Surfs Up Surf School Blog

Larry Grayson

2012-01-25T09:54:00.011Z

I can't lie... it's all gone a bit Larry Grayson out there today! So here's a couple of shots from last week down at Rock. It is a beautiful part of the world down here, make no mistake! Pinch, pinch, pinch.

Now did I mention that I've been flexing my reading muscles? I don't think I did, but I have. A little book worm is what I've become. I like a mystery, thriller style. So exercised are my muscles that I'm even contemplating a revisit to Middlemarch. A book that I studied and got good grades in at 'A' level. I said 'studied'. I meant 'never read'. I said 'good grades'. I meant a 'D'. It's in the top ten of my life's greatest achievements - passing an 'A' level on a book I'd never read. My parents took a completely different view. Time's a great healer!

Ten years ago in WHSmith (Heathrow) as I waited to board a plane to South Africa, Middlemarch stared up at me from the 'two for one' display. I bought it and one page in realised why I'd never got through it the first time. I deposited it in the sick bag, an appropriate place I felt. I'm going to tickle through this Isabel Allende first and then I'm going to take it on. Put a big tick in that box once and for all.

Reflecting on my blog yesterday, it might have seemed that I was a bit down on current living arrangements. It's not all bad. I get to spend some one on one time with the boys - I've become a domestic goddess (God) don't you know... cleaning, washing, ironing and cooking. I've done my bit in the past but now there's no escape. The responsibility falls squarely on my shoulders. I had no idea quite how much Billy ate! In my estimation, just slightly more than a small horse (that would be a medium horse then!). And I don't mean the equivalent of what the horse would eat, but the size of the actual horse. ( I like horses but I could never eat a whole one). Really, I don't know where he puts it. And Findog, (at home today for the third day in a row off school sick.... we don't do sick in the Craskie household, but we'll cut him some slack for this nasty, pesky bug)... is surprisingly conscientious with his homework. Doesn't get that from me (please see - Middlemarch). Fin has informed me just now that he'll be going to school tomorrow (hm, footie training tonight). He has also informed me that when he was lying in front the of the telly last night and I lay next to him, I snored very loudly! Nasty bug playing tricks on the mind.

Speaking of horses, I used to ride horses when I lived in Bristol. The centre was a mile away from where Janey lived, and I never knew her then. Anyway, I went riding one day wearing a pair of boxer shorts. Walking was comfortable. Trotting brought a tear to the eye. True story. Never went back. I was quite a brave rider, jumping ascending Oxer's on the second lesson. The instructor was brilliant and just let me go for it. I rode on a 17 yr old white who, when I was on saddle, came alive. "Could I race this horse?" I asked the owner. "Yes, and you'd probably beat it." And I joked when we first met, "There's a whisky named after you!" "What, Hector?" he replied. Oh happy days. Anyway, when I was on site, there was none of this walking around in a circle with a small child on board. He remembered his glory days when I mounted. No more long face. (Enough, enough. My sides.) I think in the end I probably brought his life to an earlier close than the equestrian centre might have been hoping for! But he passed away with a contented whinny.

Janey has just driven back from Plymouth. Nursey is here to take care of the fallen soldier. A miraculous recovery from the Findog could now be on the cards. I've done my very best, but there's nothing quite like a Mum's cuddle. We're going to be out of sync now as I'll head to Plymouth to sort out Billyman. It's life, but not as we know it! Janey has just announced that we're going to make pancakes!! Back of the net! Oh and Fin's just thrown up! Great timing mate. Oh and now I've missed out on a pancake.

Watching Pat's funeral on Eastenders, Fin remarked

"I've been to a funeral!"

"Have you?" I enquired, I couldn't remember that he had.

"Yes", he said "Great Nan's....."

"That was a memorial Findog, but yes I suppose it's a similar thing. And the other one?" I asked.

"I went to one with Mum, but it wasn't who we thought it was!"

It's been long enough to recount this true story. A local old man passed away just over a year ago, we knew he'd been ill and we were sad about it because he'd always been really nice to the boys. Janey went to the funeral with Fin to show her appreciation, it seemed appropriate. After the service Janey said a few words of support to the widow and close family members, then left, heads bowed.

Imagine her surprise when two months later at a local event, that very same man that we thought had died, came over to say hello, looking fit and healthy. This was a turn up for the books. A case of mistaken identity it transpired. The upshot being that Janey and Fin had sat through a funeral of someone random geezer! Makes me laugh every time I think of it!

Back and Forth

2012-01-24T14:35:00.010Z

I can't deny, it's all a bit odd at the moment. Billy's move to Ivybridge has been the right move at the right time for him - and he's thriving in the super competitive sports environment.

Last weekend he took the start line in Exeter to compete in the Devon County Cross Country

Championships and won by some margin. He gatecrashed the party! There would have been local favourites. 'Knowns'. And then this fluff head from Cornwall steals the show. After the race, others gathered around to take a look at the new kid on the block, where's he from, what's his story? Unbeaten, that's his story. He'll represent Devon at the South West Championships in two weeks time where he'll line up against the likes of the best from Millfield, that'll be super tough. And on the football pitch (his very reason for being there), his team are through to the last 16 in the English Schools Cup, a final beckons at Anfield. And Manchester United representatives make there third visit to Ivybridge today, in as many weeks, to take another look at the squad and set-up. So there's lots of amazing stuff going on, doors to open and he's in his element. When he's being challenged, he's alive. We're incredibly proud of him and he's doing himself proud.

The flip side is that myself and Janey are having to work hard to deal with the change. Twenty years we've spent side by side, growing with the family and the business, day in day out, joined at the hip. For many couples, it'd be no mean feat to still be talking to be honest!! But the truth is, time apart doesn't suit us. Not having the whole family together, doesn't suit us. So there's a lot of thinking to be done. We've rented a place in Ivybridge until the end of the summer, and at the moment one of us stays up there with Billy, the other staying at home in Polzeath with Findog. We swap over mid week when the boys meet for Argyle training. At weekends we're all together unless they have matches in different parts of the country. So yes it's a bit odd. Lots and lots of positives, just a few challenges along the way - but no-one said it was going to be easy! Short term pain for long term gain, that's the way we see it.

On the Surf's Up! front there are a few exciting things happening behind the scenes. The most notable is the new booking system that's going on line in two weeks. It's a fast tack option if you want to avoid the queues in the summer. Book on-line, do you disclaimers, payment etc before you get to us and when you get to the trailer, it's wetsuit on and away we go. No need to wait for late arrivals to fill in their paperwork etc. I think that's big step in the right direction.

Other news - Wailin is currently sunning and surfing himself to oblivion in Bali, he's back for the Feb half term (when we're having a huge Swellboard sale - time to replenish our own stocks with new kit). Pretty big swell coming in on Thursday with a big tide, so trailer's off the beach, the transit started first time (huge sigh of relief). Erm, I think that's it for the moment... I know it's been a while since my last update, that's just the winter lull. I'm back on it now. Hello again.

My hotmail account was hacked into over the weekend, not so bad as I don't really use it that much. Turns out the hackers sent e-mails out to all my contacts, in alphabetical order offering either a job, discounted viagra, a gimp mask made of the finest bovine skin or indeed all three. Strangely, there were no complaints!

Mistletoe and Wine

2012-01-05T09:53:00.006Z

Seeing as it's miserable out there I shall stick a photo up of where we've just been for Christmas!! (Nice little right point break being ridden by one of the staff at Club La Santa). It's the second time we've been to Lanzarote there this year - the second being as good as the first with the added bonus of meeting up with my sister, her family and a sprinkling of Grandparents. Bit weird not being around a table munching Turkey breast on Christmas Day, but the trip around the Island with a spot of snorkelling thrown in kept our mind off all the trimmings! A good time was had by all.

A load of Surf's Up! Boardshort

2011-12-09T15:43:00.002Z

I've sneaked a peak in the 'secret cupboard' and I believe that 2012 will once again be the Chinese Year of the Sock. I'm happy with socks; you can't beat a good thick woollen pair in my experience; unlike an egg (geddit!). I've become quite a dab hand with an egg as it goes. My poached ones this morning were out of the top drawer. Springy to the touch and soft in the middle - Monica Galleti would have trouble finding fault with those puppies. Seasoning was spot on too. Which reminds me - chickens are for eggs, not for Christmas, they need a bit of looking after. ("All I'm saying is that it doesn't taste like Turkey" commented Grandma.)

My reference to the tramp, wasn't a joke. I did actually buy a tramp some chips. Myself and Billy had been down to the Royal William Yard to check out the new River Cottage (which looks amazing and totally unaffordable! You have to admire people with so much flair and imagination) and we stopped on the way back for a Mackie D's (much more in budget). As we entered the eaterie I noticed this chap in his 50's checking out the bins and scouring the floor. We got our order, jumped back in the car and on our drive out I spotted the man again. We pulled up alongside and opened up the window. "Dude, you look hungry," I said as I handed him the large portion of fries. His eyes lit up, he was truly stoked. Billy took this all in, then a few minutes later piped up. "Dad, why did you do that?" "Well son, you know sometimes people fall off the track. It's nice to be able to help out those who've fallen on hard times. It's good Karma." I enlightened him. "Yes, I get that Dad. But why did you give him my chips?" He enquired. "Mate, I'm starving! Now less chat and pass me those onion rings!"These life lessons are so important.

I'm deep into a brilliant book at the moment, The Sixth Man by David Baldacci, should nail that one by the end of the day; One of my favourite books of all time is Bounce by Matthew Syed. If you're a parent or coach, I urge you to read it; I see 'Big Dave' (as we know him) Cameron is up against the mighty Merkozy. Big Dave and family have been regular visitors to the surf school this year - he should resist any calls for a referendum. Wagner was kept in for eight weeks on the back of a public vote, I rest my case your honour!

Find a quiet little spot

2011-12-08T11:35:00.004Z

Big Sam making the most of the difficult conditions. Super windy at this local spot with just Wailo and Sam in the line-up. Bit wet for the photographer as well!

Double Puffer

2011-12-07T12:12:00.002Z

The wind is a blowin'. It's a double puffer morning make no mistake - gillet and full polar combo. On the beach, the water flowing down stream is heading back upstream from whence it came; the Oystercatchers are stood in formation, bills set to the North-West; and I nearly lost my Mocha, set on the side whilst I took this snap of the lifeguard hut. Now that would be a bad start to any day.

Thought I'd give you a run down of our opening times for the Christmas Period - basically we're open everyday for hire and surf lessons except Christmas Day and a lazy start on New Years Day. The shop will be open during this period as well. Wailin, Big Sam and Paddy are at the helm. Surprisingly, the Beach House is still available for Christmas (23rd - 30th December £650 including any surf hire, sleeps ten right on the beach) when I said before it was 'free', I meant 'available'! We've had new carpets put down and Wailin's been giving it a lick with the furry stick. Come up a treat, ready for 2012.

Surf's Up! Christmas combo's have gone down a storm, enough time to get pressies to you before the big day if you're still on the hunt. I've gone all salesy! I can only apologise; let's change the subject... fitness campaign in full swing, inspired by a conversation with Janey. Stood with little on and giving it the full Arnie pose, I asked her, "Name your three favourite body parts." "Your chin!" she replied. Well cut me down... expeditions across Dartmoor on the road bike are getting results; our gig last weekend finished with a bang, if you weren't there (quite likely as only about 30 people were!) you missed guitar supremo Sam Horan joining us for a rendition of Rockin in the Free World. Reminded me of the Drum Battle between Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, only with axes. Wailin and Sam went head to head in a guitar frenzy; I bought a tramp some chips yesterday which seemed to go down well; I know, it's a slow news day, make no mistake!

Hold onto your hats and take care out there. I'm going outside - cover me!

Combo's

2011-12-01T10:51:00.006Z

Shall we get the business stuff done first? Yeah - and then that's done then isn't it? We've put together some Surf's Up! Christmas Combos - some unbelievable combos actually of hoodies, lesson vouchers, mugs, calenders etc that Santa can slide down the chimney with easy peasy. No need to grease the big f

ella up. All the bud ticklers are on there for a butchers click here (very amateurish Pete). Ooh, fancy! And! And the Beach House is still free for Christmas up until the 30th December - sand in your toes on Christmas Day, it's what dreams are made of.

Now for a quick fire round-up!... firing, what a period of swell that was! Pretty well unprecedented in my lifetime.. and I'm long in the incisor. Overhead glass - all the spots were dropping bombs for what seemed like weeks and weeks. Here's Sam below, at a secret spot (that everyone knows) tucking into a sweet right. When I went down there to take this snap there were a few students camped out in tents. I thought, if you're going to participate in the 'Occupy' protest, then this is the spot to do it. Smart kids. I approached the mob with well constructed discussion points. But as it turned out, they'd surfed until midnight under the light of the full moon. How cool is that? Unfortunately I've been out of action with a bad neck, something to do with bouncing on a trampoline 50,000 times and getting a bit over-confident with what I call my 'Beetle Spasms' - you lie on your back and throw your arms and legs skyward at the same time - great for abs, turns out it's rubbish for necks. I think I must have gone a bit high. I was, to be fair, excelling!

