Tender Proposal - update

Following my newsletter yesterday, a vein was struck and an outpouring of emotion was heaped upon the council via many emails. And I have to say that some of you are terrifically eloquent. I muddle through with a limited skill set, but you guys?! Passion flowed through your finger tips as you too felt compelled to challenge a council proposal that threatens the place that you so obviously feel ownership of. For sure, what's very clear, is that your vision of Polzeath, is a long way from that of the council. 

Anyway, following your efforts, it seems only appropriate that I give you an update, keep you in the loop as it were. Well I can report that the very latest news is that, erm, there is none! Nope, no word from Council Villas. In fact, returned e-mails even suggest that the decision makers are on holiday until the 2nd April, a date that conveniently falls after the bids are to be submitted! That's a bit disappointing - I had some more questions. I did manage to contact one of main men by phone earlier today, but it was his day off and he wouldn't discuss it. If I had hair, I'd pull it out, so I'm grinding my teeth. Grrrrrrr. 

Alongside the letters cc'd to me were offers of free assistance from procurement experts and lawyers; other councils; and plentiful coverage in national and local media. To all of whom we say thank you very much (I will respond to every e-mail I've received with a personal reply - if you've written but haven't sent me a copy, I'd be grateful if you would). But the thing is this. We don't want a legal battle; nor be on the front page of the papers; nor headline a radio news bulletin. Our business has been built on reputation alone, we like to do things word of mouth. We run a surf school and live a beach lifestyle. And all we want to do is to able to continue our business established 18 years ago, under the guidance of a competent council who's opinion and actions we trust. In a council that embarks in dialogue and consultation with those with experience.

What's absolutely clear from your comments is that what you want is a safe beach to enjoy - and it's up to us as the activity providor to work with the land owners to ensure that happens. Wouldn't it be great if the council put the tender process on hold for a moment and took some time out to consider all the points you've made. If you've written, thank you for taking the time. If you haven't, but you'd still like your view to be considered, please write to david.attwell@cornwall.gov.uk - and copy to jolyon.sharpe@cornwall.gov.uk.

Council policy threatens Polzeath safety

Hm, where do I start? Normally, as you well know, my heart is full to the brim of goodwill and my soul energised by the constant swish swash of a restless ocean in my lug holes and the fragrant waft of a salty sea breeze up me nostrils. Over the past week however, both myself and Janey have been a touch despondent. "Oh why, Petey? Wherefore art thy sadness cometh hence?" (yep still reading those Bronte sisters!). It's good of you to ask. Thanks.

To cut a long story short, an e-mail arrived from the Cornwall County Council, informing us that our spot in the beach car park is to go to tender and that by the 29th March our bid should be in! So that's three short weeks notice - to prepare a business plan for a seven year tenure! Why so last minute? The last time our patch went to tender was six years ago, but that followed lots of consultation and heads up. It grates a little bit that before we arrived in 1995, it was just a patch of sand with zero value. We got our heads down worked hard and made something of that patch of sand and now not only do we have the pleasure of parting with £20,000 each year to park there, but every now and then we have the privilege of bidding for our own business. It is what it is and we get on with it. The timing and timescale is, how shall I put this nicely..... mildly inconsiderate on the basis that this will be our 19th year, our contribution to the local community is legendary and there's much to do at this time, but as I say, hey ho.

But it's not this part of the e-mail that has affected our general joie de vivre (oui je parle francais, et mon petit lapin s'est cache dans le jardin ... repetez. Mum and Dad please note that school wasn't a complete waste of time!). No, there was a little surprise. Actually a big surprise. Not like a jack in the box surprise, more of a fundamental.... oh my god (sorry, omg if you're under 16). The tender isn't for one surf school, but for two. The second to be sited only a few yards from us, slap bang in between the exit and the entrance of the beach car park! I had to read it again. And again. I've read it more agains.... sometimes scratching my forehead, othertimes whilst banging it against hard objects like my man shed, the bedroom wall or fridge door. I say fundamental, because this is completely and utterly butterly in contradiction to what we, the council, and the RNLI have worked towards for the past 10 years.

"So what's the problem big Pete?" Simples. Two main areas. Firstly, for the past six years, because of the over crowding in the surf, we've been restricted by the council. As in, the number of participants that we could teach was restricted at certain times of day and certain tide heights, sometimes up to 75% on previous years. For any business that's a massive hit, but we've always viewed our business as long term, so we worked with it and around it, encouraging our clients to have lessons at alternative times. Times that to be honest suited both parties as it was quieter. Our maximum participant numbers were also restricted to conform with a mathematical formula devised after some considerable head scratching by Prof Green at Edinburgh University and not insignificant handing over of green backs by the council. (Don't ask if he's the same one who was found in the Ballroom with a candlestick, because that would make you look silly,you're thinking of Rev. Green. And in anycase, we all know it was Mrs. Peacock in the kitchen with some lead piping. Someone bit one of her sponge fingers apparently!). Years and years of consultation between us, the council, the RNLI and other surf schools to ensure that there was a happy balance between commercial beach activity and safety took place. It was a huge, massive issue. Ensuring the beach was firstly, safe, and secondly had a reputation of being safe was of paramount importance to all stake holders - beach users, shop owners, local residents, caravan parks owners, cafes etc. And last year, after all those years and years, for the first time I think we can all stand proud and tall and say that it was the best year ever. Peace and harmony abounded. They was joy from all four corners of Polzeath, or Hayle Bay as it's historically known and locals like to refer to it.

