A nice day

My hands were tied with babysitting duties and I had to construct an excuse to lure the little people to the beach. I could literally here the surf pounding, and was desperate just to snap a few shots, but I needed a good plan of attack. So, armed with a carrier bag, I suggested we go collect litter from the cliffs and make a collage (Blue Peter style). This worked perfectly, and as the two artists searched for inspiration (and cleaned the beach) I managed to score a couple shots.
Enjoy.

Post Jordan

and still keeping the faith. Surfing is never quite so fun on your own (particularly when your wingman has flown to warmer climes) but it is a real test of commitment. Keep charging Luke.

Down Tools

Yes, thats right. The surf is on and I barely even noticed it. In fact I am so fresh out of my bout of sickness, that when Parko arrived for work this morning, we raced to the top of the tower to check out the monster swell. Shortly after this, Parko was claiming he didn't feel great : ), and was in need of some beach therapy.

The stoke

I love surfing for what it brings to people on a cold, wet and miserable day at the start of December. When words like 'interval' and 'bouy reading' ignite smiles, and distant eyes filled of hope. Today is just one such day when despite the weather, something really good is happening for those that can be bothered.

PS - It's so nice to see Lundy again. It feels like ages since we last saw this steadfast little island, and I can barely believe its still there after the storm action over the last month.

Weston imports

The Super mare crew were out charging, and they put the locals to shame. Thanks Andy for getting some shots, I was just one of the many locals missing another Ho windy day. Please comment if you know who it is - I reckon it could be Matt.

Commitment

When winter draws in, the number of sailors seem to dip quite significantly. It's never quite so enticing to get out on the water in the depths of winter. However there are still those who make the effort, perhaps not looping sky high, but always charging whatever the conditions. Its these guys who aren't necessarily the youngest, but perhaps the ones with the greater stamina, and not afraid of the cold. Its these guys that often create a positive atmosphere at a spot, and will always have a smile, offer any help and even the odd mug of tea. So if there was ever a local club purely for windsurfing, and if there was ever a yearly award, this guy would be my choice for windsurfer of the year. Thanks Paul !

If it looks cold

...thats because it was. However the guys who did get out to windsurf, still weren't as covered up as the guys in Northern Spain (La Coruna), who are now sailing totally clad from head to toe in neoprene. I think this is in part due to the lack of gulf stream, and perhaps just not as burly as their northern cousins.

Have been reading through the blogs and dreaming of blue skies and thermal winds. Somehow the onslaught of winter just doesn't seem so appealing anymore, and even the smaller clean surf, just doesn't seem to entice. Hoping to reignite the flame (and my camera) later in the week, with a trip out west and a visit to the labs of Home Blown. Can't wait to see what these guys have been upto.

Blue skies

but the temperatures really seem to have dropped. Had some surf reports over the weekend, about poor swell, cold water and tonnes of people. Never a good scene. It wasn't that long ago, that winter time guaranteed quiet in the water. Still, I thought a picture from bigwavedave.ca of the beaches on Vancouver Island, and what they have to endure, might put things into perspective.

Storm Chase

If you missed this movie a few years back, and enjoy windsurfing in the great British winter, put it on your present list. I have a copy which I just lent out, and even though this link doesn't do the 'Storm Chase' full justice - it gives you a flavour. The section on the Danish beaches is fairly unbelievable, and the fact they even got in the water is beyond words.

Britain's Finest

Just found this on Winddub.com - and had to share.



Long live the King !

A good call

I had a great opportunity to visit a lesser known surf spot today, but after watching the squalls we decided the 45 minute hike in, didn't really appeal. So the friend (who shall remain nameless) made the executive call to paddle out off the rocks on the main beach. As I watched on (and glimpsed the windsurfers closer to shore (shot above)), I was amazed at his patience, waiting and waiting for a break in the sets. After an hour of standing on various rocks, taking the full force of the whitewater time and time again, I was really relieved he decided not to go in. So I guess what I really appreciated is, it doesn't matter how good you are, there are times to go and not to go. Whilst these indicators are set often by the external forces (friends/conditions/camera), it should always be you that makes the call.

MTC

I just can't believe how windy it has been, continues to be, and is in forecast into the coming weeks. Of course you can't start wishing it away, but I know more than a few people (predominantly surfers), who are begining to get a bit hacked off with it. In the meantime, a few good locals continue to charge everyday and make sure I update the blog with at least some record of the amazing conditions. If you get a chance, buy this months Windsurf and look for the North Devon update, then try and imagine the task of condensing the November upate into just a few brief sentences. Any suggestions would be gratefully recieved.

