Over the years it seems that Spring really does usher in new beginnings, particularly in recent times, around mid May. This weekend just passed has only added to that feeling/observation, with Ben (and of course Ems) flying from the roost and bringing to some sort of conclusion an era that began nearly 19 years ago; nearer 20 if you take it back to the womb!

It has been on the cards for some time now as you'll have deduced from archives on this blog, most notably in September, when the 'last Family Woollatt Jaunt West' was sensed. Tis not a bad thing of course as every youngster has to spread his or her wings at some time; the sooner the better in my book. But it does bring a lump to the throat all the same as the realisation that all that has passed is now just that; the past.

Around this time last year, it was clear that both Ems and Ben were very much an item; even if their youth (even now) could play against them as time marches relentlessly on, awaiting the slightest opportunity to trample on any weakness that may surface, with or without invitation. But here we are twelve moons on, as they have grabbed just the leg up any couple starting out in the big bad world could need, moving into a rented one bed property in Sleaford that is well within their budget.

The irony then, that it's situation is barely yards from where Suz and I contemplated moving to back in May 05, when the Penzance move fell through and we abandoned yet another attempt to relocate West. Add to this that the final decision to pull our property off the market was sealed after Ben's opinion was sought, about possibly moving to Sleaford instead as a stop gap and met with a definite No Way...

That was a sad time of course and contrasted starkly with that only twelve months prior in May 2004 when, having returned from a pleasant Easter break above Gwenvor; a family decision was made to focus our plans of moving to Kernow towards further West.

Our growing affinity to the Cornish Pirates and Ben's ever increasing prowess in the surf, no doubt aided his growing enthusiasm towards being 'in' with the plans and dreams at last. Something which was illustrated in his coming along with me for an extra 3 day trip to view property in the July.

However Fate, as we know, changed her fickle mind didn't she?! Nipping in the bud a promising change in fortunes I believe to this day awaited us. To his credit though, it was Ben's progress in so many aspects that helped greatly to pull us through this dark, depressing time.

His life now refreshingly free of the distractions of the computer games and PS and all the baggage they created, allowed him to flourish like never before. This all quantifiable in our two trips west in the summer and autumn of 2005; the latter in particular still fondly remembered as one of the Stand Outs.

Life as a consequence seemed to get better and anything seemed possible once more. By May 2006 both Ben and I had enjoyed trophy success on the rugby pitch, his most significantly as he found himself elevated an age group at his local rugby club, and being part of it's first ever Youth success in the NLDRFU Under 17 Plate competition. Something even more commendable given that he was still the best part of two years younger than team-mates and opposition alike!

The Tour to Mold in North Wales that month was also a highlight for all the right reasons! And so was Ben and I's weekend surfari to christen Boris in that July

Encouragingly too the renovations to our property had begun in earnest and hopes were high that come 2007, we would crack it on the Dream front.

That winter also saw Ben & I's increasing involvement covering Pirates' matches on the road. While Ben's playing commitments continued on an upwards spiral, mine were curtailed by injury in the January. As a consequence, a lot of Saturdays (and one cold Friday night in February at Leeds!) we'd jump into the car and head in various directions around the country to take photos and do the match report for the Unofficial Fans website.

This culminated in April 2007 when we all went to rugby's HQ at Twickenham and had a ball as the Pirates claimed a 19-16 win over Devon rivals Exeter to cap a fine season. The sense that this signalled that our time had come was overwhelming and we couldn't wait for all works at home to be finished off and to get it on to the market post haste.

Four weeks later and on the corresponding weekend to that just gone, we saw those hopes collapse and signal torment ever since, as Dad's admission into hospital began a sequence of events that will forever haunt us. To add to the mix, Ben's confidence and/or self esteem simultaneously plummeted and lead to one or two moments of real concern for us as the Ben we'd come to admire temporarily disappeared. Despite being strong for us when Dad passed away in June, there were uncharacteristic flashes of temper and even contemplation of quitting playing rugby!

The surfing briefly suffered too but was sufficiently back up to speed by the end of the summer to put that particular concern to bed before it had real chance to fester further. Happily too, once he began senior training late in August after his self imposed layoff, he was soon back in the swing of things and enjoying his rugby again even if he'd have to wait a season before being able to put the 2 shirt on again in anger!

By the time Mum passed away in the October he was back to his normal self and it showed. Just as well given his A levels loomed the following May and June; and then the Big Wide World and the decisions he'd have to face then.

And so we are here and what above may look like an obituary for the lad. Well the truth of it is, in effect his mother and I are 'grieving'. The biggest part of our lives has now 'gone'. From having nurtured this person and seen him grow into fundamentally a good person has demanded an almost unimaginable amount of time and commitment that we just couldn't have contemplated; can anyone?!. And with all too often too few resources when compared with our own peers! Suddenly that, in effect, is not there anymore. Our services are no longer required.