So what this new tender for a second surf school (the third at Polzeath) represents... is a complete reversal of policy. A complete disregard of all the really good, conscientious and well meaning work that was done. The tender document is very interesting. Gone is the emphasis on safety. The previous tender document listed two pages of safety criteria that our operation would need to fulfill. It set the tone right from the off. The new one stresses that the height and weight of the new stack of cash will be the main priority. I quote, 'the tender sum will be the key criteria.' Wow, what a statement!! Makes you want to weep. And we surely will, when the reputation of Polzeath as a safe beach will flow away like an ebbing tide. And it's not for a trial period, give it a year and see how it goes. It's for the next seven years.

As for the second area, well I'd question the reason for siting a second operation right slap bang in the middle of the entrance and exit and the chaos and HSE risks that the council are encouraging by doing so. On many occasions we've enjoyed visits from excited councillors on a day out, swarming around our trailer like japanese tourists armed with cameras and clip boards, noting our NOP in helping our clients negotiate the car park exit safely. The proposed new site is on a completely different level. If our location represents a feet first leap off the 1m springy board, the new one represents diving off the 10m fixed board in the handstand position ie. there's a good chance someone's going to get hurt and I wouldn't want to be the first to give it a go. But to be honest, the first problem area I mentioned before, is so much bigger, that I can't really get excited about this second one. It's such a non starter.  But as a bankrupt once told me, "If you're going to go down at all, you might as well go down big!"Seems this path is destined for our beach under the guidance of the current leadership of this council department.

The tender document states that the 'Cornwall Council holds a Duty of Care to those who use the beach that they own / lease.' I understand that the council needs to raise money, I get that. But what we're not talking about here is a burger van. This is something far more sensitive, far more relevant, far more fundamental. It's about you, your children and family members enjoying a safe surfing environment and having confidence that the beach is being managed by a department focused purely on the basis of ensuring best practice regarding beach safety, rather than one of pursuing revenue collection. I've run Surf's Up! for 18 years and have been at the forefront of improving and promoting beach safety throughout this time and it pains me to say that I have no confidence in a council that chooses and is happy to acknowledge putting profit before safety, and neither should you. The new change in council policy scares me. It takes me back to 1995 when we first drove on to the beach car park with our Honda Civic pulling a small trailer. Haven't we learnt anything? Weren't the restrictions put in place for good reason? The 180 degree shift in policy sets a precedent, not just at Polzeath but throughout the county. It's a watershed moment for our beaches. And that should scare you too. For the council to advertise for a new surf school to open and operate on a beach where the current surf schools presently restrict trade is beyond reason and dangerous. 

So what's the reality? Polzeath Beach will go from two restricted surf schools that work together, to three surf schools going head to head without restrictions. And it'll get worse each year for the next seven. With high licence fees, the winning bidders will have to trade at good levels just to keep heads above water (no pun intended!). Expect more flags, more trailers, more congestion, more bodies carrying boards through the car park, and touting of lessons to holiday makers. Surf wars will be inevitable. Polzeath will resemble a permanent competition zone and have the feel of a time share resort. And that's just the top of the beach. At the water's edge and in the surf, a rainbow of 200 - 300 lycra vested eager participants fighting for a wave or a piece of sand to receive instruction. Casual surfers should head elsewhere, I know I would. And I'd take my two boys with me. There's absolutely no way that the RNLI who lifeguard the beach would support this.

Okay deep breath. I know, it's been a while since I've lead the troops into battle. But this cause is a valid one if you love Polzeath beach as we do. We're not bothered about competition. Competition was the best thing that happened to us, we were forced to raise our game a few years ago and off the back of it, good things happened. Competition gets you up in the morning, helps the focus. No, this is about safeguarding the beach and establishing a fundamental understanding between you, the tax payer and those who are employed on your behalf, the decision makers at the council, that financial gain should never be put above safety.

So what can you do? Write today to david.attwell@cornwall.gov.uk - I'd copy it to jolyon.sharpe@cornwall.gov.uk. Let them know your views. This is your opportunity and potentially the last one you'll get until 2020. I'd encourage them to put the current tender process on hold, to take stock, to consult. I'd question why beach safety is no longer the priority and that 'the tender sum will be the key criteria.' For something so big, this feels like it's being rushed through and not enough thought has gone into it. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope this is important enough for you to take a bit more time out to make your view known. Perhaps forward this letter to friends, if they love Polzeath, they too may wish to make comment. Polzeath's reputation is that of a safe surfing beach suitable for families. It's the flagship of Cornwall. Let's keep it that way. 

Pete (Surf's Up founder - 20 years standing waist deep teaching in moving water)

Happy New Year!! You may say that it's a bit late for all of that but if you were a Chinaman, you'd say I was a very premature.... or wewy pwemature (with free pwawn cwacker). You see, for the aforementioned Chinaman, 2013 begins on February 10th. It's the year of the Black Snake, a year of steady progress and attention to detail. Apparently focus and discipline will be necessary if you want to achieve what you set out to create (hm, focus and discipline? to be fair not my two greatest strengths!). Of all the signs, the Snake is the most enigmatic, intuitive, introspective, refined and collected, but you already knew that. 

 

I always thought 2012 had a great ring to it... and it proved to be one of the most memorable on many levels. I loved it. 2013? I don't know, just has that feeling of being a bit more challenging. And therefore maybe, focus and discipline, are indeed two good buzz words to move forward with. So what does that mean for us back here at Surf's Up! High Command? Well I think that actually the characteristics of the snake make for a good starting point.... looking at three in particular - intuitive, introspective and refined.

 

Intuition is an irrational function, it can be opposed to rational thinking, and that's been a strength of ours, at least I think, over the course of our history. We haven't been tied to what the head has told us, we're about heart and soul. Our company motto, "let the mind unshackle; set it free" - we're true to that. Intuition is as much about vision and placing your trust in that vision. And I think going forward, small businesses like ours have to stay true to their core values and yes be flexible, but not lose sight of what our company represents to our clients. Oh, this is deep! Deeeep!