Anyway, November 5th was a nightmare! Hiss, bang, whoosh and all I could observe were the ohs and ahs and the tarmac at my feet. Very disappointing - nothing better than a good bombette in my opinion. Physical update - neck better, belly a bit chubster.

And on we go. Stay with me team! Our life has been thrown into a small amount of turmoil. Our eldest, Billyman aged twelve, big curly mop has this unwavering dream of making it as a pro footballer. I know, we live on a beach, how ironic! He plays for Plymouth Argyle (stop that! the youth set-up is pretty strong!) and the closest school that can realistically help him achieve this goal is in Ivybridge at the footie academy where they have a small group of players who train intensively during school time. We toddled along for a chat thinking that Billyman would go there in a couple of years time, but they said that he should start straight away - so one week later, he did! Now we didn't see that coming! So we've rented a place in Ivybridge and myself and Janey take it in turns to be up there during the week, one of us staying in Polzeath to be with Fin, our eight yr old, who doesn't have a curly mop but who is also football mad - I know, don't say it......! So it's a bit weird, but Billy's really getting stuck in, and you just have to do what you can do to help them on their way. Everyone's happy.

Nothing changes with Surf's Up! - in fact, a change is good, and I feel more energised being away from the beach for a couple of days a week than I did being right on top of the business all the time. Cabin Fever. And I'm loving the cycling up on Dartmoor, although on Tuesday I felt like a contestant through to the final stages of Wipeout. I thought I could beat that weather front - but it wasn't to be. It's seriously brutal up there, even on a sunny day. The open space is great for blue sky thinking.

Surf's Up! shorts - economy looks a bit shot, we made a commitment to our clients this year to hold prices, we were one of the only ones to do it. The intention remains the same for 2012. I can't see us putting prices up. I've noticed lots of up-selling when out and about.. "Would you like a Muffin with your Mocha?" "No thanks" "An extra shot of expresso?" "No thanks" "Would you like to sign my Grandmothers birthday card?" It's all getting a bit out of hand; I've recently discovered the world of the Dongle, it is a good world that opens doors. All praise to the dongle; our chickens are troublesome, more specifically Jalfrezi who has the genes of Ranulph Fiennes.. nothing is too high to scale or too far to venture, trying to find her is an exploration in itself; Mahoustic, the Surf's Up! band is making a final appearance of the year at Carters tomorrow night (friday) looking forward to strutting my stuff; and finally, my favourite radio programme 'Just a Minute' is coming to the tv to celebrate it's 45th birthday, this makes me very happy. And on the basis that I've hesitated, deviated and no doubt repeated myself, I suppose I should call it a day.

Don't forget Christmas is free at the Beach House, there's lots of great Surf's Up! pressie combos in the on-line store and if you want to sign my Grandmother's birthday card, you know where I am!

Seriously, the pleasure was all mine.

When will it ever end?

2011-11-19T19:54:00.004Z

On and on it goes! Well overhead on the sets, maybe double.... offshore breeze. Make no mistake, this is Polzeath at it's very, very best!

2011-11-14T11:40:00.004Z

So there we were walking across Dartmoor with the kids. Jane says "I told Phil (he's the main youth man at Plymouth) about Billy changing schools. He asked me how that was going to work and I told him that we were going to have to split and take it in turns with the boys. He looked horrified." There was pause to reflect. "Oh no" she continued. "He must have thought that I meant that we were splitting up! I'll have to ring him to put his mind at ease."

Twenty minutes later, having negotiated what we were pretty sure was a Bull, we got back into the car and I promptly reversed into a wall. There could be no complaints - it was a Roman one, it had been there for a while. Anyway, although me and the boys could see the funny side, Janey didn't and all I can tell you is that she hasn't phoned Phil yet! I think after 17 years I'm back on trial!

Surf continues to hang in - 2ft, brisk offshore and the seal is in a very inquisitive mood. I saw one surfer using his arms as flippers to ape the sea creature, but I don't think it was impressed.

Remembrance Sunday

2011-11-13T17:36:00.002Z

Pumping glass

2011-11-12T10:24:00.003Z

What's happened? Pumping glass again today. Head high glass. Didn't get a snap - here's one of Big Sam from last week. He's a charger!

Follow Your Dream

2011-11-11T18:03:00.008Z

It's been all go back here with some pretty big decisions being made. Last Friday, myself and Janey went up to Ivybridge to find our more about the school and more importantly, the Football Academy... thinking that this might be a great place for Billy to go sometime in the future. One week later and Billy is enrolled (starts on Monday) and we've rented a house up there. Findog will be staying at his school for the minute back in Rock, so we'll be doing the back and forth, taking it in turns staying up in Ivybridge and down here at Polzeath. Could be a crazy few months while we work it all out.

If you've got a dream, then give it your best shot, that's our view. The Football Academy allows those with a dream of playing professionally to put the time in during school time - it's quite unique and we're totally stoked that Billy is getting his chance. The fact that he's prepared to leave his mates and go to a new school mid-term, speaks volumes where his head is. Also with sweeping changes being introduced next year re. football academies, now is the right time to get the foot in the door. We're really excited for him. Can't believe it all came together so quickly - but it all just fell into place like it was meant to be.

Pumping

2011-11-11T07:17:00.006Z

Big Sam makes the most of a three week non stop swell pattern ... it just goes on and on. Sean who owns the Vanilla Coffee shop in Polzeath tucks in to a sweet one - both photos taken at a local secret spot. I say secret... it's a secret one that everyone knows about just a short walk from Polzy. Happy days.

Polzeath today - Say no more

2011-11-03T22:22:00.006Z

Double overhead, fresh South-Easterly, 18 second period... shall we just let the photos do the talking.. I think that's best!

A Good Spell

2011-11-02T09:39:00.002Z

3- 4ft, fresh South-East.. only two surfers in the line-up living the dream!

Big!

2011-10-31T09:58:00.004Z

Big tides and big surf were promised and that's what we got. The double combo - not only was the Cribbar working down at Fistral (well done Liam for the wining the under 12s National title at Towan) but so was a little spot up the coast! Twenty in the line-up, double overhead on the sets, cross offshore breeze. We were on our way back from Footie - where Billy had come up against a team a year older (we didn't know that at the time, but it did explain why their centre forward had the physical presence of Jonah Lomu!) ... "let's just check out this spot!" I said. It doesn't work that often, but it was firing and it was good to chill on the rocks watching the likes of Reuben Ash tear it up.

Great Start

2011-10-29T08:30:00.004+01:00

Rainbow on the beach at Sunrise - wished I'd had my camera, had to make do with the phone. Not sure where the rainbow came from - no rain?

Much relief about the Plymouth Argyle news - it's been a bit of a worry. There aren't many options down this way. Janey and Fin are joining the party up at Cheltenham later today - Fin has a match there tomorrow, so they're going to go up a day early and join in the celebrations on the terraces. Should be fun.

Surf today - starting small, building to massive tomorrow!

Lost the chickens briefly yesterday. We were out for the day and came back late. Went to lock them up and they weren't there. Further investigations found them on Fin's bed, along with the cats! That's the last time I leave the side door open!

Come on you Greens!

2011-10-28T10:41:00.005+01:00

Big day for Plymouth Argyle supporters - let's hope an agreement can be reached and the club survives. I'm 60% confident all will be well - but that 40% of doubt weighs heavy! With both our boys playing for Argyle, football and Plymouth has become as much a part of our lives as the beach. It's a huge commitment and not one that everyone can manage. Twice a week making the three hour round trip after school for training and then off to either Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea, Yeovil, Swindon, Bournemouth for the matches on weekends. With a three year gap between Billy and Fin, one is always playing 'Away' and the other 'Home'. It's something that we and the boys have got used to - and they love it. This week they've been training at Home Park - great experiences for them.

Two years ago the club was playing against the likes of Newcastle in the Championship League and it's where they should comfortably fit. Today, at the bottom of Division Two and coming off a 5-1 thrashing at Oxford, on the face of it, things couldn't get any worse. But that wouldn't be the whole story. The team is young and has at times played better football this season than I've witnessed in recent years. Get the deal done today, bring in a few experienced players on loan and this team could go a long way. Fingers crossed. But enough of all this footie talk!!

Now then, back on the beach.... what a week it's been. Forget Monday and all that rain, since then it's been clean 2 -3 ft surf, light winds....perfect for the half term warriors. It's all set to change on Sunday, but plenty to enjoy until then.

Party time - just read online that the deal has gone through. Massive relief! La la la la la la, la, la la la la hoy.....

Dry Now

2011-10-25T12:24:00.005+01:00

A months rain in one day? It was very wet yesterday - not that I was complaining. With our first weekend without a footie match for ages, we made a last minute dash for a long weekend up to Centre Parcs, always good fun. It only started raining on the drive home yesterday and it wasn't until we got to Camelford that we met any flooding. Nasty.

Today, is a new day and it's a beaut. 3ft surf, light winds and a big sun. Perfect for the half term warriors.

Where did that come from?

2011-10-17T09:43:00.011+01:00

What a weekend! Wasn't quite the forecast, not for the sun that we had - it was a revelation and a nice surprise. And the surf, 2 -3 ft super clean. If you didn't get to the beach - don't worry nor did I. That's football for you!

Surf today - 4ft, light winds at the mo, but that might change as we go through the day.

If you get the chance check out the world tour live at Supertubos, Peniche today - it's firing!!

http://live.ripcurl.com/index.php?portugal2011Live

My mate Grand Enchillada has been visiting with the missus this week. They like a spot of cycle touring and have bikes with more things hanging off them than the 3.30 to Mumbai. "I'm sorry but I'm Ramjam Full" "I don't want to know your name, I just want to get on the bus". We set off on a 30 miler, me feeling confident on my thin rubbered race bike. My confidence was wildy misplaced as Helen took the front, got her head down and set a pace that was 'extreme'. I should have taken more notice when she slipped on the pointy helmet. Me and Mikey decided on a pace for best suited for chit chat. Great job.

Right that's it, things to do. I'm off to check the NI contribution status of the Dale Farm Protesters. "I'm just doing my job," said the Councillor. "What's a job?" came the 'Handcuffed to Concrete' fellow - think I recognised him from the 'Nuke the Whales' protest, that all seemed a bit overkill. Anyway, I have some great news for the residents, I've just bought them a nice piece of land right next to Vanessa Redgrave's pad in West London that they can move on to right away! And she'll be more than happy if they want to pop in for some sugar - "She said just go on in and help yourself. Oh, I see. You already have!"

As always lesson are available everyday at 10am and 2pm - and we'll slide in a 12pm if you're lucky. Best to pre-book (07760 126225) as we're not fully staffed at this time of year.

2011-10-14T20:57:00.001+01:00

One thousand bounces a day, that's what I've been up to! This is it - the big push to once and for all cure the achilles, calf and hamstring issues that have plagued me since senior school. The kids trampoline is where I'm at (best £199 at Asda we ever spent) - it's all lift and separate. 1,000 lifts followed by 1,000 mid air separates as it goes! Janey wasn't impressed with my attempt at a Pike Jump - apparently the legs are supposed to come up, rather than the head go down. It's all going rather well although I have to confess I might have developed a bit of a mince with the improved tightness. I noticed my arm even swinging gayly when out walking the dog last night. The target is 50,000 bounces, then I should be ready to attack the coast path like a Mongolian goat handler. Training notes - buttocks rising, moobs falling!

This is the picture today - all a bit Larry Grayson. Do not adjust your screen, it really is that dull. But the surf's okay, couple of feet on the sets, light offshore. No complaints. The weekend forecast looks much the same.

To the business end - the Beach House is available from today for a 2 - 7 night stay 14th - 21st October and also from the 28th October. Sleeps ten right on the beach - from £550. If you're thinking of staying next Summer, chop, chop, only two dates left - 29th June - 6th July and 8th - 13th July; Our new surf school on-line booking system will go live in November - will make everything nice, easy and more importantly, check-in quicker when you arrive on the beach. You'll even be able to buy Cornish Dollars! We think of everything.

This is a just a fly-by. Enjoy the weekend - I'm off to buy a handbag!

Putting in the miles

2011-10-11T11:43:00.002+01:00

Janey toddled off to Bournemouth on the weekend with Fin for his footie. We're making the most of the boys away games - just a shame one is always away whilst the other is at home. I was at the home game for Billy. Bristol this coming weekend.

Quiet on the beach now - but lots going on back at base. It's accounts time and Janey for the first time in Surf's Up! history has got me stuck in to them. Quite enjoying it as it goes, but don't tell her that! Anyway, definitely cranking up the brownie points as we speak. And working on quite a few things for next year, including a new booking and check-in system, which will go online in November.