Gettin' High

Thanks Stuart for the shot, or to be more precise, thanks Mrs Stuart. I seemed to have missed everyone today, but was met with stories of broken boards and 4m conditions. The swell was possibly at its peak, and some of the more wisened of the fraternity described the waves outback as 'frightening'. I haven't heard anyone use that adjective here, to date.

South South Easterly..I think ?

Apparently the torrential rain put a lot of people off today, but those who made it out; 'looked to be charging' (according to my contact on the Burrows). I am still house bound, as i ripped out a fire place yesterday and kind of blew my recovery. So if anyone has any shots, please forward as the swell looked a nice size too.

Huge Swell

Despite the shot being taken at low tide, it's a fair indication it would have been enormous. Whilst the photo doesn't do it justice, I love the Long Horns.

Still blowing...

but I don't think anyone made it out. Just a lone kiter...and that hurts me to write that. Swell forecast looks to be so huge that Saturday could prove very interesting.

Friends don't let friends..

kitesurf. Whilst I hate the term 'extreme sports' I think kitesurfing sits quite well in this category. I will let you decide if you think its a good thing or bad. I have no real desire to do it, however nailing loops on a big day will forever have my attention.
Thanks Luke for the link, who amazingly is usually involved in rescuing these guys when it all goes wrong.

Unstoppable

Wind just won't back down until it breaks each and everyone of us. The forecast looks savage for the next few days and and it was nice to have some company (on the beach) today. Dan was cranking the loops and the sideshore Southerly looked fairly uninviting with walls of whitewater chasing down the others. Will do my best to keep the updates coming.

Support your local shaper...

but make sure you ask for a biofoam (Home Blown) blank. Just got in from a great meeting with North Devon Plus, and a new initiative to support the production of green surfboard technology. One aim is that shapers will move away from importing toxic blanks and actually start to embrace the less toxic (and non carcinogenic technology of MDI). Not only is it produced within the UK and actually stronger than traditional imported blanks, they are more resistant to pressure dents and if dinged, don't take in water. It is hoped that Chris Hines (SAS/Eden Project) and numerous others will be attending the next meeting, but even if the exercise just turns out to be a lesson in communication, its clear that we, the consumers - can make a difference.

Where the heart is

I have waited for so long to capture this view, and am so relieved to finally have a home.

Instow

Instow was the place to sail today, if you weren't up for the drive to Daymer Bay. The main beach looked so huge and even the most seasoned of sailors were looking for alternative venues. Many thanks to Ed, for taking such a great shot.

Abbotsham Werewolf

In dark times, when I am too ill to even hit the water, its time to get creative. So as the cruelest months draw in, the birth of something of sinister is near. Yes it the second coming of Abbotsham Werewolf. This time with a slight variance of brewing technique, under the careful eye of Steve 'beer' Beer; we have included demerara sugar. Be warned this is due for go live in the early part of December and I look forward to sharing.

Moved House

No internet, just boxes and boxes everywhere. We were also facing a 4 week delay for broadband, so I plucked up courage and bought mobile broadband. Massive storms over the next 24 hours and still not sailing due to sickness, hopefully take some decent shots in the meantime.

So the wind continues...

I continually like to check out what my old friends have been up to on Vancouver Island - so I check Bigwavedave.ca pretty frequently to see all the shots in and around British Columbia. Occasionally I like to post up some shots of our conditions and show that England isn't just about rain, bad teeth and no wilderness, as our North American cousins like to stereotype. The most consistent question that comes back; is how do we actually manage to sail in these onshore/cross on big day ? How do we get out etc, and I think this shot demonstrates perfectly. You grit you teeth, you power up and you jump your way out of trouble, all the way to the outside. Dan scores some North North West action on a cold and bright Sunday.

In search of fire.

Travelled to a big bonfire in South Devon, and caught up with friends and family. The wind howled, the rain poured and it truly felt like Nov 5th.

Call to arms.

Found this on 'God save the Wind' - and reckon we all need to start thinking about this.

Relentless

No break in the wind here, just some serious daddy-daycare time. Winds howled last night and I wondered if the house we are moving to, will still be standing. Forecast looks set to continue, and perhaps if I pack enough boxes, I will be let out just for a few runs.

Greenough Windsurfs !

If you can't handle the retro surf track, scroll through to half way (1 min 20 secs) and listen to the words of wisdom from the legend. The man who changed surfing forever, invented the 'dolphin fin' , and experiments in glass than still leave many astounded. All this, and he windsurfs too. His words really resonate with me !

North Westerly - Brrrrrr

6/5 suit with a hood was very nice today. Really fun bump and jump session in the mess, and Andy B kindly took a rare photo of me on the water. Great to see yet more new faces, and confirming we have over 30 sailors regularly sailing here (just never together).