 

Introspective, this is an interesting one because it can refer to oneself or that of the business. We're going into our 19th year here at Surf's Up!... and I know over that time, I've changed, as has the business. If we're to nail our two buzz words, focused and disciplined, then we need to take a good look at what we're currently doing, be introspective... recognise what we do well and what we could do better, and move forward with a determination to improve. That process is ongoing and needs to marry up and balance with intuition. Seems obvious, but when it gets a bit tougher, I think more consideration and time need to given over to these areas.

 

And then refined. Used as an adjective this word means, 'freed from impurities by processing'. Since 1995, we've gained enough experience, I think, to undertake that task of being introspective and to be self critical, to a point where we can produce a service that is better than before. Numbers of students through the surf school peaked about five years ago, leaving us now I believe with a great opportunity to deliver a better and more personal service than ever before. We've never been driven by numbers of clients or turnover, but by quality of service. When we began, I remember a  top dog businessman (we called him Parsnips, because his name was Parsons!) giving us the following advice, "Chase the quality of your service or product, don't chase the money." We can get better, for sure. That's what we're looking at now.. the how's and where's.

 

So yep, an intuitive, introspective, refined combo..... that's what we're gunning for in 2013! (hey Pete, lighten up dude and pass me a cwacker!). And relax, as you were, back on your balls! In summary, this is not a dress rehearsal.. I'd normally say at this point that we'll wait until we see the white's of your eyes, but that ain't gonna be the case this year. We're going to be so dialled in that you'll notice, well you'll notice that we're just going about our business, better.

 

Okay, some house notes!! Beach House (sleeps ten) availability as follows. Oh hang on, just got some hideous cramp at my desk... be right back....man, that hurt! Did the old pointy the toes to the sky routineand I'm back in the game.. oh yes.. 

 

Feb Half term: 7 nights arrival 8th Feb, 15th Feb, 22nd Feb - £650 including hire of surf equipment.

 

Easter Break: 7 nights arrival 29th March, 5th April - £850 including hire of equipment.

 

And then on the 29th March we have a few places left on our Duke of Edinburgh residential - 5 nights, £250 inclusive of 5 lessons and hire... staying at our Trenant Flat. 

My work here is done. First e-news of the year.... getting back into the swing. It's good to be back! I'm off to dip my crackers in some sweet chilli sauce!! You know I love you... 

 

P of the Deep Blue C x

 

ps please note I've justified the text, first time for everything!

Appletise!

Apple, Orange and UKMail have conspired to waste my life this morning!! Grrr... How many Apple Reps are going to ask me today where I was first kissed. (Yes, somewhere between the Balkans was funny a couple of days ago, but I'm feeling ever so slightly testy right now.) Apple decided that I couldn't remember my password, and I therefore had two options. Receive an e-mail or answer the security questions. Well, we've already established that I can't remember where I was first kissed. I was young, drunk, it obviously didn't mean anything..if I was pushed I'd say it was in an icy Strasbourg fountain back in the 80's but my recollection is hazy at best. I went for option one, but failed to receive the promised e-mail. So I rang them... and spoke to Iro in Athens who, rather than let the question go, I kid you not, has been trying to help jog my memory. Now unless it was her and she's bitter that I can't recall the encounter, that seems to me to be a completely fruitless exercise. Look just send me the e-mail, let me reset my password so that then I can buy stuff!! As I say, ever so slightly testy now!! This whole episode (which took two hours!) is compounded by the fact that I received a phone call before this to say that my £200 'free' upgrade Iphone 5 (Oh the irony) will not be dropped off today because there's no-where on the planet that goes by the first two lines of my billing address and the last two lines of my delivery address!! Excuse me while I slap my forehead really hard several times! Grrrrrr!

Anyway, how are you? It's a fine day, the sun's out, the birds are singing, the badgers are badgering. I'm here actually on business. (Following the Monday morning meeting with the curly cheese ball!).. response has been awesome to the Surf's Up! Hoody Bundles following my last e-news, they're flying out the door as we speak. Still some left, but please don't leave it too late... we don't want no tears, me dears. The desk top calendars have arrived hot of the press and orders are being processed as we speak. £8 each, £16 for two (!) can't say fairer than that! Nice little gift this one, have it on the desk at work or on the side in the kitchen. Whenever you check the date or it catches your eye, you'll be transported immediately to a land of happy days! Best ring us on 07760 126225 or drop us an email. Avian, our chief administrator and bear killer, is on stand by with sticky backed plastic and brown paper to action the orders as and when they come in...here's a sneaky peak at April.

The other thing that I must draw your attention to.. is that the Beach House remains available for Christmas. This would be a first. Can't believe it. If you've never been down to Polzeath for Christmas, then treat yourself. It's very special. A fresh walk on the beach on Christmas day, maybe a pop over to St. Enodoc Church on Boxing day for a sing song (I'm not a religious kind of guy but I enjoy a good old sing song), a bit of a dip, ride a few waves. I could go on, but let's cut to the chase... £600 for the Christmas period, 23rd to the 30th December! Sleeps ten normal people or 18 midgets. (Is that Midgetist? Not meant to be). The Christmas tree is already up and we're baking the mince pies as I write. Please either call us on 07760 1256225 or drop us an e-mail if it tickles your buds.