Any other news? Not really. Did 1000 bounces on the trampoline and 100 lengths in the pool yesterday. Might tickle a bike ride in a minute. Trying to build up the calves and achilles for a spot of winter running and maybe a crack at the Ironman. If I get some injury free running miles in over the winter then I'll have a bit more confidence in making the final leg. Off to La Santa in Lanzarote for Christmas, can't wait.

Jobs a Goodun'

2011-10-06T11:36:00.002+01:00

Four iMacs, one Mac Pro, three Mac books, one Mac Mini, one iPad and one iPhone - yep we're a Mac family. We've even set up a business called iSurf (winter project for Easter launch). Steve Jobs - genius.

Hello

2011-10-04T11:18:00.004+01:00

So there I am paddling out this morning, it's 3ft with the odd 4ft set rolling in - bit onshore but very surfable - and I can see that's there's only one other person out there already. And then as I scratch over the last set, I clock who it is! It's my missus - Janey! Which is a surprise - because when she got up this morning she said she felt like she'd been run over by a steam roller! (She went in yesterday). So it was just the two of us surfing out there together, no-one else to be seen - now that hasn't happened in many years. It was pretty fun as it goes - the sort of session where the waves are all over the place and it's hard to second guess what it's going to do once you're on it. But you can luck into some really good solid ones.

Libby, our black lab was stoked to be back on the beach too (no more dog ban) - all in all quite a family affair.

Long may it continue

2011-10-03T10:45:00.005+01:00

As long as it's here, we're going to enjoy it. Janey's out there in the mix - "we've got the boards, let's go ride a few!"

Late afternoon - oh dear, what's happened? It's all gone onshore and drizzly. Best change out of the speedos and wash off all this coconut oil.

Black and White

2011-10-02T19:33:00.007+01:00

Thought I'd go for the black and white shot, as I'm sure there's plenty of colour ones around! What a quite remarkable few days - makes you appreciate it more when you don't expect it. Let me just check... yep, that might be the best of it, but who's complaining - all a bit of a brucie bonus.

Last night's gig - hosts Pam and Alan...what an amazing couple. I'd like to think we gave a performance from the top drawer (so much easier with a home crowd) - what I do know for sure is that it was right up there in the 'most fun gig' category, perhaps a top three placing and taking into account we've played together for 12 years (? might need to work that out), that's a big call. Great night.

And in the actual surf comp - Beach Manager Big Sam won the Open Category and Liam from the Elite Surf's Up! Boardriders won pretty well all the other main categories! I'll see if I can get some photos of the comp from Nick (360photography) to stick on here.

I think this is one of my all time favourite photos of the boys - took it tonight as they came out. Happy days.

Esme is back!

2011-10-01T16:00:00.012+01:00

A quite incredible story - but we've just been to pick up Esme from Penkridge after a local family spotted her in their fields and recognised her picture in the local paper (massive thanks to them). Five weeks she's been living rough. Tired, hungry, smelly and dishevelled , it's been quite an ordeal, but I'll be fine! Oh and the cats okay too! A massive thanks to Helen and her two girls Katie and Anna who became our eyes and ears some 250 miles away - what they did to help was quite extraordinary.

I'll sit down next week and somehow summarise the main events! - there have been some incredible incidents along the way. Even today, having never met Helen and her family before (just thousand of texts and phone calls) we literally bumped into them coming out of the supermarket in Penkridge. And apparently yesterday at the vets, when they called Janey to check that the microchip number matched and she confirmed it, the packed room burst into cheering, clapping and tears all round! She's become quite a celebrity - a reclusive and elusive celebrity mind!

She's back on the sofa fast asleep now. Libby our black lab has climbed up next to her and Frankie (cat number two) has jumped into the cat basket by the door - perhaps she thinks it's her turn for some R and R. The family is once again complete and it feels great. Janey never gave up on her.

Hottest day of the year and we've been stuck on the motorway all day - that's ironic!

Off to play with our band Mahoustic up at the Waterfront for the Jess Memorial in aid of Chicks in a minute. Haven't played a guitar in three months, haven't sung for three months, haven't played as a band for three months - the original band booked, cancelled at the last minute so we're standing in, as always we'll give it our best shot. I have a strategy for nights like tonight - Jack Daniels! I'm not a big drinker, but I find that if I partake of a few shots, at least I enjoy myself and more importantly it looks like everyone else is as well, even if they're not! Works ever time - jobs a goodun'.

2011-09-30T09:02:00.004+01:00

The surf's dropped off quite a bit this morning - not the meat that we had yesterday. But still a couple of foot on the sets, should improve as the tide drops again. Yesterday's session was one of my favourites of the year - overhead, sweet drops and the banks were pretty good. In the line-up was Big Sam, Claude and Ryan - they looked like they were enjoying it too!

Thursday morning wave

2011-09-29T08:18:00.006+01:00

3ft, maybe more on the sets, huge tide. High at the moment and lots of moving water. Should get pretty special as the tide ebbs.

Midday - and I have jelly arms. I had nothing more to give out there. What was it? 4ft on the sets - some nice drops. Moved over to the left away from the crowd when the tide pushed back, sneaked in a few real good ones. A very happy boy.

Can't complain

2011-09-28T09:29:00.008+01:00

Jumping on my bike this morning to cycle down to work I said to my neighbour (we have brilliant neighbours), "Off to the Coal face!" She laughed. "Off to the beach more like!" she replied. Fair point.

What a stunning day. Surf 1 - 2ft, wind fresh S-E.

As lovely as it is today - we're all frothing on tomorrow's surf forecast with 3-4ft expected. Might just save the old shoulders for then!

September Wave

2011-09-27T14:21:00.004+01:00

What's it like surfing in September? For the lucky few - this is what it's like. Instructor Dee makes the most of the gap between lessons. Dee has done a fantastic job for us this summer - very popular amongst both staff and clients. She's off to Costa Rica with some of the other crew for the winter - hope she comes back for another season next year.

It's all gone a bit Ed Milliband

2011-09-27T09:23:00.005+01:00

The surf has all gone a bit Ed Milliband this morning. You know, you want it to be good and all the ingredients are there but it's just a bit grey and lacking any sort of real impact. And, of course, we know that there's something around the corner, very similiar in appearance, but altogether more upstanding and carrying more gravitas. So we'll sit tight, let this moment pass and look forward to the days ahead.

That's political satire dealt with this morning - my, 'of the moment' joke.

The reality is the surf has dropped off - in the 1 -2ft range. Great for beginners and improvers.

There is one thing that I cannot and will not leave home without. Sunglasses. For years I taught surfing without wearing them, the instructor code being that you need eye contact with your clients - naturally. But without any eye protection, over a long period, damage will occur. And that's where I'm at - my eyes are very, very sensitive to light and I can get a bit panicky if I find myself misplacing them. In our 'Instructors Bible' we advise our own instructors to wear sunglasses, but remove them when talking to clients. A wide brimmed hat will improve things, but it's the reflection off the water that I think does the damage. So even on a day like today, when it's overcast, the sunglasses are never far away. I don't suppose that's interesting in the slightest!

Great to see Argyle win on the weekend!! Come on you Greens! Green Army!

Magic Monday

2011-09-26T15:23:00.005+01:00

"Today I don't feel like doing anything, I just wanna go for a surf, 2 to 3ft on the sets, tuck inside a sucky left, 'cause today I swear I'm not doing anything - except go for a surf! No, no no, no no no ... go for a surf!" Thanks Bruno.

Oh here comes Janey, back on your balls! I can't lie, I've been in for a few this morning. Having missed the weekend because of paintballing (when you get hit on the head from close range it feels like someones trying to break your skull open with a small hammer) and other stuff, it was only right that the rubber was donned and I tickled into a few first thing. Jolly good it was too, the magic was flowing through the turns, it's hard to hold class back - well that's the adage my very old latin teacher used to use when the bell went.

So here I am in the office and there's no-one in! I'm all on my lonesome. Kelly and Wailin are on the front line giving some tuition from the top drawer, Sarah and Rach are days off. And Janey's gone up to the house. So it's just you and me! And you know what that means - we go crazy!

Okay Crazy Monday - but this is just between you and me okay, don't tell Sarah who's back in the shop on Thursday. If you buy anything from our on-line shop over the next couple of days (ie before Sarah comes back in) you can have a 10% discount - all you have to do is pop in this code Loyal1b2011. So think Christmas, think hoodies, think calendars - it's all here for you. I'll leave that with you - and don't forget, it's your own time your wasting!

Surf's Up! Shorts..... heatwave on the way this week and the surf forecast is as follows;

Monday 2ft, Tuesday 2ft, Wednesday 2ft, Thursday 3ft, Friday 3ft

- light South-easterly winds from tomorrow for the rest of the week, wave period between 9 and 11 seconds.

What's the wave period? The gap between the wave... the bigger the gap, the better the wave. For example, 5 seconds = locally generated wind swell, rubbish. 14 seconds = long distance travelled swell, bonza! NB. Local wind affects the shape and quality of the wave, not neccessarily the size. A wind with a bit of Easterly is generally accepted as the best at Polzy to hold the face up. If you get the combo of long travelled swell and offshore breezes, the only other determining factor on how good the waves will be, is how the sand is lying on the sea bed ie the sand banks over which the waves break. And at the moment.. the sand is lying good, real good. Here endeth today's surfing lethon.

Hang on, phone's ringing..... chap from India want's to know if I'm keen to sell Homer Park?! Sold that about four years ago! Onwards....

Other shorts... little article in this month's Wavelength about yours truly.. although we could go mad on publicity, we actually quite like just working on recommendation, I think there's long term strength in that, so the article is a bit of a one off. Oh and thanks for the Olympic Flame nomination re. Boardriders. I'm not one for awards and stuff but that one is actually pretty cool. It's a bit like the X factor with a further cull towards the new year, so I don't actually know yet whether I'm going to have to train for the 200 yds!

Hang on, another call... what's up with Mumbai today.. grr, they're driving me nuts!!

"No I ain't gonna to comb my hair, 'cause I ain't going anywhere. No, no, no. No, no, no. No, no, no, no, no, no..

Hugs and kisses.

OW!

2011-09-25T08:59:00.006+01:00

Billy and his mates waited for what seemed like years to go Paint balling for the first time - you have to be in yr 7. But the day arrived and that day was yesterday. Joined up with a crew from Tintagel to do battle. I have to admit that when you get hit on the top of the head it feels like someone's trying to break open your skull with a small hammer. Body shots, not so bad, but anywhere that isn't protected such as bonce and hands... it really hurts!!

The Dads discussed beforehand that we'd take part, but go easy on the kids... it should have been the other way around!

Drop Everything

2011-09-24T10:01:00.006+01:00

If you had any plans today, can I suggest that you change them! Polzy is firing - 3- 4ft, light wind from the South.

Sweet as

2011-09-23T09:43:00.005+01:00

Sweet as this morning - head high on the sets, no wind. Definitely worth suiting up for and no horses in the line- up.

Eight eggs from the chickens this morning! They must be happy chickens. Got in a bit of a head spin when the flymo fired up.

King's Troop part 2

2011-09-22T10:32:00.009+01:00

The King's Troop were back on the beach this morning - and apart from one of the riders breaking his leg, and a couple of horses bolting back to camp - one with jockey, one without - I think it went pretty well!

Surf's Up! shorts: Cat still missing : The chickens are doing well, I'm thinking of taking some photos to put in my albumen (you can have that one): I let them go free range yesterday, there was fantastic face off between Nugget and Libby, our black Lab... they were black nose, to yellow beak. Libby retreated gracefully giving it the old sideways white of the eyes worried look : surf today? head high, bit onshore, sun is out.. and the ice cream van has arrived, that'll be a Feast Original for me then.

Wellingtons are definitely going to catch on, loving them.. oh and an umbrella, the combo just works... is this an age thing? To be honest, it was wellies or Crocs. Shoes with holes in? Not for me : Two companies (one might be owned by the other) that I think are just the best example of what's possible in troubled times, Premier Inn and Costa, the Costa drive through, genius : Oh and postie Ken who's just been in for a chin wag asked how Billy's leg was. I've heard two Polzeath rumours recently, one was that Billy broke his leg and the second was that we're moving to Australia, neither are true or have any foundation whatsoever! I can only think that the local gossip mongers must be having a lean spell. You can't make it up,... actually you can and they do! Saddos!

Tinkling

2011-09-21T14:13:00.011+01:00

Not a lot of people know this, but one of my great loves is the piano. And when we haven't got guests staying in our flat (not because I sound like Les Dawson, but because it's where the piano is kept) I play quite a lot. I was tinkling away only a short while ago and I was reminded of a funnyish story from a couple of years ago.

