'Hold the ladder, fool!"

It's been one hell of a week that's all I can say. For different reasons. A lot came together for us over the past few days - one area in particular that will have a huge impact on Surf's Up! from here on in. Basically we've completely restructured the business. We perhaps should have done it a while ago, but we didn't so we're not going to dwell. It's put a spring in our step and we're really looking forward to the coming year. Feels like a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders.

What will it mean for Surf's Up? - the surf school is the core, participation is what we're about. Teaching beginners and improvers on the beach is where it all began for me and Janey, so that part of the business is the most important. We had a crazy idea earlier in the year to move the surf school operation off the car park in 2011 and up to the Beach House (to save on licence fees), you'll be pleased to hear that we're staying put. But we are going to shake it up quite a lot. Despite being the leading surf school in the UK for many years now, it's in our blood to keep improving.

Hang on, the Sky engineer is here. This should be a classic. Wait for it... and yes, same old story, scratch of head. Everytime there's a problem and we call for someone to come out, I ask the operator to check the notes of the last visit and make sure that the engineer knows he'll need someone to hold his ladder. Can't be me - needs to be someone with a ladder holding badge! And every time the engineer arrives, scratches head "Hm I'm going to have to call my boss......." Yes I know, I know - you need someone to hold your.... coffee, your shoes, your pencil behind your ear ... argh! Anything to make it more difficult.

The last time, "I'm going to need a different ladder." No mate, all you need is a ladder. It's just a bit higher than a jump, any type of ladder. A box perhaps, get on my shoulders, mate, give me the part and I'll get up there myself. I'm six foot two, few more inches and I'd be able to run my nose along the rusty dish.

Okay, he's gone. "I've spoken to my boss..." he said. (Wait for it this is classic)".. and we're going to have to bring in the special heights team". How can I be angry, they've just made my life so much better. Hilarious, you couldn't make it up! "Special heights team"! Oh dear, I'm going to have to calm down before my spleen bursts.

The issue is this. Our house is built into a hill (which sounds incredibly grand). The side that faces the road is single storey. The other side is two storey. The sky dish is on the chimney right on the apex of the roof. On every previous occasion the engineers have gone up the single storey side - yeah obviously. But now, due to Elf and Safety ('tis the season to be merry), he's assessed that the only way to make the repair is to go up the two storey side. Speechless. I really don't know what to say anymore. As I said, it's been one hell of a week.

Right back to business. Yep, surf school, few changes to make, few upgrades for next year. There's no doubt that we've got the key players in position, just need to do a bit of tweaking.

As for changes in other areas, well it's a bit hard to say on here. You never know who's reading the old blog and word gets out pretty quick around these parts. It's all good though, it's all good.

All good except for my Sky dish! The 'A' team should be here this afternoon. I can't wait. What, are they going to abseil out of a helicopter all dressed in black? Should be quite a show. My bet is that it'll be the same engineer, same van, same ladders, but he'll come back with a mate who has his 'competent ladder holder' badge! Guess I'll just have to sit here now and wait for Mr. T. to arrive at his earliest convenience. He better not give me no jibber jabber! "Hold the ladder, fool!"