Heffer gone head to head with a cow

Ever had a moo cow go all Michael Flately on you! I have. Last week. A nasty business indeed. Nose to nose we were as it's front and back legs did a merry dance! I thought they were all big eyes and full of the white drinky stuff. Turns out they can be a bit spikey when pushed. I was on my bike, giving my black Lab, Libby a work out ... Libby likes cows (although she could never eat a whole one), happy as Larry to walk right on by or in this case through a pack of Moos, and Moos like her too. Often it'll end up in a bit of reciprocal nose sniffing. No trouble. Sheep? That's different altogether, that's a lead job right there. But then sheep are stupid. Anyway, on this occasion the assembled pack of twenty grass eaters, parted like the Red Sea as we retraced the last couple of miles of the Two Moors Way. It was all going swimmingly until we encountered the last big heffer. A right biggun. It wasn't a horny beast but I had to make a quick visual of it's undercarriage for fear it was actually a bull sans horns! Calf in tow it took exception to our presence. Got right frisky it did. Libby was alright, she sensed the danger and ran away, but the big heffer looked me in the eye, dug it's hoofs into the muddy walkway, snorted (ever been spat at by a Llama? I have! That too is a nasty business but provides much hilarity both during afterwards for young kids) and charged straight at me. Rabbit in headlights I closed my eyes and braced for the impact. But there was none. I opened one eye! There it was, one big mad cow, front legs bent, back legs braced, about an inch from my front wheel. It's moist black nose all a huff and a puff! I've never dismounted a bike so fast, or run down a hill like a big girl, as realistically, before! If the moo had set the scene of Riverdance, I was providing the big finale. Shaken but not stirred (ps I love Skyfall). 

Apart from that one ocassion, you'll be pleased to learn that my bottom is nice and firm. I put it all down to Pilates. At 6ft 2 and with a poor hearing (!) I find I've taken to stooping. I don't want to get any lower so I've embarked on some sessions, which I find really beneficial. It's not just the bottom that feels the benefit, it's an all over tightness that's pleasing. The instructor's really good, pushes us hard. I can't help but observe that she's got great big lips. I thought I was going to have to slide her off sideways last week when she got stuck in the Down Dog! 

The weather has been playing havoc on the beach. The hurricanes in the USA have been sending through substantial surf, as big as I can remember. Tales of snapped boards and big wipe-outs are the go. And the rain last week, flooded the Valley Caravan Park and the stream cut a 3ft deep meander through the car park. Quite a mess. Oh and we had a big tide that came right over the road a couple of weeks ago.... it's all been going on.

 

The Surf's Up! 2013 Calendar is on the press as we speak (limited edition of only 200 this year)... you can pre-order on 07760 126225. Some of our favourite photos (like the one above) of Polzeath taken throughout the year assembled in a desk top format. Looks really great, we're pleased with it. Would make a nice Chrissie pressie. I always think the surf lesson vouchers are the go for Chrissie pressies, something a bit different - three to choose from depending on budget. They're available from our on line shop on the gift page along with our hoodies and lots of other great pressie ideas.

And the Beach House is still available over Christmas. If you fancy turkey with all the trimmings and then a walk on the sand, there's no better place....Christmas tree with baubles included! If asked nicely, Wailin plays a mean Santa. 07760 126225 or email us to discuss further. Sleeps ten.

Right, just a quick fly-by. It's 5am, couldn't sleep. Tried not to wake Janey but tripped over my shoes! I'm sure I'll be hearing about that shortly! I'll take her up a nice mug of tea in a minute!

ps shall we have a competition? Shall we? Why not? Okay, we're looking for a surfy Christmas card design.... with some reference to Surf's Up!. I know it's quite late but I reckon we can nail this. Send in your best effort (via email) by the 7th December and if we choose your design you'll win a Developer Course ie a weeks worth of surf lessons. Got your pen and paper ready.... on your marks....  

Big Innit

Our Monday morning meetings have hit an early set back. There were no attendees! Both myself and Janey forgot! Good job I didn't go to the trouble of baking any fairy cakes, that would have been a waste....they need to spring back up when you press your finger lightly into the sponge (my Grandmother taught me that, she didn't)... Talking of fairy cakes, you may remember that I recounted last time that I might be, how shall we say erm, "on the turn" mainly due to my lost weight, pink super skinny chino's and people's observations that I've taken to walking funny (er hello, chino's? chaffage?). Well, the plot thickens because I was having a chat with one of my new mates from Plymouth, one of my many new mates because obviously I'm really popular (Pete you only have one mate, at best, two).... about good books to read. To cut a long story short (please don't go, not yet, this newsletter gets better)... they recommended that I read Wuthering Heights. Keen to impress (keep) my new friend, I said I would go and buy a copy without ever having any intention of actually buying or reading it. They were bound to forget. Anyway, when we met up a few days later, down here at Polzy as it goes, my new buddy presented me with a limited edition hard backed copy (they hadn't forgotten), along with one of those coffee maker's from Costa (yeah Starbucks pay some tax dudes, and grind your beans where I can see them!).. we'd invited them down to stay at the Beach House (sleeps ten available Oct half term, 7 nights £600 including unlimited board hire for 4 people. First to call on 07760 126225 seals the deal) so that they could come and watch our band Mahoustic play at the Waterfront for the Jess Soley Memorial Classic.... and breathe! Was a load of fun as it goes, rock and roll. And I had a drink, I never drink!

Still, keen to impress I received the hard backed edition with much thanks, until I read the first page, no chapter, sentence, word... and then I had these awful flashbacks of Middlemarch, a book I never read but triumphed with a 'D' at 'A' level English. The nightmares, I can't begin to tell you. Still keen to impress I thought I'd best persevere. And I have to say, that 230 pages in, it is truly the most incredible book I've ever read. It takes a bit of time, you have to concentrate and focus, something that doesn't feature in my top five best attributes, although I'm considering dropping 'big roman nose' in fourth place, so there's a potential opening there! There's loads of words I don't understand, but somehow when you get to the end of a paragraph it all comes together. If truth be told, I'm really keen to get it out now and crack on with the last 100 pages, but I feel this is our time, it can wait until the morrow! Anyway thanks go to my new chum for the recommendation and I recommend it to you if you haven't already read it. I'm sure you'll love it too.