We took a group of local kids over to Brittany for a surf camp, where we stayed in this gothic mansion. It had three floors and a dungeon - great for scaring the kids on halloween (which it was). In the large lounge stood this white grand piano. Over the week, I'd sit down from time to time and play a few notes but not used to public performances kept it to a minimum. Anyway, I can't remember exactly how it happened, but one afternoon following a blinding morning surf, and gaining in confidence I let rip with a rendition of the Theme from Love Story. Mikey, who was in the next room, came and sat down on the long stool beside me to listen. Once I'd finished he was full of praise, seemed genuinely impressed and took it upon himself to gather the kids, so that I could give a repeat performance to them. I really, really didn't want to, but peer group pressure from the kids all sat behind me, was overwhelming. So I took a big deep breathe and gave it a go. It's funny how silly little things like this can make a grown man so nervous. It went well I thought - less Les Dawson than I'd imagined. And not bad considering my last outing would have been as an eight year old at a school concert.

Pleased with my performance and delighted to have finished, I turned to accept the justified praise, only to find that they'd all gone, tipped toed out of the room and left me to play all by myself. Oh yes, very funny. Very funny indeed. Textbook.

Mikey works for BT now - I might just remember that little episode when I next see him up a pole. Might have to take his ladder away when he's not looking - who'll be laughing then eh! "Say sorry Mikey? Say "please Petey, o great one, can I have my ladder back?""

That was one hell of a holiday - some of the best waves I've ever surfed, even got barrelled on a swelly. Solid overhead most days. Crozon Peninsula, don't say I didn't tell you.

ps horses gave it a miss today, but they're down on the beach again in the morning and on Sunday.

Kings Troop

2011-09-20T10:38:00.010+01:00

The horses are back - The Kings Troop - they like a good canter around the beach, catching an early wave. I think it's the grooms that come down to ride them. Although one of the main men of the platoon (?) was there. I asked him whether these were the horses that were used for the Royal Wedding. Sadly not, but he went... as an usher! Also referred to I believe as a 'paid gentleman' .... one of a crew of ten from the military. That's the 'Fact of the Day'.

Now this is the sort of e-mail you like to get of a morning - and I quote -

"WOW – Just wanted to say a belated THANK YOU for not only the totally Stunning Calendar of Polzeath but the totally efficient way in which my order was taken and processed and sent out – a Wonder in a world where customer service is sometimes lacking, but not down with you."

We aim to please. If you haven't bought one of our calendars yet, then dive on in. One of the months shows a photos from when the horses came down last year.

Chicken!

2011-09-16T14:38:00.004+01:00

The chickens have excelled themselves today, six eggs. Four chickens, six eggs! Okay they can stay! Here's Nora.

Findog holding Nugget, Nora looking on, Drummers bottom on right.

Tour of Britain

2011-09-16T08:52:00.006+01:00

Stoked with this photo! The Tour of Britain rolled across Dartmoor yesterday. With the likes of Hushovd, Thomas and the main man, the legend that is Mark Cavendish in the line up, it was a must see event.

There's Cav, as I know him (!), in the white colours of HTC sitting in his usual low position, keeping out of the wind. It's a strange spectator event. You sit on the side of the road for two hours, the tension builds as motor bikes and support vehicles start to come through, then you see the helicopter.. by the time the riders arrive the atmosphere is electric. And then they're through, quick as that. Actually we were quite lucky that there were two break away groups - so we had at least seven minutes of action!

From high up on the Dartmoor, I then went over the Exmouth to see the final sprint. Exactly the same build up - it's pretty awesome. Loved it.

Decisions, decisions

2011-09-14T11:53:00.003+01:00

The surf has dropped off a bit this morning - still a good size mind and it's cleaned up heaps. We've had a meeting this morning about next years clothing range and yeah, quite excited about what's in store (or will be in store). Few new ideas bouncing around and some blue sky thinking - inspired by the sun's re-appearance. My head is spinning!

It's been too long

2011-09-13T10:09:00.005+01:00

It's been too long .. and to have all this humour inside and not share it with you guys. It's selfish I know.

The forecast was "Great Expectations". What we actually got was more, "Wuthering Heights!" The spin off from Hurricane Katia had the potential, in combo with a good spring tide, to create quite a stir at Polzeath. We moved the trailer off the beach two nights in a row in anticipation of a 'biggy'. But in reality, apart from observing the disconsolate man staring into his BMW as if at the round window of a Zanussi ZWG (should have shut your door mate, one more spin cycle, then you can stick it in the drier!) - there was little to cheer about. The highest surge just about reached the top of the beach. 'Much Ado about Nothing' I'm afraid. (You'll notice I'm taking you on a tour of 'book titles that I know' collection. Did you know? I got an 'A' level in English even though I never read the book, Middlemarch - the principle novel of the exams. Genius - although to be fair the grade was poor! There's a lesson there somewhere.)

Of course, if you want to see the last real storm here at Polzy and you haven't already seen it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOAKZLwHhXU - you won't believe it. And who's that handsome, young man?

Surf's Up! Shorts - last weekend I headed off to Swansea with Findog for a footie match, we stayed there over night. Went to the local water slide place, but had no shorts. Had to buy a fine pair of drawstrings! I looked just like my Dad. None of you were there were you? Phew! : Billy's started Secondary School - all seems to be going well. I remember when I was at school, admittedly a long time ago it used to really bug me when kids would bring in notes from home (NTC - not to change) to say they couldn't play games. I tried taking one into Chemistry once (NTC - not to chemistry) but was forced to do the periodic table. Not fair! : first couple of weeks of September have been surprisingly busy considering the weather, it's all been a bit Kamizakee (bit of a nip in the air), surf's been okay though : sold those last remaining wetsuits in about 5 mins : few Beach House dates available back end of September and early October if you fancy coming on down, best price, best price, you wan cheap watch? : off to see the Tour of Britain bike race on Thursday passing over Dartmoor, looking forward to seeing how fast they really go : Kelly Slater remains the man to beat on the ASP World Tour, can he really win 11 titles? Amazing.

Our chickens have laid some eggs - we're getting about two a day, which from my point of view, balancing work / reward ratio, is poor quite frankly. But they're sweet (and sour), that'll be the marinade I wash them in at night or as they know it, 'bath time'.

It's a given

2011-09-08T12:06:00.003+01:00

Sarah's day off - I'm manning the shop. This is a mistake as I'm being creative!! Ladies size 14 winter West wetsuits - we've got three left - yours for £40 reduced from £150!! And everything on-line, no post and packing, for a few days until Sarah notices. Can't say fairer than that.

We thought it'd be a bit quieter today and then I noticed Wailin surrounded by the trailer on the beach!

Summer Report

2011-09-07T10:07:00.002+01:00

I am going to do a Summer Round-up. Should be able to get around to it in next couple of days. It's all gone quiet now - that'll be the kids back to school and bad weather combo! Windy woo. Not that it stops our clients from heading in.

Just a bit cross!

2011-08-31T14:00:00.005+01:00

Turns out Esme has been lost 250 miles away. The people who took her had a big black rottweiller and our best guess is that as soon as they opened the front door, she decided she was outta there, no doubt onto the busy road at the end of the terrace! Unfortunately the cat nappers seem to have taken on absolutely no responsibility to help find her, so we went there ourselves on Bank Holiday Monday, stayed overnight and have done our own door to door search. But with no luck so far.

It is soo frustrating! We've had her since she was a kitten, she's 6 now. I was trying to work it out, give or take a week here or there for holidays she's been with us for 2280 days. You form bonds and we're responsible for her. She used to come with me to walk the dog around the field in the evening or walk down to the beach to do the final trailer pack. In the evening she'd settle on Fin's bed whilst he went to sleep and then I'd put her out when it was time for me turn in. She was part of the family. Why someone chose to take her I have no idea. And then having discovered that she did have a home, lose her? And then having lost her, make no efforts to find her. It's beyond belief really and very, very selfish. So unnecessary. Bit of a sad cloud hangs over the Craskie household at the moment. I know, I know, she's just a cat. Doesn't mean that we shouldn't care.

Smelly Poo Protest

2011-08-27T08:03:00.005+01:00

Our cat Esme went missing - so we went in search. We know that the local caravan park is a favourite and only a short meander away. People had seen here around, but not for the last few days. So we put up a load of posters to see if we could get some info. We thought she perhaps had been locked in a caravan by mistake, sneaked in as someone packed up to go home - so we checked all the empty caravans. But no success.

To cut a long story short and following many, many search missions. We found her. In a locked caravan? No. Got stuck in a bin? No. Got shut in the old white house? No. No we found her in Stoke on Trent!

I'm not sure exactly what happened yet, but someone must have fed her, thought she was a stray and bundled her into the car at the end of their holiday. I can't quite get my head around this because if you know cats, you'd know that if you feed them and encourage them, they'll be your best friend. But that doesn't mean they're stray. Esme looks far from a stray, she just likes chicken! It's one thing to feed a cat for a few days and quite another to then bundle them into the car. And I do think that if they'd really thought about it, they'd have asked at reception if anyone knew who the cat belonged too. Driving past reception they must have known they were doing something wrong. She's well known to most people on the camp site. What makes me laugh is she's not a good traveller - howls like a banshee after 400 metres. Hit the 5 mile mark and she'll release a stinky poo protest unlike anything you've ever smelt before. We've had to make an emergency evacuation of the car before now!

They're driving her back today (from Stoke on Trent) - it'll be great to see her.

Green Army! Great news last night that Plymouth Argyle are to survive- we got the news at the boys training. On a selfish level, it would have been a bit of a blow for the boys had they gone out of business. It's tough to get in. The Cardiff supporters and coach were very complimentary about the way Billy played after the match on the weekend and they had him down as the one to watch. That's my boy!

Bank holiday weekend - here we go! Is it going to be busy? I have no idea. Weather looks okay. Better than yesterday. But the surf was cranking - had a few sweet rides. Oh, and let's look out for the waves from Hurricane Irene - normally takes about a week for the swell to get here. It's always the best type of swell, long travelled, big gaps between the sets - happy days. I'll keep you posted on when it's expected to arrive so you can get down here.

2011-08-24T11:42:00.002+01:00

Here we go - a nice little wave to be had and really not that busy.

Now then, what's to report? Sooo much driving, that's all I know! Went up to Cardiff over the weekend, Billy had a footie match. Now I understand what it's like when visitors make the long drive home. It took us six hours to get to Wales! And they lost 4 - 0, that was the bad news. Good news, Billy played a stormer. The score line isn't a true reflection of the game - the oppo had two teams and Plymouth ran out of legs in the end on what was a scorching day.How do you walk around the turrets of a Castle? Caerphilly! Someone had to say it.

And the chickens are here!! Jalfrezi, Drummer, Nugget and Nora, picked them up yesterday and they're all bedded in, happy chucks.

Bang!

2011-08-17T10:10:00.003+01:00

The British Firework Championships down at Plymouth were pretty cool last night. Couldn't believe how many people were there! Thousands and thousands! It's on again tonight 9.30pm.

Janey's staying down in Thurlestone for the week with the boys - I stay behind to keep an eye on the empire. With a good team behind us, I'm able to travel over most days. Don't really know that stretch of coast that well, but loved North Sands and Salcombe. Oh and we went to Quay West in Paignton. Quay West is the number one water park in the UK! Exactly, I didn't hold out much hope either. But much to my surprise it was really good, loads of fun. We've been to water parks all over the world, and if the way you judge a water park is fun per square inch, Quay West does it for me. Because the rides are short, twisty and fast, banging your head on the side is a given. Cool thing is you can wear wetsuits - pure genius.

Speaking of genius, two other nice surprises this week (slow news day) - David Sedaris, listened to him on Radio 4 - that man is hilarious. And Captain Flint's in Salcombe - pizza and pasta family restaurant. With a queue forming down the road at 5.30pm prior to opening, you know they must be doing something right. Highly recommended - great food, but more importantly with kids, quick, quick service and delivery of grub.

Back to the beach - the mixed bag of weather has not been that great. But then again, not too bad either. Surf's been okay. It's been quieter at the surf school generally this summer - we're cool with that. The shop on the other hand is doing great, well against the general trend on the beach I'd imagine. Not that that is relevant. We've put together some really cool Surf's Up! branded gear this year, and it's really apparent that whereas we used to just sell our hoodies etc just to our surf school clients, the shop is as popular with those who are buying the gear just because they like what's on offer, those who have seen others walking around in our stuff and come and find our shop. I think that's very positive and one reason why we're bringing the on-line shop right up to date. It's definitely opened our eyes as to where we want to go with it.

2012 Calendars - just in

2011-08-12T16:45:00.003+01:00

A few snaps that we've taken of Polzeath assembled on an A3 format calendar, yes A3 - really pleased with it. Limited run of 500! Sweet - available through the on-line shop from .... now! £12!

Online Store

2011-08-12T08:34:00.006+01:00

It's a big job, but it's starting to come together. We've got some great stock in the shop at the minute (thanks Sarah) but I'm pretty lazy when it comes to putting it all up on our online shop.I made a start yesterday with the help of Nephew Jordan who's been updating on the Mac. It's beginning to take shape. Reckon we'll have it nailed in a few days.

Thanks to Billyman and Fin and their cousins Charlie, Alice and Jamie who flew in especially all the way from Hong Kong to do their photos!

