Got down to the beach to see a lone windsurfer struggling out through the clean sets. My heart really wasn't in it, particularly after watching the other place break so perfectly. So paddled into some fun size swell, and tried to tuck into the odd closeout to claim a barrel : )

Its been a remarkable day; surfed early on in the sunshine, caught a rainstorm as I duly ran my 5k (in preparation for the 36k trail run), and then got a chance to get out for a windsurf with friends, in something close to mast high waves out back. First session on the new Ezzy Wave Panther 3 and they flew. Really controllable mid air, and the sail felt surprisingly light, considering the bomber build quality. Thanks Seasprite !

Too onshore to call anyone, but enough chunk to make it worthwhile for a paddle out. The MS was flying and it was a real surprise to be picking all manner of peaks, plus a punchy reform swell all the way to the inside. The board feels really fast, and when I look back at this shot, it makes me realise how quick it is getting away from a closeout.

Just warmed up enough for a dip, whilst H Jnr worked on his duck dive technique.

TSJ | POV - "Richard Kenvin behind the polyester curtain" from The Surfer's Journal on Vimeo.

Thos from the blog - A board, Some wax and a Leash - is just about to get his hands on one of RK's mini simmons. I am so excited for him, and just can't wait to see how it flies. These things should be littering our beaches and shores, everywhere. Only time will tell.

Four seasons in one day, but mainly autumn with a solid Force 5. Sailed 5.0 and at best I can only describe as 'pleasant onshore'. Apologies to Team Xcel who I forgot to call (amongst others), as I didn't really think it was worth crowing about. I guess windy and a little blue sky isn't so bad after all, and with hindsight from the GoPro it looked alright.

Tiny but the sun is still shining.

H Jnr decided that the new wetsuit was a winner, and promptly rode his first wave standing up (Dad holding hand).

Swell almost gone, but those blue skies were so welcome. Went back to the 8'0 Hull for some superior sliding, but the mini simmons has been the most fun recently. If you can't get hold of one, beg borrow or ask really really nicely.

Took the children to see Fantastic Mr Fox, at an amazing makeshift outdoor theatre. Nestled in a small leafy valley, in the blazing hot sunshine, it was hard to not love the Great British summer, if only for a day.

Blue skies, offshore, and remarkably good fun.

Take care

For a while now, I have been watching the gradual break up of a metal hull which has littered the nearby beach. Its amazing as the hull changes colour and over each tide it moves and slowly scatters. But with horror i noticed what appeared to be a drive shaft thats now residing under one of the main breaks and alarmingly close to the take off point. The large steel pole was pointing skyward and it looked like an accident waiting to happen. After much pushing and pulling, all I managed to do was push it further down so as to get the point away from anyone in the take off zone. Whether this in time could lead to a potential snag for leashes is anyones guess, so please take care

GS

Meet North Devon's finest board shaper, and all round good guy.

Creative collective: Gulfstream from wavedreamer on Vimeo.

So the wind has continued to blow, and all the crew seemed to be out sailing over the weekend. I am pleased to say I was confined to family duties, and even as I write this, I notice the wind has picked up and blowing 25knts from the North West. Thats all well and good, but did I forget to mention its June tomorrow, and today was barely 11 degrees celcius ! So whilst the forecast looks set to change by the end of week, the great British unreliable weather seems to have become more of a reliable thing to predict - basically cold.

Moving Image

If you like quality moving image irrespective of the sport, then look no further.

Chris Bryan Films Phantom Reel from Chris Bryan on Vimeo.

Link courtesy of Kel.
Thanks

The 4.0

Ridiculously windy and no let up from the last 24hours. Feeling so tired from a full on session, and now totally disorientated from looking at all the GoPro footage from the top of the mast. Its far too tedious to post an edited video, so just pulled out some stills from todays action. Forecast is for more wind tomorrow - can't wait, although my body is sending me a different message.

POV

Can't seem to get enough of this little GoPro mini cam at the moment. Took the plunge and got a actual mount made on the top of my board. So far so good, although I have to figure out the correct angle etc. Small swell this am, but still worth the paddle.

Despite the cold west winds, the change in light has been amazing over the last couple of days. Still blowing a gale this morning when I set off for work at 6, but the the light was almost as bright as midday.

Instow

Apparently sailing a 'flat water location' like Instow is a 'no no' on a day like today. But by 9.30 the wind still hadn't settled and Steve and Paul lead the way with a trip across the bridge. Blue skies, a solid force 5-6 and some fun bump and jump off Crow point, made a nice change away from the continual battering of Westward Ho.

WSW

Really fun little session, and nice to sail with Matt just going move for move. Felt like a skatepark, with fun size swell to crank around on, and basically go for anything. Following the session bumped into someone telling me about trying the new Ezzy Wave Panther 3's. If anyone is interested I have some 2010 Ezzy Wave Panther 2's in a 5.2 /4.5/ and 4.0 - at £250 each. Forecast looks excellent for the week.

Tongue

I seem to have always had this habit of my tongue hanging out when I am concentrating. Clear blue skies and just enough swell to break out the Diplock 6'2 for some fun sliding.

Land of Plenty

Santa Cruz Classic - Day 3 from American Windsurfing Tour on Vimeo.

Have shed some pounds of late, and really enjoyed how springy and light my Ezzy Wave sails feel again. Scored a nice little 5m session on Monday, with a solid wind blowing in blue skies.

North West

Finally, just enough breeze to get out and play in the small swell. Snuck out on a 5.0 and it was more like an exercise work out than anything too exciting. Still nice to get out though and get planing !

Side shore for a little while then it switched to full on howling cross on. Didn't see a soul, but made it out for brief session.

Last comment I read made me chuckle, so I thought I would post this shot of Matt; probably wishing he was elsewhere before this set unloaded on him. Fair play for bobbing out through it though.

Ted scores

The decision

Knew this was going to happen sooner or later. Near perfect side shore windsurf conditions , albeit gusty and fairly solid looking on the sets, or a perfect fun size wave to slide around on, on the mini simmons and hang with my nephew as he continues to progress with his surfing. In the end, it was a no contest, and despite the waves being rather poor, it was a lot of fun. Meanwhile downwind, Ed was certainly getting the best of it, and his commitment shines through. However watching the other guys, left me feeling like I probably made the right decision.

Perry

Best drunk with friends, and rarely a better producer than the infamous Dennis Gwatkin. Have been enjoying the local produce at the Ludlow Food and Drink Festival. The perfect reason to head inland, and soak in the atmosphere at the very haunted Ludlow castle.