In reality of course this isn't the case as was proven within minutes yesterday as we ended up bunging a few things in the van and heading over to theirs (doesn't that sound weird!?), after they'd left behind some toiletries and other bits and bobs. I ended up taking the mower too to recapture their small lawn which their mower couldn't cope with; and slapping a bit of polyfilla around as well!

But despite all this gamut of emotions, this is a good thing. An eyeopener for them for sure, no doubt even more likely once the novelty of it all wears off. And it will! Plus a chance for ourselves to rediscover ourselves in this new light. We can also look forward with interest to see how the pair of them mature and mould together; how they too will form their own 'set ways', and how this will drive any offspring to distraction ;o) Note* any such development should NOT be something for the near future* ;o)

Personally, I hope they do crack it. They're up against it statistically of course and no-one can predict how things will change in due course. And they will. But, they have things in their favour which many don't and if that is built on with the patience neither says they have (!) they're in with a shout.

I do feel as if there is some 'unfinished business' even so. The plan was for Suz, me and Ben to move west and that will always be difficult (but not impossible) to modify in my own mind. That 'loss' is of course still raw even if I fully understand; no believe; it was always to be balanced out with his own choice of path to follow, which ever way that headed.

A year ago last May, Suz and me did ponder the possibility that maybe we could proceed with both in tow if the chance arose. On reflection pretty soon after we'd realised that this was unlikely to ever work for a whole range of reasons, and so dismissed the idea. The chances of it ending in tears would have been too great.

We do however hope that maybe they will follow us down there of their own accord, and not just as holidaymakers. A lot would be dependant on Ems in particular being able to fall in love with Cornwall and on her own volition. And that is even before any logistical or emotional considerations are made by both of them.

But it would be nice, so nice in the future, to be able to paddle out back with himself once more, this time in the knowledge that we are both then at home and for longer than just one or two weeks! That more than anything was...is...something Suz and me wanted for all of us to savour.
posted by wollocks at 12:14 PM

Have added a link above to the Stadium for Cornwall website to promote a cause that is dear to my heart. The Duchy is one region in the British Isles that lacks a top notch sporting venue that can host national or even international events. For an area that is rich in sporting history and produces many fine athletes this simply has to change.

The Stadium for Cornwall website provides the hub for an initial guage into public support in principle at least for such a project, with a view towards gaining the necessary political willpower to bring about it's belated fruition.

The dream is for a facility that not only can provide a home for it's leading sports teams and individuals to perform and train; but to lend itself to the local community in a range of ways, and to other cultural spheres that require a safe and suitable environment for large gatherings.

Sign the online petition at http://www.petition.co.uk/stadium_for_cornwall.
posted by wollocks at 3:06 PM

Have installed a revamped swellchaser with one or two minor revisions to follow shortly. Hope you like...
posted by wollocks at 7:02 PM

This blog is rapidly (or not!) just becoming a Quarterly feature isn't it?! Can't be helped of course and certainly isn't aided by opportunity to surf here in the east..for me personally at least I did actually venture back over to Sandilands early in March iirc, but the session and conditions were so poor for a variety of reasons, that I just didn't bother posting details.

The rot though did look set to be rectified when Suz and me got ourselves sorted for a week at Gwithian after Easter. And so; on the whole it ultimately transpired.

When a re-arranged Pirates fixture with Doncaster created a chance to see the last two home games of the season on consecutive weekends, we set in motion arrangements to make a week and bit of it. The emphasis would primarily be the surfing in unison with the rugby and so we decided to head back to Gwithian/Godrevy for the first time as a base since 2000. We found ourselves a one bed chalet on the Towans and then waited the few weeks after booking to contemplate our first holiday alone; without Boy or Dog, for over 18 years! Weird or what!?

We also sorted some B&B accommodation at either end of the week to extend our stay to firstly break up the journey down at Cullumpton; and also allow a post rugby night out in PZ with 'Welsh' mates Dave and his sis, Jen, before returning to Lincs yesterday; Sun 26th.

After what seemed an age that dragged we finally bid farewell to the 'children' and Charlie and eased Boris into the first 250 miles or so of the journey late on the morning of Friday 17th. Without a blip as such; if you discount an overfill of fuel at Leadenham whilst distracted in conversation with a fellow 'Brick' owner, we eased into the driveway of our first digs at Wishay Farm to spend as relaxed a night as you could wish for on a errmmmm Second Honeymoon ;o)

After more than adequate refuelling breakfast wise we were back on the road the following morning and stroked the last 100 or so miles to be parked up outside the Annexe a little after midday on Sat 18th. The weather too had cheered up as forecast, seemingly doing so on cue as parked up Boris ready to unload all our stuff. Was this a sign?

Could have been of course for all I knew as I'd taken little note of what the surf prospects had been, other than a cursory glance at Souls forecast prior to leaving 24 hours earlier. Not that it mattered of course as our location made eyeball checks as easy as you need, overlooking Gwithian beach as we did across towards Godrevy. First look showed a clean if small wave beckoning to shake off any cobwebs asap; something which would follow after settling in and some light refreshment.