Tide on the push, that wave is double overhead, the sets were bigger!

Back to the meeting, the reason why we didn't have our Directors meeting was that jobs had already been assigned over the back end of the previous week. And my assigned task has been to bring the last quarters accounts up to date on some accounts package on the laptop. Despite the fact that my tutor wrote to my parents stating that I was wasting the school's time, I have a natural leaning towards maths. To be more specific, simple maths. I was doing fine until Mr. Grainger wrote a 'formula' on the up and over rotating blackboard. I didn't understand that at all, I was lost from then on and marks were poor. But I did have the last laugh when he flipped over the aforementioned up and over rotating black board and he got showered with various shades and sizes of chalk sticks. I could have helped with his next question, but decided that he didn't need to know exactly who'd done it! Accounts all done, Petey in good books, all is well in the Craskie household.

You'll be very pleased to hear that I have another Dartmoor adventure to recount!! Just quickly... last Thursday, (please don't go, not yet, this newsletter gets better) I decided to get on the road bike and crank out a 100 miler. A circular route starting at Ivybridge, passing through Newton Abbott, Bovey Tracey, Moretonhampstead, Okehampton, Tavistock, Yelverton, Plymouth, Plymstock and Ermington. Five punctures later and a crash on the A30 near Okehampton (it was raining, I hit oil, my back wheel overtook my front and I hit the tarmac hard. I ended up in the middle of the inside lane, still clipped into my bike looking back down the dual carriageway at the fast approaching chipped chrome front bumper of an old Ford Escort van, he missed. I was shaken and a little stirred so I phoned Janey and left an emotional message on the answer phone saying I'd come off on the A30 but would be back soon. When I got home, bloodied and bruised, she looked a little surprised at my condition. Turns out she'd misunderstood, she just thought I'd come off the A30, like a nice little loving update!!) 96 miles, six and a half hours, I reckon we can take that back to five and a half excluding stops for technicals and tears. Another great adventure.

Hey big surf and big tide tonight. Came right over the road it did! Good job we moved the trailer off the beach. Actually it was seriously pumping.... easily double overhead, more, much more on the set waves. The brisk southerly dropped on the pushing tide, leaving very makeable rides, but the paddle out is a monster, so locals prefer to take on the reef breaks, the secret spots up and down the coast.

Polzeath Beach at 6.30pm this evening, high tide still one hour away!

Okay, I've already taken up too much of your time. Have I mentioned that the top floor of that house there on the left, by the blue and white canopy, yep right there on the beach, just a short stumble to sandy toesville, is still available to rent over the october half term? Sleeps ten, seven nights, £600 including unlimited board hire for 4 people. First to call on 07760 126225 seals the deal.

Please don't go, not yet, this gets better.. actually it doesn't. Let's put this down to a slow news week and just like my school tutor and maths teacher wrote regularly, "if you turned up to classes I'd have a better idea of who knowing who you actually are!"

Moor Stories

Hey Dudes, thanks so much for your responses to my e-news last week. There was some pretty heavy stuff coming right back at me following my personal out crying! I'm lovin' hearing your surfing tales, so keep 'em coming!

You see what I'm doing here... second e-news in a week, well nearly a week! Keeps Janey off my back and I can go cycling and meet mates. As I approached her yesterday she bantered, "What's that face for? You look like you've done a poo in your pants and haven't yet decided whether that's a good thing or a bad thing!" As I say to Cone Zone owner 'The Burnley Stewpot' when supping my first double espresso of a morn, "There's plenty of other places I can go and get this level of abuse!" I'm not sure where Janey got the line from, but I'm going to claim it from this point onwards! Good work Hair Bear!

Hm, last night.... yes, last night, well last night I found myself up on Dartmoor in the dark. And you know how they always advise that you take warm clothing, a torch, a phone, a compass etc... when out on the moor. They say that don't they, I've seen them bearded people on the telly "you must be prepared for the worst. The conditions can change very quickly." "Mate, you sort out those Kendal Mint Cake crumbs in your chinny hair before coming on telly spouting your top tips." Well let's just say I was light on essentials. Guilty as charged me lord. Janey dropped me at Burrator Reservoir following footie at Tavi ... "Shouldn't take me long to tickle over to Ivybridge." I stated confidently. I held my iphone aloft to both impress my boys and to seek the South-West compass bearing that I'd be striding out. The iphone read - '10% battery!' Of all my errors, that was the biggest. However, with running water, wild berries and baby badgers in abundance, any thirst would be quenched and hunger, abated, if the need should arise. If the phone died, the bent of marsh grass and leaning of stacked sheep poo would surely indicate my path back to civilisation. Or more likely, I'd just head straight for the lights coming from the buildings over yonder, that a'way!

My path was set... A to B, over the hill and far away. Hm, turns out A to B, was not A to B at all. Simply not possible. I traversed the moor via every letter of the alphabet... and threw in a few combos too, especially sh's, and even more especially when it came to the icy rivers.... I stood there wondering whether I had the balls to strip off and wade in or indeed wondering whether post wade I'd have any balls left to strip. It was a tough call but in the end the head said forge upstream. Go as far as was necessary to locate a good crossing place, like big green stepping stones that I could leap onto. Then slip off, windmilling arms and legs, before coming to rest in the chilly clear flow, at about waist deep. It was a good plan that met with considerable success on more than one occasion.