Take Action

2011-08-10T09:59:00.002+01:00

Loving the vigilantes defending their own communities. Good on 'em. The yoofs have shown themselves to be ignorant and stupid. Looting Lidl's? Honestly! Waitrose or the Marks and Sparks Food hall, now that I could understand!

Surf today? Like my wife, small but perfectly formed!

Let's just take a moment....

2011-08-09T11:22:00.004+01:00

We may be a long way from the city, but our thoughts are with the families and businesses affected by the mindless violence last night. I watched Sky News until the early hours of the morning, stunned, like most people no doubt at what was unfolding.

Hats off to the lady in the red coat sat at the bus stop, sitting patiently for the number 42 whilst all around was carnage. You wait for a bus and then....... none come along! Hm, I blame the glaziers - they started it.

If you've read The Master Strategist (I recommend it) Mr. Patel discusses that this age we live in is the tipping point, where the best of everything can be the worst of everything. Developments in communication, warfare, medicine, technology, transport etc - can all have very positive effects on our lives but at the same time can be very destructive. Social networks, blueberries etc can bring a swift call to arms - and that is very dangerous, particularly in the hands of a disenfranchised youth. The other side, is we can all take photos of the hooligans on the mobile phones and give them to the police.

Blast from the past

2011-08-02T08:52:00.007+01:00

The boys are back in town - Nigel on the left and Ben on the right. I'm the pretty one in the middle! Ben and Nigel came to the surf school in our first year. Nigel choosing us because we were the only school that gave a hand written reply to their enquiry (the others must have had typewriters) so this was back in 1995. They visit now and again and it's always great to have a catch up. I love these guys. We went for a couple of surf's together - sun out 3ft on the sets, sweet as.

Ben runs the Black Bottle in Winchester, if you're passing pop in and say hi. There's no bar, you get your drinks from wall dispensers. Brilliant. And if you need to get there from Portsmouth then Nige may well be driving your train! Top blokes - happy days.

Now on a more sombre note - if you follow our blog (I say, our. I mean, my) you'll know that we go to Plymouth a lot - five times this week in fact, for the boys footie training. We got invited for a meeting at Home Park last night with all the junior squads which was very interesting. (They say that one in 10,000 junior players make it, but once you're in a club squad that figure goes down to one in ten! All to play for.) Anyway last Saturday we went into the City centre for a few bits and pieces. We couldn't believe what we were seeing - five shops in Drakes Circus have closed down and the less said about the two main shopping streets the better. It's as if, all of sudden, business owners have got out while they can. It is dire and actually quite shocking!

Polzeath has been quiet. Very quiet. Camps sites at the end of July a quarter full compared with full last year. We're protected at the surf school a bit because we get a lot of schools pre-booked, we're not reliant on passing trade, but even we're quieter than normal. Having said that the shop is up on last year following a strong July - against the odds! Yippee! And I have a theory on this. Firstly, we've got a lot more choice - it's not just hoodies and tees anymore. We've got a whole range of men's, women's and kids clothing plus own brand wetsuits. People have commented when they visit the shop that there's so much to choose from now. And secondly, I think we've got the pricing spot on. The Surf's Up! philosophy has always been to make what we do accessible to all - the surf lessons for example are £26 - in Newquay or Harlyn it'll be nearer the £40 mark! And yet the quality of the lesson, I would say, is the best on offer anywhere. And the hoodies for example, start at £25 and go up to £35 (the ones that came in yesterday are stunning!), compared to £50 plus for a main brand name. So it's a part of our business that we're really happy with - well done Sarah. I should say that the beach team is doing a fantastic job and following a chat with Wailin yesterday we're going to be working hard to keep the same team together for next year.

The other side of the business, the Beach House - has also been rocking and rolling.

Surf today? 2ft, light winds - sun trying to break through. I'm going to tickle into a few at low tide with the boys.

2011-07-26T16:20:00.001+01:00

Big Sam ripping it up this afternoon. Busy on the beach.

Surf, Surf, Surf

2011-07-26T14:29:00.005+01:00

The surf's been lining up beautifully the last few days. Two to three foot, light breeze. Even I have been hitting it hard! Twice already today and it's only two o'clock. Last night was epic. I'd enjoyed a really good session earlier in the day and when I came down to do the final trailer pack, I thought "Hang on, there's some fun to be had out there" the returning instructors, confirming my suspicions. So I paddled out at about 9.30pm, with the light fading fast and the sun long gone. The great thing about late night surfing is that the faces on the waves are jet black, it makes them look much bigger. Timing the take off is a challenge as they look steeper than they are. So a few went by that I should have caught, but the last one was worth waiting for in the 3ft plus range. Happy days.

Let me introduce you to the sheep in the field next to our house. Our dog Libby has learned not to chase them, which is pretty cool. She was right next to me when I took this photo last night, hence the faces all looking up in my direction. It was exactly at this point that I wondered about going for another surf - it's already looking a bit gloomy.

(ps slow news day)

Misty

2011-07-25T12:01:00.003+01:00

I didn't bother bringing my camera down this morning. I don't have a mist filter! Good news is that it's clearing up - so we can now see the surf! 1-2ft, glass, overcast. And really not that busy on the beach. The Police were busy warning everyone that this was the 'great getaway' and that the roads would be packed - but that hasn't been the case. Not yet anyway. Driving to and from Plymouth yesterday there was very little traffic around and the campsites are still very quiet. Personally, I think it's a good thing. There's room for everyone to move. As businesses you just cut your cloth accordingly. But I'm not sure everyone will agree.

Update - sun's out, and there's a few people about!

The sun is out, the sky is blue

2011-07-21T09:14:00.006+01:00

Went to watch Joseph at St. Minver School yesterday - both performances, wasn't going to miss Billy in his 'ensemble and hairy Ishmalite' role. What a huge amount of effort must have gone into that. There were a few tears in the hall. I expect there will be more on Friday, when the seven years they've been together, comes to an end.

The sun is out today, sun and surf - 2ft, bit onshore but no-ones complaining. It's been a bit miserable the past few days. I think everyone's expecting a mass arrival of holiday makers on the weekend, so fair weather is what we want. It's been so much quieter generally around on the beach in June and July, people just haven't been around. Scary to think that we're nearly into August.

Rhys - ripping it up

2011-07-19T14:19:00.003+01:00

Here's one of our Surf's Up! Elite riders, Rhys enjoying some shack time in France. photo courtesy of Tim Nunn. Way to go Rhys, way to go!

2011-07-19T09:59:00.004+01:00

That's Jonny Boy modelling the new tops! He does have a head! Jonny Boy came into the office yesterday for what he thought was a ticking off having not closed down the shop properly the night before. He looked quite scared! I had to explain to him that firstly, yes, we would like him to turn off the lights, computers tv etc. But secondly, he should hold his head up high because he's doing a really great job, working hard and getting lots of good feed back from his students. Make sure our clients have a good time and are looked after - that's all we really care about. Lights, computers - it's not something we're going to lose sleep over.

Weather today? bit wet as it goes - should brighten up later. Surf's not so bad - 3-4ft moderate North-West breeze.

Jenga

2011-07-18T23:08:00.004+01:00

Anyone else get the feeling that all this hacking saga is a bit like watching a game of Jenga - you just know eventually that it's all going to come crashing down and then spread much wider then you ever could have imagined. In the City, for example? There must be hacking going on amongst the banking world with so much money on the line. There must be. Of course the fear if you're a celebrity is finding out that you haven't been hacked. The shame of it.

New Stock

2011-07-18T16:31:00.006+01:00

It's all here - nice shiny new stock that's been flying off the shelves since the delivery last week! The long sleeve hooded tops (thin hoodies) are a revelation and I'd take them all except that apparently we need to have them in the shop! Taking some photos tomorrow - and then they'll go on-line. If you want one, you'll need to be quick. Limited editions. Ooooh.

Rain, rain, go away, come back in September!

Just sanctioned Kelly's trip to France to support Toby in the Pro Juniors. Fingers crossed on that one. Toby's had a bit of time out, but has come back with avengence. When he says he's not surfing very well, he'll follow the statement up with a 360 aerial, it's all relative I guess. Good to see him back and firing. Good luck.

Keepy uppy records broken this weekend. Billyman - 410, Findog - 110. Interested? Thought not, but I have no further news.

Yes I do. Well done Tom on The Apprentice. Loving your work. He's one of those guys who was born to wear glasses. Such a great look.

Trail Blazers

2011-07-15T18:13:00.007+01:00

Three of our Surf's Up! Boardrider - Elite Division in training tonight. I'd like to say that I taught them all they know but sadly that's just not the case - we can thank Kelly (Snoop Dog ) for that.

Here's Maximus...

...Tobimus, and

Liamimus!

ps. need a bigger lens. "Janey!" "What?" "I need a bigger lens!" "Old Chinese proverb say - You don't get good shopping, you don't get no lens!" "I love you!" Birthday coming up, perhaps if I'm a really good boy.....

Getting earlier

2011-07-15T11:48:00.007+01:00

7.30am surf this morning! Getting earlier. Only a few in, enjoyed a few good rides. Lost none of the magic!

Took some snaps last night. Busy, busy, busy in the water as the sun set. Counted fifty in the line-up. That's what happens following a poor run of surf - surfers come from everywhere.

Janey sent me off to Tesco's yesterday, "Fill the fridge" she said. So I did, turns out they had some chocolate mousses on special offer and now as instructed the fridge is full. Fin is stoked. Janey is not! Apparently I was supposed to buy stuff for tea! Poor instructions.

Had a school group from Newquay up to surf and chat about 'business'. A nice bunch. I was asked if I had one bit of advice to give anyone just starting their business. I answered, "Keep a close eye on the figures!" Something that would make my missus laugh a lot (or is that scoff!) as that's something I've never been very good at. It's probably the right message to send from my head, but my heart would say, "make sure you enjoy it."

Wailo sat next to me in the office doing the staff rota. If he scratches his head any harder he'll catch his hair on fire.

Not quite a dawny!

2011-07-14T09:35:00.003+01:00

That was great. Not epic, 2ft with a very random 3ft set thrown in just to tease the surfing buds and keep you guessing where the next wave is going to come in! But great to get wet! Met up with a few of the Surf's Up! crew who were already in - Dee, Ryan and Luke and a few clients that I'd taught five years ago. The sun is shining and spirits are high. ps I got in about 8.30ish, I'm not sure that qualifies for 'dawny status', but I'm sure going to claim it.

Okay a few facts to keep everyone in the loop. There was a report last week that of the 700 homes in Polzeath, 400 are holiday homes! (I might check those figures). Holiday booking agents and caravan parks are reporting okay trade for the summer, most are nearly booked up but unlike normal years, there's not a mad clamour. And generally local businesses are saying that June was very quiet. As for Surf's Up! - the shop was down 3% in June but is some 230% up on 2010 overall for the year, mainly due to a fantastic April holiday period (thanks Will and Katie). Oh and of course Sarah, who's doing a great job. My sister is around with her kids at the moment so we get some really good outsider feedback about every department. Which is always good to have. Having said that, I think it's important that if you delegate, that you trust those people delegated to do a job. And we have. Was it the Facebook chap that said that the value of his company was in his top twenty managers - something like that. The surf school? The surf school appears to be ticking along nicely. We're in that ridiculous position having changed the company set up, that we'll be more profitable if we're quieter! Which is a nice position to be in during economically tough times, but shows the tax system to be completely flawed and negative. Let's not get me on that subject!! Let's not spoil the mood!

Reflection

2011-07-13T23:42:00.005+01:00

If you read the blog yesterday re. the running, I went back and re-wrote it. I do that quite a lot as it goes. And I think it makes better sense now.

Surf's been pretty small the last couple of days - new swell expected in the morning, probably much to the delight of the instructors. They get a bit twitchy when they can't go surfing. Where there's a will there's a wave, that's what I always tell them. Of course most of the team have never seen me rise early for the dawn patrol surf and to be fair it's a distant memory. All snuggled up under the duvet - I can wait. Creating the largest surf school in the world put pay to the early morning splash. I prefer the sunset surf. But I did do it - it's a part of any surfers right of passage. And I did it just like they do it now - get in before work. Except that I used to do it up in Bude when I was starting out as an instructor. Having said that, you know what? I might just set the alarm for the morning and forgo the bacon and eggs. That'll surprise 'em!

The Big Pond

2011-07-12T22:16:00.023+01:00

Okay so I'm his Dad! It's quite hard to write about what Billy did today, without sounding like a complete idiot. However, I have the record books on my side. The event was the Cornwall County Athletic Track Championships over at Par, try saying that when you've had a few. The best that Cornwall has to offer. Billy entered the U11 800m, it's what he wanted to run.