By 3pm I'd whacked on the old and rapidly dying Snugg 4-3 and was paddling out to try my luck. Despite the easy conditions I did take longer than I'd like to get up to speed and felt well off the pace for 20-30 minutes. Things gradually fell into place of sorts and for the next hour I managed to hook into more and more waves, a dozen or so of which would 'tick the box' in cringingly management like speak.

Keen not to spoil the moment and end on a high, I rode the last of these in with every intent on getting in again early the following morning prior to heading into Camborne for the Donny game. Suz and me also had dinner to sort as well as sussing the bus stop arrangements-so allowing for 'pop' and not having to drive.

Amazingly I was up and 'at-em' before 7 and heading out for a surfcheck into the fog that gave promise of the forecast fine day ahead. It was eery it has to be said as visibility was down to less than a 100m with only the sound of the sea to remind me that it was only yards from where I set off. It was lifting quickly though and when the waves became visual it was clear that although still small there was at least at little more substance to them.

And so it proved as I returned to the chalet to find Suz also up and ready to come and watch my efforts. Encouragingly these bore a little more fruit so to speak if still not exactly setting the world alight. Consequently the hour and a half or so produced more in the way of good technique even if the wave count was still below par. Hardly surprising given the continuing inconsistency in time available for my surfing, but still something to work on compared to September last which was just as afflicted. Could this be my missing a certain young surfing companion to rub off with perhaps?

Ignoring the final result, the rugby was a blast and having stayed on till the last Suz and me eventually headed to the Red River Inn to round off a perfect day; and contemplate a week predominantly focused on water time. Trips to PZ on Tuesday and St Ives on Thursday excepted even though both wouldn't put a stop to eventual surf sess's on the same days.

Monday produced for me the most satisfying times as a good morning surf was followed by an even better one in the evening as the swell continued to build nicely to head high plus. The wave count could have still been better but then by the time I 'bodyboarded' in a little before 8pm, the emphasis was definitely on quality rather than quantity. It would be easy to be too self critical, as the lineup particularly at the Godrevy end of the beach continued to be really busy (as it was on each evening that followed), but my wave selection and take-off do need attention as too many potential rides were missed. That said, any disappointment I may have felt (or was to feel later on in the week) was more than adequately covered by the stoke I felt with the overall experience I'd just had and the pleasure the waves I'd bagged had given.

In particular I couldn't help but feel good with the general mellow ambiance in what was by it's very nature a competitive lineup. A point personified when pulling into another right and finding myself riding in tandem with another longboarder whose thumbs up and grin signalled the OK to continue on my way. Note too the other young logrider whose ability to knee paddle into any given wave with the minimum of effort compared with some of mine.....reminds me of a certain upstart between 05-07!

By the time we returned from Zance on Tuesday afternoon, Suz and me were both now in a routine that could have been sustained ad infinitum given the chance! I was tending to get in twice a day whilst Suz made it an every other day thing. The swell too according to overheard word in the lineup, looked set to continue with another larger pulse for Friday which if it matched that of the previous day would be an ideal opportunity to finish on a high surf wise.

As it turned out, the swell had if anything picked up a little by the time I headed down the dunes on Tuesday evening; if not in actual size, then certainly in intensity. It certainly explained a more challenging paddle out, but I did at least get things wired once out back and enjoyed some exhilarating stuff before getting caught inside once too often and deciding to quit while ahead once again after another 90 mins or thereabouts.

Wednesday produced a day of complete opposites as the swell continued to grow. My attempts in the morning were a complete shambles as I failed to break through and register anything of note. Consequently I followed soon after Suz's departure back to the chalet completely whooped and in barely half an hour.

Most unlike me but at least the walk over Godrevy Point and the chance to admire the small colony of seals more than restored any loss in spirit. The hot choc at the Sunset Cafe also did it's bit and I decided to try and restore confidence by going back in in the evening.

The paddle out did it's utmost to put me off but 15-20 minutes of dogged persistence eventually paid off. Barely an hour later and with half a dozen roller coaster rides had been enough in another busy lineup to put the smile back on my face. Which was just as well as things were only going to get even harder.

An early surf Thursday morning before catching the bus to St Ives for a bit of culture and a pasty, signalled a similar sequence of achievement to the day before. Little joy with only an evening restorer in faith to rescue matters. Mindset is everything in these cases and in hindsight I accept my mind was just not on it a.m. As with 24 hours previous the encouragement from a strong paddle out with one or two testing knock backs did the trick. The wave tally was smaller for sure and the crowds did little to offer any respite. But I did see an old familiar face from a distance - Gav Randall - who unfortunately I couldn't get to speak to as he continually distanced himself from the crowds - most Gav-like! :o)

That was put right the next evening after another day of relative struggle as the swell had grown to very heavy proportions. The morning had only produced one notable ride but I psyched myself up sufficiently for one final bash as the breeze that had been forecast to increase actually dropped off as the afternoon wore on.