It was quite an adventure. We (me and Libby, my six yr old black lab) crossed many rivers, streams, traversed valleys and hills, and forged our way through deep bracken and prickly bushes. At one point we marched through a full military exercise, Marines .... thirty helmets sat atop dirty faces peering above the grassy knolls, their rifle spots focused on the gap between my eyes. I'd seen the helicopter drop them a few moments earlier, their black bodies scattered. "Not the face!" I pleaded. I stopped to chat to one young marine (I'm sure he goes to school with my youngest, Findog) - he wasn't a very good one, I could see him easy peasy lying there with his machine gun. I could have taken him, save for the fact we're on the same side. I recalled my previous combat experience and advised that if I were him I'd get to the fort as quickly as possible. "Have you ever been hit on the top of the head by a paintball, marine?" I asked. He remained still and silent. That's good marine, good. "You know when someone hits you really hard on the head with a miniature modeller's hammer? It feels exactly like that!" He didn't answer. "Are you attacking or defending?" I'd been out here for ages and craved human interaction. "Haven't been told yet. It's a night time exercise." It wasn't. I was only twenty minutes further up the Moorland footpath when I heard the gun fire... it was game on, big time as more choppers joined the action and thumped their urgent tune across the open moorland. We took shelter in amongst some farm buildings that I suspected were the inspiration for the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.... any mechanical grumblings or pull cord pullings, and we were out of there. I say, we. I'd chained Libby to the railings. I'm not stupid. I reckoned on her distraction earning me a good five minute head start. If need be, I'd make my way towards the caravan with the friendly couple peering out of the window.... 

On our adventure we saw sheep, cows, ponies, deer, stags, brown bears, mongeese (three mongoose) and a baby Sloath, didn't spot any big ones, tucked high up in behind those banana leaves, I surmised. We circumnavigated the massive china clay quarry near Cornwood...  did you know that from the quarry you can see the moon? It's huge. But, I have to admit that after all the forging ahead on our monster ramble, I fell short. It was the challenge of Dendles Wood and the expiring light that caused the retreat to lower ground and a sortie back off the Moor. As the light fell beyond the horizon, and the phone expired one last heady breathe, I made the call of shame to Janey. "Hello gorgeous!" "Where are you?" she sighed. My exact position was inside the Cornwood Inn, but that seemed like too much information. "Cornwood, near the memorial. Libby can't make it any further, she's done!" Praise be to the dog. I'll raise a glass to that... doh!  

 Libby was still comatose this morning. She's been lying on her back all day with her paws in the air, muttering something about "sausages". She hasn't even let me take her down the road for her first motion yet, and she's normally as clockwork as Big Ben. You know you're beaten when you're too tired to poo! That's not my motto, but I can see it would work for some.

Now, where were we, oh yes surf school, surf lessons that's right!! We do them. We've been doing them for ages, since 1995 and I reckon we're pretty good at them. We run lessons everyday at 10am and 2pm. £26 for a two hour session including all the gear ie boards and wetsuits. Booking recommended 07760 126225.

Oh and the Beach House, is still available for the October half term. Sleeps ten right on the beach. Walk the sand right on in, why not, everyone else does!

Okay, my work here is done. Even I can't be sure why I've written to you about my walk across the moor. It is what it is!

Pete 'Ramble on' Craskie 

Totally Amazeballs

"So what exactly is it that you do? Not roughly, not generally... on a day to day basis how, exactly do you fill your day?" Hm, I observe that Janey's eyebrows are nearly on her knees, anywhere past her belly and I know this is serious. Come on Craskie, thinking your way out of a situation like this is like taking jelly from a nipper, time to grind the big gears of the frontal lobe.

"Well, let me start by saying you're looking particularly beautiful today... and you smell lovely, is that a new fragrance?" I stop short of saying, Lavender, that might be ageist! I comfort myself that that is indeed a strong start and should oil a few creaky wheels..

There's a silence. Followed by a second silence. Followed by a rather shocking third silence. It was that last one that jabbed me in the ribs! If the eyebrows were a cause for concern, I could seek no solace from the corners of her mouth. There's a long sigh... "I haven't worn perfume since...." "The Pilgrim Fathers boarded the Mayflower, 1620?" Turns out any form of interjection, including Craskie banter, is ill conceived and badly timed.

But I persisted, "You know that if the wind changes, you'll stay looking like that!" was accompanied with a cheeky grin and flashing of eyelashes. The moment those words vacated my mouth I felt a deep sense of.... regret. My game plan of bombarding Janey with charm and one liners, had failed to recognise the absolute seriousness of the situation. On this occasion there was to be no leaving until she had answers.

"I delegate. And I er.... I'm the visionary. Yes, that's it, every good business needs a visionary. And visionaries need time and space for their minds to explore the blue skies that surround us and our empire, to bring forth harmonious change in a world filled with expectation and yet uncertainty. Oh, mind, you nearly knocked that candle over. In fact only this morning I was doing a spot of visionarying, and I've come to the conclusion...don't you just love the sound of those pan pipes, I've come to the conclusion....."

".. that you need to do more!" Janey was about to speak, I was about to listen. "How about starting with, something, anything. Vision this if you will, the wages need to be paid; the vat quarter needs to be signed off; the e-mails need to be answered; Wailo, Sarah, Avian and Sam need to be updated; the answerphone needs answering; the kids need picking up, feeding and taking to football; the dog needs walking; the hoover needs putting round; the chicken needs to be marinaded and basted (made that last bit up)..."

I'd switched off at 'the vat quarter', it was a very long list of stuff, and all I really noticed was her mouth moving and noise falling out. I was back in Visionaryland and all it's wonderfulness. A place that is totally amazeballs. (Pete you're 46, amazeballs!? That's as ridiculous as someone wearing super skinny jeans at your age.... what's that, you'll be back in a minute! I should add that I've lost 40 pounds since Christmas, to be fair it was a large turkey, and a new wardrobe was required. I've bought so many new clothes recently that even I'm worried that I'm about to open the batting for the other side! Padding up as we speak. And I've started listening to Michael Buble, hm... nurse!)