The race started at 1.25pm and went as follows. The start was pretty crazy. One lad went steaming off down the track, Billy followed in hot pursuit. It just looked too fast to be sustained. Slow, slow, slow I urged Billy in my head. This was a race not a time trial. We had a plan, this was not it! But to no avail, the two continued at such an astonishing pace, completing the first lap quite a distance ahead of the others, On the bell, Billy was sat on his shoulder, looking focused and strong. Something surely had to give. This pace couldn't continue. Forty metres later and the other lad hit the wall. He dropped right off the pace leaving Billy now out front on his own. I think we all expected Billy to drop back to the pack too, but he did exactly the opposite, he stepped it up and got quicker. As he came down round the top bend and onto the home straight he was in full flow, sprinting with real purpose. He crossed the line as the others were just beginning the straight. The timekeepers checked their stop watches. "Two minutes 27!" came the shout. "Two minutes 27 secs?" They looked at each other. "What's the county record?"

"Were you going for the record?" Janey asked him later. "No, I kept thinking that big boy was going to put in a late charge!" He was indeed a very tall lad, but had Billy cared to look sideways he would have seen him about half a lap behind. Billy had retained his unbeaten running record but what I was more interested in is how his time compared to his peers around the country.

The Cornwall U11 record is 2mins 34 secs. Having researched on the internet the fastest time I can find throughout the UK whether it be club, county or event records, is two minutes 29 secs and that's the only one I can find in the 20's. He beat both and could have gone faster. He had plenty left in the tank. So what does that mean? That he's the fastest 11 yr old ever in UK? - it's a lovely if unrealistic thought, there must be a better time/s out there somewhere. No, what it is, is reassuring, that's what it is. When you live in Cornwall you can feel a bit cut off from the rest of the planet - this can be a positive thing, and it can be a negative. With our boys and their hobbies, the fear is that it's a negative, so we're always mindful of it. If football and running are to be Billy's main focus, maybe even career (follow your dream) then keeping in touch with what's going on in the bigger picture, outside of Cornwall is important. No point being a big fish in a small pond. So this was the first measurable chance to see how he stacked up against his contemporary's throughout the UK on a level playing field (ie a set distance on a track), to compare times with other counties and clubs.... and the reality is that he's gone out and put in a performance that would be the quickest in most regions (2.34 seems a popular county record) if not all. In other words, he's doing great. And that's very reassuring and relevant, particularly as he approaches Yr 7 and Secondary next term and we think about a school that will get the best out of him and help him to fulfil his dreams. Oh decisions, decisions.

Billyman crosses the line - the others are there somewhere!

I know, I know, banging on about my boys again! But hey, when your flesh and blood does good, you're bursting with pride. Bring back the guest bloggers! Whatever did happen to them?) I'm not going to stop there either. I'm going to press on with family matters! Findog was also at the event. He battled through his heat to pick up a hard fought bronze in the sprint final, an event that we entered him into by mistake (he's a long distance man and should have run in the 600m). Anyway, he took his chance and ran his little legs off! Tough following in big brothers footsteps, but he's come to realise that if he gets his head down he too can mix it up. His time will surely come. Great run boys, great day. We're keeping up with the big pond.

Findog on the left - he's not used to running this fast without a ball at his feet! His school report commented that Fin has a fifth appendage, a football permanently attached to his left hip wherever he goes.

Full for Bouncing

2011-07-11T13:22:00.002+01:00

If you tried to send us an e-mail over the weekend, I'm afraid it would have bounced. Our e-mail box was full - not in-house but on our providers. Just needed to go into the system to delete a few Mbs off the mainframe. All done now. So if you did send us a message and you haven't had a reply yet, our apologies, perhaps you could re-send. Cheers big ears.

Janey Directions

2011-07-11T09:49:00.009+01:00

Can I just point out to my Missus that when her friend says on the phone, "We're near the big hill, not Brae Hill" that that means the one near Rock, not Daymer! That was some expedition carrying all the wetsuits, BBQ, food, drink, chairs and towels around at high tide. Fun was had on arrival where Billy's Year 6 had congregated for beach games and grub. Bit of an informal leavers party.

Got the surveyor man in the house doing some measuring. This is the last year of us renting out half our house, we're going to join it all up. We've had visitors staying downstairs in the summer for the last 15 years, but now the boys are bigger, we could do with the space. We're looking at putting internal stairs in to join up the two levels and Janey's talking about building a mezzanine on the top floor. But I'm not convinced we need a Greek Tapas Bar in the house.

So that was the end of the News of the World. Had to buy the last edition as I've been a reader for many years. The inside section displayed all the best front pages since it began. Just illustrated to me exactly why I'm not going to miss it. Yesterday's NotW, today's fish and chip paper.

and there's more

2011-07-11T09:21:00.030+01:00

Continuing on from my last blog.... when I got home, cucumber on the eyes, avocado face mask, panpipes and I was restored to normal stress settings! Not quite true (what are you talking about Pete, none of the aforementioned is true!), I have spent the last two days with the vision of this Black Golf 1.6 careering around the corner, imprinted on my brain. Lunacy. Reckless. Selfish. In hindsight what I should have done was not worry about becoming a youtube middle aged angry man lycra sensation and popped him one on the nose then and there. Jab to the nose followed by a knee to the nuts. Jab to the nose, knee to nuts. Jab nose, knee nuts. Nose, nuts. Nose, nuts. Develop a bit of a rhythm. Nose, nuts. Jab, knee. Did I just say that out loud? Turns out he went to College the next day and bragged about it. Ho,hum. The yoof of today - no respect innit! I blame Cher and all that Swagger Jagger.

In my fragile state I've treated myself to some new shoes. I had a meeting to attend down in Falmouth and I observed on the drive down a pong emanating from the foot well. My Snuk’s had got wet and there's nothing more smelly than a damp Snuk! I rushed to the shops to invest in some ‘Hey Dudes’ - similar to Snuk’s but with a rather chunky sole. In my hurry I had missed this fact, and so I know possess a pair of slip-ons similar in style to what my Dad might wear! I call them my 'special shoes'! They smell lovely. (ps I've been asked to leave Tesco's before now for shopping in bare feet! On the basis that I wash my feet daily and my shoes, never - why's that?!)

Yesterday was strange. After the boy's training at HMS Raleigh, we quite often head along to Mount Edgecumbe to give Libby a quick walk and swim. It’s a place that’s very good for the soul, sitting on the bank with an ice cream, watching the boats sail past. Last week I noticed a sign advertising a Photographic Course in the grounds of the historic house which I thought might be beneficial. So I booked on. £25 for a full day, seemed like great value.

On arrival at the designated meeting point it was immediately clear that this was a social group that I would not normally have been part of. We’d been brought together by a love of creativity. However, it was clear that within the structure of the assembled, the severity of any affliction, most notably limps, gave you higher social standing than the quality of your digital SLR. There were more walking sticks than at a fell walkers convention. Simply getting from A to B proved far more challenging and time-consuming than any efforts to compose shots, set f-stops and select shutter speeds. The morning was spent listening to an informative talk, then venturing into the private garden to take snaps of the flowers and bugs. Not a particular love of mine, but a worthwhile mission trying something different.

Come lunch time we were ready to refuel. One lady, who had clearly spent a lot of time stationed at the 'eat all you can' buffet revealed, to raised eye brows, that she indeed was the one who was the sole vegetarian in the group. A wonder of science. My mind imagined a field of wandering heffers and how they too grew to quite a size eating just grass. I concluded that this lady must comfortably be satisfying her five a day quota and therefore would be internally extremely healthy and quite probably, regular. I caught her sneaking a piece of chocolate cake into her bag, “for my friend.” That’ll be the imaginary friend then. To her credit, she was walking ‘sans stick’. Not a speedy walker on the flat. On downhill stretches she was able to build up a good head of speed which would see her pass us on the next uphill stretch, annnd on the way back down again, as she rolled past uncontrollably having just come up short of the brow. Back and forth she went in the gullies. Anyone watching us, could have been mistaken for thinking we were watching Nadal and Federer knocking up.

The afternoon resumed with a lengthy (in time, but short in distance) walk to the pond where the ducks became the focus of our lenses. With the promise of a Photoshop workshop back at the Mansion House, I made my excuses and walked back to the car, would you believe it, with a limp! My new ‘special shoes’ being the cause of the niggle. I chuckled to myself about the day’s events and the onset of my sympathy limp. My Symp Limp. My Slimp. But I was now free to resume my life and living.

My sister is back from Hong Kong and staying down here five weeks. The cousins all picked up from where they last left off as if they’d been away for an afternoon. No chat about what each had been up to. The conversation went "Hi" "Hi' "Alright?" "Yep" That was the sum total of their catch up. Then straight outside to the garden for a Nurf gun battle.

Above are a few photos taken on my 'Course' - it's art but not as we know it!

Saved by the Lycra

2011-07-07T21:35:00.007+01:00

What I witnessed this afternoon was the most inappropriate piece of driving I've ever seen. And I'm no spring chicken! I can't imagine what was so important for someone to feel that they had the right to drive so fast and so selfishly around narrow Cornish lanes. It was the action of an inexperienced and immature driver completely lacking judgement. The fact that he and I are still here, came down to luck, not his skill.

This afternoon I went for a bike ride. Thought I'd go for a quick blast while I had the chance. I turned out of our road heading past Carruan Farm on my left. As I approached the final bend before heading along the straight towards the turning for New Polzeath, this car came around the corner. And it was shifting. Shifting so fast that the back wheels were struggling to grip the road and only inches from the hedge. It was in effect traveling sideways, it's headlamps pointed in my direction. Yeah it was a bit scary. I could tell from the drivers reaction that he too was concerned. He was out of control and out of his mind. What was he thinking?

Mad? I was furious! But I knew who he was. I'd seen the same driver with most of his wheels off the ground traveling at ridiculous speed over the brow of a hill, just outside Wadebridge. My ride was over. I headed back to the beach where I knew he worked. A female police officer happened to be there, so I took up my complaint with her. Still dressed in lycra, confrontation didn't seem like the most sensible thing for me to get into. If I'd have been normally attired, I may well have boffed him one on the nose (something I've never done before). If the police officer had witnessed what I had just seen, he would have lost his licence, no question. I cycled home, got changed, calmed down and drove back to the beach, where he still was.

We had a chat, and to be fair he apologised. He knew he'd done wrong. He's not a bad lad, just a young boy lacking experience. He thinks he's invincible. But he's not. There have been plenty of fatal car crashes in this area. We don't want another one.

We've all been there - that taste of freedom and independence. We've all gone too fast. I know I did. But this was rally driving on a minor road. So this is his wake up call. Had there been walkers on that side of the road, as there sometimes are, he'd have got them all. Had he slid one more inch and clipped the bank, neither he nor I would be here this evening. How we chooses to drive from now on will say a lot about his character. Let's hope for mine, yours, you kids and his sake, he considers his actions and slows down.

His friends will probably find this all very funny and heroic. The people that really care about him, will take him to one side and I'm sure will have a little word in his ear.

Update: In recounting my story this morning I hear from others that he likes to time his runs! Around small Cornish roads? See how quick he can get from A to B. I'm going to report him this morning to the police. Hopefully a considerable hike in insurance premiums will focus his mind and with a bit of luck get him taken off the road. That would be the best scenario for all concerned.

Big and Messy

2011-07-07T11:12:00.003+01:00

Big Sam taking on the chunky surf conditions this morning.

Sketchy

2011-07-06T21:49:00.005+01:00

I can't deny that we had some fun tonight at Greenaway, me and Libby. Well sketchy as the surf raced up the beach. Not only did it race up, but on this shot above, that surge that you can see came right around the back of us! Surf was pumping and dumping!!

Nothing to Report

2011-07-06T13:08:00.005+01:00

We're busy with school groups, but it's pretty quiet around on the beach in general. I'd have to say that apart from weekends, Polzeath is definitely quieter than normal. That's not a bad thing!

Just seen the Swagger Jagger vid from Cher. Am I the only one that likes it? Get, get, get up on the floor!!

Snoop Dog

2011-07-05T09:09:00.012+01:00

'Instructor Bonding' on Saturday night. All in good spirits. Sounds like it went well. I met up with them for some photos before they toddled off with Wail and Sam to various drinking holes around town. Kelly (on left) is Snoop Dog! (added later: I've just seen some of the photos from the other night and I can indeed confirm that a good time was had by all - and there's absolutely no way I'm putting the snaps on here!!)

I've said it before, I'll say it again and fingers crossed, I'll be saying it in the future - this is a great team. Good vibe on the beach, in the office and shop.

I forgot my camera this morning! So it'll have to be a sunset one from last night.

Oh and I should give a big mention to St. Minver School, who for the first time in many years won the District Sports. Here's Billy taking the 200m in his stride. Fit as a fiddle he is. Findog too, although I didn't get a photo as his 400m race was super close and I was cheering too much!

Dog Whisperer

2011-07-04T09:58:00.017+01:00

Glorious beach day! 2ft, light offshore, sun's on full beam! It's school activity week - this is what we trained for!