It didn't take much to convince me that Godrevy was just too heavy for me to find a way out and so I relocated south of the Lifeguards hut at Gwithian, where the next stepway makes it's way down south of Peters Point. The swell was still there but it was a lot cleaner and promised an easier paddle out. With two or three other longboarders out I took my chance for three quarters of an hour as the sets kept rolling in. I managed to paddle out without any major hurdles but just couldn't get into anything that came my way. This thing about the take off now glaring me in the face. Whether its a confidence thing to put in that extra stroke or two when it seems the wave has overtaken I don't know. I'll just have to work that out once again.

Either way, as I tried desperately to rectify things I gradually moved my self towards a potential impact zone for the larger sets and left myself little option but to go for one that started to break over me. Surfing the initial turmoil in the white stuff I did actually get to feet and rode it in less than pleased with my efforts. Enter GR and a chance for a brief chat before he went out on his stand up paddle board.

Not the ideal signing off then and perhaps summed up the subsequent foul and violent weather that followed. A real reminder of Boscastle back in 04 for sure. Then came the Pirates last match of the season defeat to London Welsh; the drenching I got after that and a missed opportunity for a night out at the Benbow. At least the company was good anyhow and our final nights stay at Torwood House a pleasant one. Just as well because the journey back the following day was as long and slow and subdued as ever.
posted by wollocks at 4:10 PM

Not for the first time in recent years a lack of surfing opportunity leads to the neglect of this blog and gives the impression that I have given up on my surfing and my dreams. Well I'm here to tell you the reader, here and now, that both couldn't be further from the truth!

OK, so yesterday was the first time that I'd donned a wetsuit since mid September and enjoyed an hour and a half of 2-3' clean Sandilands juice. True it was also the first time since I can't remember when that the ancient Snugg 4-3 has seen action in some winter waves. And yes you will have heard it all before about New Years Resolution about getting wet more often once more. But....

This will be the case as 2009 develops because otherwise surfing could become just a distant (pleasant) memory and that mustn't happen. I know I have other interests mainly of the rugby variety; namely the Pirates and watching Ben's progress at senior level now that I have officially 'retired' from playing; and yet it is the riding of that board that spurs on our greater dreams of moving west. Remove the former and the latter will crumble to nothing too, and we've had enough diappointment and frustration on that score!

Credit Crunch or property market collapse or no, we simply have to take a gamble if necessary and finish off what we started all those years ago. Those niggly little bits to finish off the renovation have to have the pennies found and done! Mum and Dad's bungalow has to be sold after 8 months without as much as a viewing! And then we have to get shot of our own house for what will seem a steal if necessary. Otherwise I dread to contemplate what could transpire...

...makes sense to go for a surf every now and them to calm those nerves and re-assure. Yesterday went a long way to doing that as well as clearing out the cobwebs and shaking off 3 bouts of illness in the last two months once and for all. I wonder if there is/was a connection??
posted by wollocks at 2:10 PM

continued from posting 16-9-08 below...........

Maybe Widdy (Friday 5th) would be worth a peep on our way back. You bet yer granny on it...it was brewing nicely.....

Upon pulling into the car park around 4.15 it was clear there was something very interesting brewing. What little breeze there was, was offshore, and looked to be dropping completely; and as for the swell well. It was as clean as you'd like and building nicely as the tide began to turn.

We watched for a while, in between intermittent wiping of the windscreen to clear the rain off and waited. I cracked first nearly seconds later, but my plans were put on hold as it was realised there were no towels in the van. Luckily our digs are not far away and we dashed back for a couple...just as the car park attendant locked up his shed and set off in his van. Thoughts of being able to skip the parking fee did occur but it was the juice that was focusing attention.

Tens minutes later and my suiting up is resumed and quickly completed. At the waters edge I have already plotted my paddle out which goes to plan requiring only a concerted effort late on to clear the next set rumbling in. I position myself mid beach with an eye to move more towards the Black Rock end as soon as I ethically can.

The first action was only moments away, and set the tone for my session perfectly as I stroked into a lovely head high plus left with so much ease it was frightening. Why do I sometimes struggle even now? Paddling back into the lineup it was great to feel part of an excellent vibe which I hoped Ben wouldn't be long joining in with. It was simple really; just let her know the surf is insane and there'll be time to chat later...surely?

As it was I clocked him paddling out less than half an hour later than I had and one good right almost immediately soon put us in a similar spot together. By this time I'd had a good half dozen waves notched up but then this evening it was about quality over quantity.

In between my own successes there was the fantastic sight of one surfer hooking one of the bigger lefts further over and out, and then proceeding to pull off a headstand! Moments later and I saw him from the other side of the wave now in a more normal stance before bailing to great cheers.

