few cold ones and dust off the BBQ. I am certain my physical malaise over the last week was a lot more psychological than I first realised. After offering my resignation, a weight seemed to lift from me.  I managed to put life in to perspective once more, and scored two great 4.5m sessions in the cross onshore in the long evenings. North Devon is a truly stunning place, and with days like today, the dark days of winter seem so very far behind.

Didn't even look out back today, just headed straight for the beach. Forecast has been on fire for the weekend although 2 degrees (35F) is enough to keep you on your toes. That said, all I could feel were blocks of ice where my feet should have been. A school boy error of too much haste, left me without boots and the dilemma of a short surf, or the drive of shame. I opted for the former, and can just about feel my toes again. Thank goodness for Finisterre socks, and thank you for the new ones that arrived (by coincidence) this very morning. 

I Believe I can Fly ( flight of the frenchies). Trailer from sebastien montaz-rosset on Vimeo.

 Why people waste perfectly good waves at 6.30 in the morning is beyond me. I scored an empty beach and chest high peelers in the perfect off-shores.