Following a rather lengthy bike ride yesterday, taking in the sites of Torpoint, Downderry, Looe, Liskeard, Bodmin, Wadebridge back to Polzeath I ended up collapsed on my bed looking up at the light (turned on) dangling from the ceiling. It was at this point that my research began. My observations were recorded as follows -

That a fly will circle clockwise five times, before performing a figure of eight and then doing five times anti-clockwise. The pattern is then repeated indefinitely. This presumably is to counter act any possibility of dizziness. I cannot comment with any real certainty what came first - the clockwise or the anti-clockwise.

Having been hypnotised by the fly, I decided that it would be fun to try and hypnotise my dog.

I summoned Libby to the bedroom. "Libby Loo." She came. "Sit!" She obliged, she's a Lab, keen to please. "Good girl!" I hovered my finger above her big black nose and then did small circles around her snout. This caused her to open her mouth nice and wide, her big brown eyes fully focused on the tip of my index. I made the circles progressively wider and wider, until her mouth would stretch no more, and she yawned! Worked every time. That's a great game!

So what can we learn from the above? That I need to drink more on long rides! That's pretty clear. Having said that I forwarded my fly observations to Falmouth Uni last night and they sent me a 2:1 by special delivery. Crammed three years work into an afternoon, and saved myself twenty seven K!

It was hot yesterday, mind. I came back from my ride with a good Poo Head and some wicked Farmers arms.

We have a group of German students staying with us at the moment. Last year I made a joke on here about the German sausage as they took to walking around on the Beach House decking in their 'Budgie smugglers'. Turns out my sense of humour didn't travel. Anyway, they're a credit to their school. Organised, polite, appreciative, athletic, quick learners - they've got a great positive mind set. No question, they're a top crew, very welcome and we enjoy having them to stay.

Whilst I cycled, Janey drove the Mondeo Estate back from Plymouth yesterday. First time she'd driven the monster. "My legs were a bit short." she commented. "Nonsense." I replied. "They touch the floor." Mind you as she drove past I was reminded of the dwarf that Richard Hammond had as a co-pilot on Top Gear. Could just see the top of her head!

Scorcio!

2011-07-01T10:11:00.008+01:00

Scorcio! This is what it's supposed to be like everyday! Surf just coming in under the 2ft mark, but hey, you wouldn't want to be anywhere else, but paddling around out there would you?

Instructor Dee showing the kids how it should be done.

One of the kids showing that they can do it too!

Strike!

2011-06-30T18:25:00.002+01:00

Today the boys were at home so we went surfing, played golf and now we're having a BBQ - you've got to love a teachers strike!

looking for stuff

2011-06-30T03:53:00.002+01:00

Must be amnesia. Have a said that before? This evening it's a sunset photo opportunity again. So I get down to 'the stack' no mean effort with my bike, and setup the tripod! Only to discover that I've forgotten the camera! Raced back to get this effort.

Mini Tsunami

2011-06-29T14:34:00.004+01:00

Did you know we had a mini Tsunami down here in Cornwall yesterday? - I think it was more South coast and about seven inches in height. Explained by an underground landslide they think, but we're not sure.

It's been a good day - I've found two things that I lost on the weekend, my dongle and some cash. I seriously thought I was starting to suffer from amnesia. I found my dongle in my trouser pocket! And the £30 turned up in my shoes. I've been wearing them ever since I lost the money on the weekend. Only last night I was wading around in the rocks pools in them whilst trying to get some arty sunset photos. Janey spotted the notes in the sodden shoes, out drying on the doorstep this morning.

I spend a lot of time looking for stuff!

2011-06-29T09:40:00.006+01:00

Surf this morning? A bit like my second serve - a weak affair, going in all directions with no real power. New balls please.

Billy jumped on the bus for his first induction day at Wadebridge School yesterday. I doubt he was the only young fellow getting on board full of anxiety. "Awesome!" was how he described it. Not sure who was more relieved, him or us.

My Babies

2011-06-28T09:14:00.007+01:00

Some years are better than others when it comes to staff. This year, I think, is the best! And I don't say that lightly. A good mix of old and new, just some really nice people that you actually want to work with and who are keen to work. Keen to share the workload and get stuck in. You'd think that would always be the case, but alas it isn't.

In the photo above we have Megs and Paddy. Both have come through the Surf's Up! Boardriders. Both have been to France, Portugal and Bali with us - and I am so proud that they're members of the instruction team. Fantastic.

Behind them is the office (Surf's Up! HQ) or the sauna as it's known on a day like today! The sun is out, all is well.

Here the lovely Emily - Emily used to come for lessons with her family and now she's an instructor. She's been on one of our Bali trips as well. Great to have her on board.

Busy day today! And sunny. Bit breezy, but we'll take it.

A Bumpy Ride Ahead

2011-06-27T18:49:00.021+01:00

There is this theory that if we knew what we knew today (science) when we first began walking about on the planet, then there'd be no such thing as God ie the people of the time had to think of something or someway to explain their existence. Must have seemed like a good idea at the time until variations on the theme were put about. Since then it's all been a bit, well a bit messy what with all the wars, crusades and genocides. Where would we be without religion eh? Do we have to have spiritual guidance to be able to have respect for each others beliefs and do good towards others etc ? I'm not saying I'm right, but I would say, no. You can do all of that without restriction, without spiritual guidance.

Following a similar argument, I'd like to put forward my theory on roads and cars. That if we had the technology that we have today re. making cars, then we may not have felt it necessary to build silky smooth roads. Do we need a good road to get from A to B in the quickest and safest way etc? I'm not saying I'm right, but I would say, no. You can do all of that, without silky smooth roads.

There's got to be a better way hasn't there - in Cornwall some of the roads are in a terrible state. There are some near here that have recently been repaired and filled and are now even worse. It's a never ending cycle - and a massive money pit. Repair is not a long term solution, but you have to think that there could be one. Take away the expectation that the roads will be silky smooth and we'll see a new type of vehicle emerge - it could work. No more money on repairing the roads - but invest that cash into developing the cars ( or some other mode of transport) to cope with the uneven surfaces / on roads that may not be flat as yer 'at. We need a long term solution. Might save billions in the long run, billions that could be pumped into paying pensions for example. It's not as if we can use the current car's abilities in the Cities anyway ie. speed restrictions and traffic. We have the roads laid out to get us from A to B. So that's a great start, if we're looking for a starting position. And I think we need to.

If the government announced today that there would be no more funding in new roads or repair, what would happen? Apart from road blockades (ah ha, playing in to our hands!), the car manufacturers would find a solution. You only have to look at Formula One as the example. Every year the big wigs change the goal posts to make the cars slower, and every year the technos break the track records with their new creations - because they have to. They have to be competitive to survive in an industry that is incredibly adept at adapting. That's the game. So why not get rid of silky smooth roads and see what they come up with. Might be fun.

It's my belief that the current economic climate, gives us the opportunity to look at some of the ways we live our lives on a very fundamental level and reassess the way we do things. The facts are: there are too many of us, there's not enough of us working to sustain those that don't, we may well be adversely affecting the planet with what we do and how we do it, and we may run out of food. Not good. Bad in fact.

My point is this. There's going to be a short fall on pensions. It's inevitable. but it's only now that there's this big hoohaa. We should have seen that coming thirty years ago and taken action back then. I'd like to see a government that really thinks outside the box and is brave in making changes, focusing on the long term good. A government at this watershed moment that seeks to be populist will be disastrous for us all if they think only about the short term and the next general election. Unfortunately, the general public will never allow change on a fundamental scale no matter how high the stakes. You can only imagine the Facebook campaigns. "Change? Us? Now? Never!" And yet, we're the generation that needs to make it happen and take some hits. If we don't, we, our kids and their kids will be in for more than just a bumpy ride! And that would be ironic don't you think?

Don't forget you heard the solution to the worlds problems right here! From Surf's Up! HQ - no photos, no thanks necessary. On first reading, you'll think I'm an idiot - but once you've mulled over my 'road theory' it won't be long before you appreciate the genius! You'll be sat there in a traffic jam and it'll be a eureka moment "He's right you know. This road under my rubber wheels doesn't need to be silky smooth!" It's okay for you, I have to live with this genius everyday.

Surf's Up! - offering world solutions to world problems!!

Two Soups

2011-06-27T15:18:00.008+01:00

Remember the Julie Walters 'Two Soups' Sketch? Every time Janey and I go for a coffee down at Torpoint (when the boys are training on the weekend) I'm reminded of it. If the two old waitresses get to our table with any of the brown stuff actually in the mugs, it's a miracle. Get's me every time. You couldn't make it up. So funny.

Surf's Up! Boardriders this evening. Surf has deteriorated throughout the day but the boys still seem to find lips to smash! Here's Max Payne making the most of what the sea has to offer.

Chicken and Egg

2011-06-27T12:38:00.008+01:00

I see we've done a deal with China re. Poultry exports. This is eggsellent news (too easy) - means when we take delivery of our new hens at the end of this week, we are free to export their best efforts. Love a bit of special fly, me.

Which reminds me, my sister and family have just returned from the land of the long thin noodle. Bro in law got a transfer to Hong Kong for two / three years, so they upped sticks and headed off. Think it's all good and they're having a great time. Great experience. They're back in Cobham for a few weeks before heading down here for the summer break. All our kids are of similar ages, so they have a ball. Looking forward to a catch up before they head back in August. Then we're all meeting up again in Lanzarote for Christmas.

The weather alert has risen to a level 2! Risk of heat stroke, sun burn etc. Where's that then? Not here that's for sure. Yesterday, yes. However, the only risk at Polzeath today is of nasty case of the sniffles. sniff, sniff.

Jane Norman have gone into administration - noticed they were all shut up on the weekend. Not that I buy my clothes from there. A middle aged lady on the escalator was making noises and pointing at the 'closed' sign. Teachers on strike - okay, we'll cut them some slack as the ones we know are really good. Public sector pensions completely out of step with private sector though. By the time most of them actually retire, they'll have to be a new scheme in place as there's just not going to be enough money in the pot. And that's not rocket science. One more thing - global interest rates have to rise, says latest report from boffins. Oh, don't like the sound of that. Here ends my economy report.

The 'Booking Pattern' remains intact. A hot sunny Sunday, will be quiet in the office. But come Monday, it's summer booking mayhem. Hence the reason I'm still here!! Oh and that I forgot to write down a booking for 37 peeps this afternoon. I'm on the naughty step. Code Swan everybody, Code Swan!

All the Single Ladies

2011-06-27T10:42:00.013+01:00

Tickled into five scoring waves this morning - mainly backhand as it goes, good for the soul. Haven't been in for a while - you'll be glad to hear that none of the magic has been lost! I feel cleansed. Saw Kelly in the line-up, "Compress dude, reach!" I banter with him. It's a drizzly affair as you can see from the photo. But that's a good thing, can keep the crowds at bay. Unlike yesterday when the satellites must have defaulted everyone's sat-nav, sending them all in the direction of Polzeath. As much as I love tourists, can never manage a whole one.

We headed in the opposite direction. Football training at HMS Raleigh, Torpoint. Had lunch on the grassy bank at Mount Edgecumbe, where we watched the boats sail by. Never been there before, it's going on my list of top ten places in the South-West. Can't believe you can walk around the grounds for free - nice touch. Special place.

All the single ladies, all the single ladies. All the single ladies, all the single ladies. Put you hands up.... la dee dah. Beyonce, that was a good show - enjoyed a bit of Glastonbury. This will make you laugh - there was a ginger chap who sang an acoustic song, at the place where the presenters do their chatting, wasn't sure of his name but wanted to find out. So I googled the following - 'Ginger, acoustic, Glastonbury' - turns out his name is Ed Sheeran! Not sure why he's missed my radar, but he's on it now. Oh look, he's number three in the charts! Must get with the times. 'A Team', do de do dee dah da - very mellow - got it on youtube as I write. "You, er, you going to be playing that song all day?" asks Rach very politely. "Just one more time Rach. Just one more time! For angels to fly, angels to fly..."

Which reminds me, we've got a gig coming up on Friday at Carters. Keeping the Pyramid Stage dream alive.

Rach is Back

2011-06-24T10:07:00.007+01:00

Morning! And what a fine morning it is too! Le soleil brille pour tout le monde et les vagues sont... well actually the waves are on the weak side. Hand on heart, I can't call this a solid swell, locally generated wind chop. Still okay though - hey, and you never learn anything by sitting on the side. Not strictly true, but we'll go with it for now. Couple of foot, light breeze from the South-West.... any complaints will fall on deaf ears.

Always have loved a bit of the french language. Slips off the tongue a treat.

Rach is back! Fresh from a Kings of Leon Hyde Park experience. With Paul Weller as the warm up act. Dream line-up. I've just handed her my scraps of paper assembled from two days at the helm.. despite being the boss, I might be in trouble! There are pieces to pick up. "Can I get you a coffee Rach?" I shall enquire. I'm surrounded by some very, very tolerant ladies who for some reason have learned to by-pass me on all important issues!