Perhaps I was spurred on as shortly after I took off and into a lively wave during which I ducked into a cover up proper possibly for the first time ever. Was I stoked? You betcha! The penalty thus was allowing myself to stay on too long and get caught inside for way longer than advised. It took me a good 10-15 mins to reposition and certainly required a rest in the saddle upon completion.

I'd noted Ben's own successes which explained the obvious delight on his face which was still visible as the light now began to fade. He opted to ride his next one in while I reckoned on a couple more first before actually deciding to do just as he when I popped up on my last wave.

Feeling very smug upon being altogether again we felt grateful for this gem as prospects didn't look good. The weather was set to deteriorate overnight and even when it did settle some come Sunday, there'd be no swell to speak of. There was also the question of an injury to a toe on my right foot, picked up on take off to one my early waves on Friday evening. Adrenaline had obviously dulled any pain but by the time I'd got into the shower back at base, the toe had swollen and was still bleeding.

It had happened quite freakishly as it'd caught on some wax as I popped up, and tucked underneath the foot as I put weight down on it. At the time I'd thought nothing much of it other than hoping it didn't trip me up and lose the wave, and besides I'd corrected it during the ride when weight was shifted to my back foot.

Over the weekend I'd been hobbling around and was beginning to wonder whether I'd done something to warrant a visit to Strattons A&E to go 2-1 up over Ben on this circumstance. As it turned out by Monday (8th) I did at least manage to paddle out into perhaps the crappiest, smallest waves possible at Widemouth. Ben and I didn't hang around too long out there as it was that bad, but at least the toe; protected by a boot, had at least stood up OK. The question now though was would it be fit enough to take on any of the promised big swell later in the week.

The next chance of a test came on the Weds (10th) when I correctly followed my instinct to find enough shelter from the S-SW breeze at Crackington. This proved a good call as the valley above the Haven was acting as a funnel to the breeze inland and creating in effect offshore conditions; at least within the shelter of the cliffs. Ben and I certainly caught the best of it earlier on and although there weren't many good rides to be had, there was enough to play with before getting in just before HT at 3pm-ish as the quality and size both backed off. Suz too got in for the only time this week as it turned out, although rock dodging was the order of the day for her.

On Thursday (11th) we made a last minute decision to meet up with Jen in St Ives. The swell had picked up as Hannah did her bit out in the Atlantic and a persistent SW would undoubtedly make Harlyn the only local prospect. Maybe Porthmeor would do the biz?

We eventually parked up above the town and wandered down the steep descent to the meeting point in front of the Tate without any gear. Suz had gone on ahead and so Ben and me didn't get our first view of the open sea until just after midday and what a sight it was! Porthmeor was pumping and easily double overhead on the bigger sets which seemed relentless in their own right, and it was offshore! Waiting for Suz to return I started to get twitchy. This was bigger than anything I'd been into before; even Praa Sands of a few years back. Should I trek all the way back up to the van and get changed? Or should I bottle it?

Ben wasn't making keen noises though, claiming his concerns over keeping his board in one piece. A valid point given my own misfortune 13 months previously, but I suspect it was more to do with going back up that hill and back down again all geared up twice! The green light went on for me after greeting Jen when Suz and her returned.

By half one I was stood before the heavy shore dump and admittedly a little nervous of what lay ahead. Half an hour later and having been unceremoniously spat out onto the beach yet again I was beginning to wonder if this wasn't going to go down as nothing more than a brave but embarrassing failure.

I repositioned to a central spot on the beach and took a deep breath for one more valiant attempt. This time I found a gap and was able to break through the whitewater only a mere ten minutes later. Now came the real deal as I sat just beyond the peaks and surveyed the scene. A further half hour passed as I watched and took mental notes and continually paddled around to find a comfortable spot. I knew I would get one or two real chances and was keen not get in anyones way or screw up.

Then came the first shadow with my name on and there was no time to think. I swivelled round, looked over both shoulders and went for it. The board began to slide and I popped up and waited for the drop only to feel the wave begin to overtake, leaving me stranded atop the crumbling whitestuff and no option but to pull off before getting sucked into oblivion.

My next chance came quickly though and this time an extra stroke before jumping up did the trick and I was away. Surprisingly time stood still and everything felt mellow as I went along this monster with time to look around and plot my route. Seconds later and I had kicked out humming with excitement and keen for more. As it was I managed only one more wave twenty minutes later which I ended up riding in, having decided to quit while ahead. Joining the others who were by now all on the beach watching you better believe I was buzzing.

The only pity following on from this was that I couldn't finish on a similar high surfing wise on the remaining 40 hours or so we had left at 'home'. Our last full day had only the prospect of a late afternoon bash at Summerleaze which of course was better than nothing; whilst my final attempts on Saturday morning at Widdy were nothing short of frustrating as I failed miserably to even get out back in less than challenging if messy onshore stuff. Fatigue was obviously playing it's part but the fact remains that I wouldn't have normally struggled in such conditions and probably only added to the foul mood I drove back up north with.