On reflection I suppose Janey's right, it's about time that Craskie got back on the horse, got back into gear. So I've taken the hint and I'm on it. Take this morning, changed a light bulb and put some Triple Velvet 3-ply in the Beach House. Don't stop me now, having such a good time... Craskie is back. Here we go.....

Yes, that's right, it's MC PC coming right at yer from good old sunny Polzeath. Hm, there are some inaccuracies in that statement... need fluid! Anyway, er, hello, hope you're well and have had a great summer hols. It's been a while since we last spoke (I wrote, written, writ, whatever), seems like pre-summer and we have soooo much to catch up on. Sadly in this format, it'll be a bit one sided... but hey ho, you can come back to me in your own good time. (The inaccuracies? - I'm not an MC, I'm not in Polzeath, not right now anyway, and it's raining outside, there that wasn't too misleading). 

(photo courtesy of Surf's Up! Surfer dude Rick Benson)

But that does bring me to my first point of proceedings. You guys, hey yes, you guys... coming up on the beach and saying hello. That's awesome, seems like some people do actually read my nonsense, and then come and say they likey. In truth it's been a while since I've roamed around the beach with any freedom (more on that later) but this year I've been able to and I have to say that I've never known a year like it when so many old faces have come up for a chat. And I've really enjoyed catching up. There are many of you who will remember the old days and have followed the Surf's Up! journey. It does seem a long time ago, well 18 years ago, since myself and Janey were at the coal face (Janey would say she's still at the coal face and that I'm AWOL (definitely 'without' please see above)). It was a much simpler existence, just teaching enough people to put a tin roof over our head and some beans in the pan. If we had a five year plan, it was to keep the tin roof over our head and maybe add a few pork sausages in with the beans in the pan along the way, never anything more ambitious than that. Right place and right time put paid to that, oh, and a good deal of elbow grease.

Now we have responsibilities - our own kids, mortgages, staff, not to mention the well being of our clients. I can't place it exactly but I think it would have been about five years ago that we both started struggling to mix business and pleasure. The beach had become our office, not the playground it had once been. I don't expect any sympathy by the way, just telling it as it is. Taking our own boys down to the beach at Polzeath, was like going to the office on the weekend for most normal people. At that time the surf school was flat out, we were teaching up to 400 people a day - the largest throughput of any surf school in the world, by a fair margin. The challenge of keeping standards up, both from a coaching and a safety stand point and maintain a personal touch - we did our best, but it was a long way removed from our initial motivations back in '95. The surf school was all consuming and if I'm honest, not much fun.

With so much going on, the beach became the last place we wanted to go to when we had the opportunity to take time out. And with that feeling we worried that our love of the sea, of surfing, of beach life wouldn't be passed down to our own - Billy (13) and Fin (9). And what a shame that would be. I feel this huge sense of responsibility towards anyone who surfs with us because it can be a real life enhancer, it can somehow make living a bit better, a bit easier, puts the strains and stresses of everyday life into perspective. For me to fail my own boys in that respect, would be a great failing of epic proportions.

But this year was a watershed, no question and I don't feel that claustrophobia anymore. My love of the beach has been restored. Why? A lot of reasons, but two that stand out - in no particular order, the first would be that the beach was quieter, the surf school was quieter. The likes of Wailin, Sam, Sam and Sarah, could cope with just a nudge of support here and there. We had a great team. And general beach life... no queues for food, no queues for parking etc a better holiday experience for everyone. We thought the Olympics was initially the cause, but the season in truth never really got up any head of steam. It was like an old car trying to start on a cold day, nearly, so nearly catching, but never quite properly running.

And secondly, our boys began their own love affair with the surf. I've observed it in other kids of many years, when one day it clicks, they just get it. Perhaps the first big unbroken wave or something as simple as a surf with great mates. The blood thickens with it and the body craves it. From that moment onwards the love affair with the ocean and riding waves can't be broken. It becomes a companion, a bestie for life.

Fin our youngest, is nearly there, but it's Billy who's blood runs thick. In the summer, he'd get up early, we might see him for lunch, but generally he'd return as darkness fell with his sidekick, cousin Charlie - best mates. When he comes home from school, he's straight on Youtube watching Kelly Slater's top ten. It's his, their, enthusiasm that's rejuvenated my own. My own surfing during this aforementioned 'blue period' hit rock bottom. After all these years living the dream, I should in truth be so much better than I am. I should ride shorter boards, charge bigger waves and make tighter turns. I've always hung onto the company dictum that the best surfer is the one having the most fun. I've always surfed with a smile, but that hides my deeper frustration. But what better way to be reunited with a true love than through my own. I'm excited by it and stoked that the boys love has come naturally, without any pressure and in their own time. I'm proud of that.  

Billyman doing some lip bashing at Harlyn.

Latest update then.. we're part living in Ivybridge part in Polzeath. Myself and Janey take it in turns to be on the beach in amongst the Surf's Up! crew. We have some amazing staff - Wailin and little Sam deserve special mention. We could not do what we're doing without their support and without having the confidence in their abilities and dedication. They are phenomenal. The Ivybridge Football Academy gives the boys a chance to have a good crack at their dreams, we followed ours, so it seems right. That doesn't mean it's easy, but we're together under one roof now, rather than the fragmented existence of the last year. Fin's happy in his new school. And we've made some really good new friends. We have great friends in Polzeath, but perhaps because most are tied in with the surf school in some way, we'd become quite withdrawn from the Polzeath social scene. Almost reclusive. But up here, I feel a sense of openness that I haven't experienced before - refreshing and healthy... we've even had mates to stay at Polzeath and we meet up on the weekends to do stuff together. Totally unheard of in the Craskie life cycle, up to now. It's a part of life that I've learned to embrace and really enjoy. Janey remains private, but I think she too, is opening up to a new way of living.