All that chat about Greece defaulting yesterday - now there's a worry. If Greece goes, Ireland, Portugal and then the big one Spain (they say) would follow - total meltdown. Good reason to holiday in Cornwall I say.

I'm going to call this composition 'My Dog'! She drives me nuts - if I try a long exposure she gets in the way, and if she's not in the way she's doing a big wet tail, shakey, shakey right next to me.

Feed at Roserrow

2011-06-23T22:14:00.005+01:00

We had a staff get together up at Roserrow this evening. Wow, great food! Really great food - I had Calamari followed by Sea Bass. Very tasty indeed. Great night. Great company. Great food. Big thanks to Randy and his team. A relaxed, chilled evening... although I think the younger ones may still be going! Time for a cocoa and beddy times hobnob for me.

Bright and breezy

2011-06-23T09:58:00.004+01:00

We've got 3ft, onshore breeze - sun is shining! Great for Beginners and Improvers!

I'm at the helm again today - poor old Rach (who went to see King's of Leon last night) will have to pick up the pieces when she comes back in tomorrow. Although I have surpassed myself this morning - I have been a bundle of energy going from e-mail to telephone enquiry (as I say Rach will have to pick up the pieces!). No need to worry though, no need for pen, paper or computers, it's all in my head! All together now, "Nooooo!"

Photos

2011-06-22T21:57:00.007+01:00

I've got into a great routine recently with the light evenings. I take the dog for a walk with the camera - try lots of different settings. Last night went down to a little secret spot near the Rumps where the water is crystal clear. Nothing happening though - every photo I took I binned when I got home.

This was Greenaway this evening. Nights are drawing in - some idiot had to say it!

Of course if it's surf photos you want, here's the very man. Presenting Mr Nick Wapshot of 360 photography - a legend in his own camera bag. Check out his site - you won't be disappointed. If you want to know about apertures, f-stops etc he's the man that has the knowledge. Come for lessons and you'll also see him at the water's edge snapping your best efforts. He looks a bit like me, we often get confused - which has it's advantages. Sometimes it's quite useful to play the role of the photographer!

2011-06-22T13:53:00.003+01:00

WW2 at school today - should be fun!

Let's hope Billy doesn't take to his new look and head for the City! "Yeah as much as we love you, I'm afraid if you're going to be a banker you're going to have to find somewhere else to live!"

I Love Finisterre - and they love you!

2011-06-22T11:13:00.013+01:00

My mate Tom just rang for a catch up from St. Agnes. Always good to hear from him. He runs the clothing company Finisterre, along with a mad Canadian called Ernie. Me and Tom go back a long way, we used to teach surfing together up in Bude. What they've done with Finisterre is awesome - it is such an amazing authentic, ethical brand and they've done such a great job in a tough industry during tough times. I couldn't survive without my Bise jacket! I doff my cap to them.

(Tom on left, Cuddlemeister in the middle, dog called Happy)

Check them out - http://www.finisterreuk.com/newsletters/ and http://www.facebook.com/FinisterreUK1

I might pop in and see them tomorrow - they've got this super cool surfy HQ - very chilled. Be good to have a proper catch up with the blonde haired dude - oh and get a big bear hug from the Canadian. He has a lot of love to give, that boy! If you're passing, I reckon it's worth going in just for a cuddle!

In the Galleon

2011-06-22T09:40:00.003+01:00

Ah bless - the girls from the Galleon Cafe, former Surf's Up! Boardriders going for a splash last night. Great to see them going in. From the left Rosie, Beth and Becky - serve up a mean sweet chilli chicken burger and chips.

Surf this morning - head high on the sets, light onshore breeze and Kris from the Tubestation has it all to himself (9.30am). I'm not sure he likes it when I'm up on the cliff top taking photos - it's the pressure!

Just me in the office today - oh dear! The Empire may well crumble.

Where's the Minibus Gone?

2011-06-21T12:51:00.003+01:00

Minibus has gone, gone for ever. Was costing too much as a private vehicle and we hardly ever used it for Boardriders. We reasoned that on those odd occasions when we would use it (summer trip) it would actually work out cheaper to hire than to keep our one. And with us doing so many miles now, we really need two decent cars. So it's a Mondeo Estate - quite nice as it goes. Black, Petrol, does 38mpg - considerably more than the minibus with the massive roofrack! We save £1000 just on insurance. No brainer. And great to be a little bit under the radar. Was starting to get an achy arm and cramp in my jaw from all the waving and smiling in the sign written minibus! Free to indulge in some road rage.

Centre of Excellence

2011-06-21T12:33:00.002+01:00

We thought we'd go for the full cheese on this one - hence the sandwich! Wailin and Rach. Just got our Surfing GB Award through the post - Centre of Excellence. Waiting to get final confirmation, but we may be the only one's in Cornwall to achieve the top billing. Cool.

How's Surfing GB getting on? Hard to tell. But what I do know is that they have a good person in the office in Jo. She holds it altogether in what has been difficult circumstances. If I was asked to sit on the Exec (the answer would be, thanks but no thanks) the first thing I would do is sit Jo down and say, "What do you want, what do you need?" Simple as. She knows better than anyone what goes on. And my directive would be "Come up with a master plan that concentrates on the basics. Take those basics and cut them in half - make it even more basic. Promise nothing. Build slowly."

Has it been busy on the beach? Not so bad! We've had a few schools in - all seems under control. A nice busy as opposed to a nasty busy. Sun's out, light breeze on the 2ft surf, sound of laughter coming from the beach, I'm eating a chicken burger with sweet chilli sauce, yep all's well in the camp.

Findog signed by Argyle

2011-06-20T21:39:00.015+01:00

So that's both boys signed by Plymouth Argyle now - we went up to Home Park to do all the paperwork with Fin this evening. They were even allowed to sneak on the pitch to knock a ball about for a bit - a rare treat. Very tough to get into the team so obviously we're very proud. There's eight lads in Fin's age group that have now been signed - that's from all over Devon and Cornwall. Great work - and will be much better for travelling to training - except for matches that is. Example - in a few weeks Billy has an away match against Birmingham on the Tuesday, Fin plays against Birmingham in the same week on the Thursday, also away! I think this could be a long term problem - well not actually a problem because we're stoked for them both, and the longer the term the better. We'll do whatever we have to do to support them. We sold the minibus in anticipation that the fuel bill may well rise - looks like it's been a smart move to switch to a Mondeo estate! Anyway, nice one Fin.

It can be a lengthy old process breaking into the team. You start with your school team, then you trial for Wadebridge. Establish yourself in that team, get spotted and you get invited to the Plymouth Development Centre at Newquay, do well there and you get invited to the Bodmin one. Then you wait for the big call which is to trial at the Centre of Excellence at Ivybridge. You can wait here for years. If you get the call you have six weeks to do your thing. It's very serious - the training is very intense. Two and a half hour sessions, pretty well non-stop skills and drills. The coaches are unbelievably dedicated to the cause and they don't take any nonsense. If you're not good enough, they send you packing. Most get sent back at this stage, only a very few who make it to trials get signed. That's why there's so many anxious parents on the side - it's not nice. If you think in Billy's team there are fourteen on the books and in Fin's, eight. Throughout Devon and Cornwall that's a lot of competition for so few places. It's a big old pyramid. Billy went to the trials very focused - played hard and signed on the dotted line prior to the six week deadline.

For Fin it's been a quicker route. With Plymouth's bigger problems - they closed down the Bodmin Development Centre for the summer break a bit earlier, but gave six of the players at a shot at an early trial at Ivybridge - one of them being Fin. You've got to take your chances and that's what Fin did. Billy and Fin are very different players - Billy's the right winger, speed merchant, quick pass and go, creates chances for others. Fin is a defender - if you've got the ball and you're heading in his direction, you should know two things - 1) Fin's going to get it back 2) it's probably going to hurt! My top tip - pass it before you get anywhere near him. That's what made their trials so interesting. Billy a bundle of energy with huge work load on and off the ball. Findog much more laid back choosing to stand his ground and pick off the players who have the cheek to play with 'his' ball. There's a lot of good players there and to be honest, there's very little to choose between them. When I watched the under 15s at training last week I tried to pick out those who stood the best chance of going on to great things. They all looked pretty similar to me!

Coming out of trials onto the team is different too. During trials the idea is to play your best, play to your strengths, show the coaches what you can do. Once signed the message is the complete opposite - they want you to try stuff that you can't do, stuff that you struggle with - so that by the end of the year your weaknesses are much improved. They get some breathing space, and of course, if play relaxed, you play well. It's a great message.

Having both boys there is fantastic - what an opportunity for them. The path now is quite simple - do what you have to do to stay in the team through the age groups, that's all you have to do. A simple path, but not an easy one. The door is open, just need to keep it that way. As the head coach says, "It's not the best player here today that will make it, but the one who puts in the most work."

ps. we're on 10%!

New Hat, New Day

2011-06-20T10:09:00.013+01:00

Get into work this morning to find a nice new hat sitting on my desk... and now on my head! That's because it's started to rain. It even has my name on it - essential in these parts with Kelly around! I shall have the warmest head in town - thanks Sarah! It is a fine hat.. and we need these in the shop! It says 'Pete' on the front - not 'ete'.

Janey last night - "If you asked every Boardrider how many lessons they'd done since we started the club, and you added them all up, what would the total be?"

"I've got no idea!" I said. "I'm watching Rory. Now go back to bye-byes!"

Come wake up time, my mind has been feverish with activity. I resolved to work it all out. I've had to check it through a few times just to be sure - but here's some numbers.

No. of surf lessons - 19,000 adding up the total number of surf lessons done by each member

No. of hours training - 38,000 adding up the total number of hours done by each member

Total saved had everyone paid normal lesson prices (ie if we'd charged full price for the sessions) - £300,000+

No. of broken leashes, boards and wetsuits - okay let's not spoil the occasion!

I had no idea! Could have bought a house with that - admittedly not with a sea view! I'd like to think that's a pretty healthy contribution to the local community. Having said that there's been plenty of times I've said "Right that's it. No more." Because there are one or two who just take the soggy biscuit!! But I reckon on those figures we shall walk with heads held high and by rights should be awarded the Freedom of the village of Polzeath (which by law allows us to walk our dog on the beach at any time of year, and to ride our bikes on the coast paths - oh, apparently we do that anyway!). Freedom, you've got to give for what you take!

Here's Findog (our youngest) - he's a sporty boy! Lovin' his surfing' and lovin' his footie - we find out tonight if he's been signed by Plymouth Argyle. Fingers crossed. His big brother gets all the glory, but he's hot on his heels. No counting of chickens mind. He was training next to the under 15's yesterday - all gets very serious at that age. Two of the lads were snapped up last week, one going to Liverpool, the other to West Brom. Shows it can be done.

A moody shot of the Rumps from Lundy Bay last Saturday. Man it was windy. Should have had my new hat!

2011-06-17T10:01:00.002+01:00

Surf today? Pumping! Overhead and offshore - raining too! That's a good thing - keeps the beach quiet. Instructors very happy about it all.

I'm forty-four! I don't need the grief. There was a time when I used be asked to get involved in stuff, have an opinion. I'm not sure how that ever came about, that anyone would value my opinion. The problem is that more often than not what I might think is right, is completely wrong! That's why our senior staff have learned over time to just listen to Janey. She may not be as persuasive, but she's nearly always spot on. She speaks sense.

Anyway, now I simply don't get involved. Unless it directly affects the surf school or our staff then I can't see the point in cutting into family time. Simple as. In fact I sit on the fence so often that I've got my own initialled cushion. Is that an age thing? Sitting on the fence is pretty cool though, you can see a lot from up there.

Ripping it up on a Swelly

2011-06-15T09:44:00.004+01:00

Big Sam pulling off a sweet top turn on a softboard!

It's been well documented that I love surfing Swellboards - I've ridden them more than anything else. And I think why I love riding them so much is that they're easy! Historically, back in the early days of Surf's Up! we'd get only fleeting moments to surf ourselves, often when the water was busy. So we'd grab a swelly, safe in the knowledge that firstly we'd get a wave, and secondly, that we wouldn't be bumping into anyone on a hard board. Accidents happen, we didn't want to risk one as the owners of the surf school. Not good for a new business!

Now, of course, all of our instructors rip it up on short boards. But they do take to the Swellies when teaching the Boardriders (after-school surf club). And here's the result - Sam (above) pulling a very sweet move under the full gaze of instructor Megs.

Swellies - you've got to love 'em!

Surf's Up! Boardrider Jazz, ready to move up a group!

2011-06-14T09:58:00.002+01:00

Beautiful beach day - office was like a sauna when I came in this morning, had to strip down to me budgie smugglers just to reduce the glow. Surf today - 2ft, no wind, let me have a look at the forecast for the rest of the day......

...yep, looks pretty settled. Wind might veer to the 'South' (or is it 'Backs', always get that wrong) and maybe a touch of cloud. No complaints this end.