The previous evening/late afternoon (12th) had at least meant some minor successes but the crowded lineup and the tricky lumpy swell that had developed in the shelter of Barrel Rock weren't what I would have preferred. Ben, when he finally got in had opted for the smaller peaks closer in and perhaps he made the wiser choice as he at least caught more in the way of notable rides. I on the other hand spent too much time moving about seeking a clear run but all too often finding myself out of position at the wrong time, and seemingly conscious when Suz and the camera were doing their bit. It wasn't surprising therefore that I only really grabbed anything notable when she wasn't about. All in all then, a less than satisfying session and the complete antithesis of the unbridled pleasure in Porthia 24 hours earlier.

Thoughts now turn to what plans we can unfold and/or whether a trip down in October is possible. Between now and then lays the prospect of taking advantage of any wavey stuff over at Sandilands et al. I'm not holding my breath.
posted by wollocks at 1:52 PM

It's fair to say that the journey back from Cornwall on Saturday was a tad morose as ever it is, though perhaps with extra reason(s).

Dependant on holiday allocation for (now) Ben and his laydee of course. And notwithstanding the slim possibility that maybe; just maybe, Suz and me can at last get the Show on the Road and take advantage (if there is any!) of the 12 month window on Stamp Duty and get moved. Then this trip may have ushered in the end of an era and be recorded as the last Woollatt family 'holiday' as we know them. Mixed emotions then on realising this which is understandable, but on the whole it will at least give extra impetus to our ultimate goal.

There is though the chance of one last hurrah should we all be in a position to head back down as a unit in the Spring, and 'blood' Emms in the delights of Kernow lifestyle and all it offers; well at least the surfing aspect, the game at Camborne to avenge last seasons defeat by London Welsh there and all the equine opportunities we can find for her. What happens between now and then will have the final say, but it would be nice...wouldn't it?

As for this trek well there were waves; some absolute stonkers at times, but there was a seemingly constant battle to find shelter from a troublesome breeze. There was also the unusual sight of the Old Man generally out-performing Jnr, at least in terms of stamina and enthusiasm to get stuck in while we could.

Don't get me wrong, Ben enjoyed his time both in and out of the water, and surfed well and with a smile on his face. But gone for now is the usual 'first-in/last-out' aspect and general out-performing that has been so noticeable over the last 2-3 years.

Obviously missing his loved one which is fair enough....but there is a limit to just how much 'keeping in touch' there should be, whether parted for two minutes/two weeks or two years. Sure I'm knocking on and attitudes have altered but per-lease.....

They'll learn and grow in confidence with themselves and each other on that front...they have to!

Meanwhile back at the beach.

We arrived at Widemouth around 7.45am on Sat 30th to find the expected small clean swell which was a relief otherwise we'd be unlikely be able to venture in till Tuesday at the earliest, given other commitments and the forecast. A light breakfast was taken first to allow the waves to get back onto the banks by mid ebb. I alone then ventured in to make the most of it for an hour or so and get dialled in before it backed off around low tide.

It didn't take long to suss and a handful of pleasurable moments gave me enough ammo to rub it with Jnr about what he'd missed as lunch and short kip beckoned. A grumpy response was all that was forthcoming as apparently Suz had been sticking her oar in too for a laugh. I know we shouldn't and we do try not to go too far but sometimes you just have to don't yer? ;o)

Whether by design or no, he was not long following me back in come mid flood and some of the old banter wasn't far away once he nicked his first wave off me for good measure. To add to the magic I always feel when we surf together, conditions improved with the push and although I lasted half an hour longer than he, it was clear why he'd opted to come with us despite anything. Oh and throw in a top drawer fish and chip supper from the Beach House to round things off and a good day came to its close perfectly.

Conditions held well the next day so we found out later but our focus was already taken at Camborne where the Pirates blew away Newbury to open their league campaign with a flourish.

Predictably the weather and drop in swell did it's worst as feared and it was Weds 3rd before we got wet again. A relatively early start saw Ben and me head to Summerleaze first thing but even then it took less than an hour to convince us this was a lost cause and make us rue passing up on going in while it was good at Crackington the day before. Suz had at least broke her duck and enjoyed a hectic hour before it was time to head home (=Poundstock).

A little down therefore we popped into Zuma's to see if there was any respite in the offing. Gustav promised a little something at the end of the week, but the real eye opener was what Hannah could send this way 6 or 7 days later. Something to look forward to no doubt but what about now?

"Harlyn" says Nigel, "enough swell about to wrap around into the bay and the breeze would be o/s".

We knew of this little gem in such times but aware of the crowds it can attract and conscious of the petrol consumption it'd entail we headed back to Suz to ponder.... It didn't take long. Lunch was woofed down and Suz and Charlie were thrown in to the van before any guilt was allowed to kick in.