Wow, taken you on a bit of a personal journey. Now then, it's important that I give you a quick update on the surf school itself..... Surf's Up! is what allows us to breathe. Although the beach was quieter we had an amazing year. We ran a better business, Janey worked her pop socks off to keep it tight and overheads down... and although you'll be the ultimate judge, I think this was one of our best years in terms of delivering a really quality fun service. That's the feedback I had. The Beach House was full right through and Sarah in the shop did a stirling job, bringing in new exciting products such as the new towel, that kept her busy in her domain when others in the retail sector locally quite possibly suffered. To give you an idea, some camp sites (not all) were reporting a 40% drop in occupancy!! That's a huge drop in sandy foot prints on the beach... we're protected to a certain extent as a lot of our business is prebooked. Most local business do not enjoy that luxury.... a tough, tough year for many.

Lessons are still trucking along on on the beach, September was really busy, not sure why that was? We're still running lessons everyday until after the October half term, it's a good time to get wet... water's still warm, the sea's pretty empty and the surf is normally pumping..... good combo.

Official business: Avian, our new boy in the office (a great addition to the team) has asked me to let you know some free dates for the Beach House - which are as follows... Sun 21st October 5 nights £550 sleeps up to 10. 26 October 7 nights £750 up to 10. If you're on your own and fancy a residential break our flat is available 5 nights 28 October £250 inc 5 lessons and use of equipment outside of lesson times...

Right, this has been emotional. I felt that we needed a good catch up... hope it hasn't been too long and too deep! There's always the delete option or unsubscribe! Started with good humour and went a bit heavy.... need to keep it light in future I think. But as you'll know, I write in the moment and from the heart, for me there's no other way. I hope you're good and life's treating you well - hope to catch up and make sand foot prints together very soon.

Love you, bye

Slip, slap, slop

This is how we like it - early morning and it already feels hot, hot, hot! Surf today - like my missus, small but fun!

Quick Catch Up

No need to put in the long hours to enjoy the adoration of thousands on the road side, cheering and urging me on my way. I've had my Olympic moment. It was Saturday evening. I'd cycled up to Bude and was returning on the coast road, always a good challenge up the steep slopes of Millook, Crackington, Boscastle and onto Tintagel. As I approached Tintagel, a fire engine blocked my passage. Two Spanish firemen manning the pump, Hose A and Hose B, laughed "If you want to go through you'll have to pretend to be Bradley Wiggins!" Yes, yes, yes, very funny. It was the Tintagel Carnival and I'd caught up with the back end - floats, junior brass band, Salsa dancers, and men dressed as women. I was on a mission and in no mood to wait. To turn back and seek an alternative route was not an option... so playing the part of Bradley Wiggins sans lamb chop burns, I decided, was my best option for onward progress. I took my place in the line-up. What I hadn't anticipated as I turned the corner and down the main stretch was neither the popularity of this carnival nor the loud speaker system that announced my imminent arrival. To chants and cheers from the exciteable crowd of "Wiggo, Wiggo" I waved and played my part. Hilarious... I chuckled all the way home. I later found out that the judges had awarded me second prize in the french horn section of the junior brass band category - that's tight lycra and a cold front for you! I've been doing so much cycling recently that Janey 'the broomwagon' reckons I'm turning into a cyclepath! (You can have that one).

 

 

Photo courtesy of Matt Harbour - keep your best snaps coming... to info@surfsupsurfschool.com

 

Back to the beach, what's up? Well..... in summary, it's been a nice, busy. About five years ago, Polzeath was over crowded - difficult to park; to get accommodation; to find space for a base on the beach or in the surf; to get a bite to eat - all a stress for visitors. What we have now, as a result probably of that period putting visitors off, the struggling economy, the weather and the OIympics, is a fluid busy that everyone can enjoy. There's space and it's a good thing. Those that are here are getting the best of it, no question. There's a really nice relaxed feel about the village, less manic than it used to be. As a business you might expect us to say that this is a bad thing. But this is our home and we too want to enjoy the beach, particularly as our boys get older and more independent. Take yesterday, I went surfing with my boys (and their cousins) at midday - 2ft super clean, low tide - plenty of space, none of that jostling for a set wave. A real joy. Makes a difference at the surf school too - both clients and instructors buzzing, well done Wailo and team. Lots of good feedback, everyone's a winner. Lots of good feedback too about the shop stock - well done Sarah.

 

Local ripper Danny Runnalls bashing solid swell last Friday night, Polzeath high tide.  

While I'm on the subject of holidays, Janey has asked me to let you know that we have two dates available for our flat in Trenant Close (a five min walk to the beach) - Sunday 12th August for 5 nights and Friday 24th for 7 nights. If you're keen for a last minute break then give us a shout on 07760 126225 - sleeps up to ten (we'd rather less), bunk beds, views to Stepper.

 

 

Trenant flat - you can see the sea, tickle the ivories and everyfink!

 

We're making a short London fly-by to catch the triathlon and football semis tomorrow (my mate went to watch GB v Korea and sent me a text after we went out on penalties .... "it's just dawned on 71,000 people leaving the Millenium stadium that they'd have been better staying at home and watching the athletics on the telly!" - that was Super Saturday, what a night, what a night!). Anyway I can't wait. Have loved every second of this Olympics. Awesome.

 

Surf today - 2ft, light onshore - great for beginners and improvers!