The 'g' word didn't get a look-in as we found a pretty much perfect 2-3' clean wave lit by intermittent sunshine to boot. Ben and me bravely donned our cold and wet already used gear and trotted down to the east end of the beach to christen a new beach for us. Jnr nabbed the first wave of the session and set the early pace while I oddly couldn't get the predominant right wired as quickly.

Maybe it was the combi the rip and breeze was having that meant having to watch the drift towards, but it troubled me enough to get out and wander down to the opposite end of the beach where I'd noticed a solitary longboarder and a nice little left. Ben hung around where he was and although enjoying some successes, decided to call it a day after barely an hour and headed in without tasting the delights I'd found. Pity as it turned out to be quite a treat although it did allow Suz to don her wettie and get in to the frisky shore dump which kept her amused instead.

Either way a good call and enough to convince us to head back the next day (4th) after a wasted journey into town. The wave wasn't as big this time but it was enough to tempt Ben and me back in, the latter following after I'd 'softened them up' for a while first. It had taken 5-6 days maybe, but it was heartening to see him back to his more competitive self as we traded wave for wave to start with before his tally started to pull away from mine as was always the case since he'd 'gone long'.

The following morning (5th) the swell had dropped as forecast and a welcome rest was planned. In Zuma we'd heard that it should pick up later on that day but we didn't really think it would be by much. Enough perhaps to go in but nothing special. As we three wandered onto the breakwater to exercise Charlie we began to wonder.

Nearing low tide and having chuckled at Charlies cowardly attempts to look fierce in the face of small mouse in the shelters under the cliff, Ben and me braved the easing rain and headed to the Barrel to check out the effect the flooded Neet was having as it flowed heavily into it's saline cousin. It didn't take long for us to note the size of the wave showing all the way beyond Crooklets and in front of us and comment. Maybe Widdy would be worth a peep on our way back. You bet yer granny on it...it was brewing nicely.....to be continued.....
posted by wollocks at 5:50 PM

I'll post a full report on our trip tomorrow sometime with any luck. Suffice to say we got back on Saturday night already 'down' from having to return (let alone a day before we could have!) only to be greeted with a problem with the car which put a spanner in the works; particularly as it was needed by Ben to start his apprenticeship on Monday. That and one or two other niggles which did little to improve the mood.
posted by wollocks at 4:49 PM

Barring the mowing of the grass (extra crop to allow for 2 week absence) the chores and loose ends seem to be completed which means....I can now load up a cleaned out Boris and get in a more desirable mood.

A late call on Wednesday night scuppered any plans to do it yesterday, but then work can never be turned away..can it??

Either way, the prospect of a mellow if small longboard wave to greet our arrival tomorrow morning raises spirits. The only question remaining is if it picks up later in the day will the energy levels be deep enough? I reckon so though pangs of hunger and a wish for fish and chips from the Beach House will play its part no doubt.

As will how Jnr will be coping with the absence of his Significant Other. Hopefully he'll be driven on with the chance to surf himself out over the next fortnight to compensate, and consider everything before him in the coming weeks. Whether he realises this is down to him of course and maybe a Pirates win at Camborne on Sunday will add to the incentives.

May post later before departure though I reckon the post trip report may be the next offering.
posted by wollocks at 12:55 PM

The countdown begins around now for our latest Cornish adventure. Just as well considering there haven't been any surfing opportunities this way since last I posted.

The boards are already in the van (well they live there as a rule anyway) but the main packing will be done during the day on Friday. Also considering whether to take Ben's minimal as a third board for a bit of fun.

Whatever happens, this is likely to be a notable trip insofar as it will no doubt be the last trip down in family mode now Jnr has reached the 18 milestone! There were plans for his squeeze, Emma, to come with us on this one, but she was unable to get time off work. Pity in many ways because it would have been a good chance to intro her to the lifestyle possibilities in Kernow, and who knows what from thereon. Hey ho that'll have to wait now for the time being; perhaps come half term in October? Whatever transpires however it will be Jnr's decision come the time we at last head west ourselves as to what he will do long and short term. Watch this space
posted by wollocks at 7:13 PM

This really is becoming remiss of me.

Three months since my last post since which I had a week west surfing, have been up to my ears in painting & DIY, and have also snuck in a couple of sessions here at Sandilands.

Missing out on the holiday report was a first for me since I began this blog. As it is now but a distant memory I'd best just gloss over what was a welcome week back 'home'. There was a surf able wave most of the time and, excluding the first Saturday when he headed to Camborne for the rugby, we only missed out going in on one day. Nothing classic for the most part but glad to just get wet again after so long.

Our last day too was surf less which doesn't happen too often and so followed a quiet journey back to where we live. Wed passed up on an extra day that was offered which was a pity (lovesick teenager!!) as some swell did turn up 24 hours later which would have been a better send off.

Never mind. Soon after our return we finally reached a point on the house renos where everything was more or less done from a building pov. This meant over a month of having the nose to the grindstone with paint brush and roller permanently white hot. It dragged at times and often got to me 'upstairs' as the media fuelled credit crunch and property market slump made me wonder if fate was going to deal yet another cruel blow! Was all this effort going to be in vain?

With the decorating now done (bar a built in bookcase) and efforts to lick the outside into shape now underway, we've still to find out. I'm hoping to be in a position to go back down to Bude in September with the house once again on the market for the next push. We'll have to see.

Today though I headed over to Sandilands to catch the first of a swell headed down the east coast and I can at last report a surf that was truly fun in these parts. For me personally that is. I'd been over a couple of Mondays ago and had a couple of hours with Naips to christen the board in the brown stuff, but had not really got it tapped. A niggle in the ribs half way through didn't help but the mind wasn't fully on it.

Suz, Ben and Emma (Ben's bird) came along although Jnr opted out of going in and impressing the lady as the welding at the hip was proving too stubborn obviously. Pity, as he missed out on a cheeky little wave on the ebbing tide. It took just a couple of attempts to get is sussed and away I was!

A variety was on offer most notably some hairy bombs that just couldn't be ignored. Well, rather get something from them then sit there and wait for the thrashing! Often though there were some walls to chase, although as low tide approached it did drop off a little and so after nearly two hours I paddled back in to see the others.

I did re-suit up an hour after low tide but to be honest despite the tide being on the push it had crapped out noticeably, even taking into account the increased rip and NW breeze. More is forecast tomorrow and into Tuesday but I'm unfortunately committed elsewhere.

Focus now must turn towards finishing things with the house and then a two week bash west in September. Can't bleedin' wait!
posted by wollocks at 6:10 PM

It seems an age and indeed is an age as missed opportunities, injuries and other pressing committments have prevented me from not just getting in to the sea; but christening the new Bear!

Well hopefully that is about to be put right for the next 8-9 days as Boris is being loaded up ready to travel west tomorrow. It's not the now usual overnight trip as we've decided to amble down during the day tomorrow. But with any luck and judgement we may be able to get in for an evening surf when we get to Poundstock.

The plan is to stop off in Bideford en route so that Suz can get to see a wood engraving exhibition, while Ben and me walk the hound and refuel.

On Saturday we're headed to Camborne for the Pirates last game of the season, though whether we head to Gwith or such like on the way remains to be seen. We'll play it by ear.

Then on Sunday Parky is due to head up our way on his way back to Newton Abbot which will be great. We last met back in August when we ended up at Watergate at a time I was testing a Bear for potential purchase. Either way it will encourage the surf mindset which is something my life is crying out for at present.

Beyond that we'll see how things pan out....
posted by wollocks at 3:44 PM

Time got the better of me today and so I didn't get a chance to get over to the coast. Pity, as it has been a lovely autumn's day if a little chilly. The breeze may have been a factor though, but as if on cue, just as dusk hove into view it dropped right off to nothing.
posted by wollocks at 4:48 PM

A text from Naips this morning reminded me of the possibilities of at last christening the new board. I'd half had an eye on the charts and had noticed that a low could track northwards this week, but mind has been on other things. As ever!

Anyway, a check around does suggest a brief window tomorrow, with better prospects for Friday onwards into the weekend. If everything allows tomorrow and I can spare time from searching for some form of employment to take me into January, then Boris can be loaded and put on standby. If not then Friday & Sunday are pencilled in. Maybe even get Jnr to dip his toes again too if he's man enough ;o)
posted by wollocks at 11:03 AM

Mum's send off went well yesterday on a sunny and bright autumn morning, in contrast to the wet summers one we had for dad's.

For me personally the whole business has been harder emotionally this time
round. Initially I felt guilty about this until I figured out why this was
so. This wasn't just about losing Mum, the person who brought me into this
world; nor for being with her until the end-unlike Dad who caught us all
out. No. This was about the fact they are now both gone. Sure, they are now
back together and no doubt in better shape but they are not here at least in
a sense we relate to in the human state.

The service was as with Dads, and carried out with touching reverence by all
present. There was a good turnout of family, friends and neighbours; there
even being two representitives from the care home she was at in Stamford.
She'd made such an impression on them in such a short space of time.

I was finding it hard to control all the emotions but was composed by the
time it came for me to stand up front again. That was not so easy when we
followed her out on her way back to the cars and to Grantham, although I
didn't totally lose it. This was so different when compared to Dad's do and
again I couldn't figure out why...until I remembered on that day I'd been
occupied wheeling Mum around the grounds at the same stage. ;o)

Either way, by the time we were back at Hollands for tea and stickies and
then onto Mick's after that I was more my usual self. Sue, Ben, (friend) Dave and I then returned home and celebrated Mum's life by having a slap up meal at the
local pub.

Below are the words of Mum's Eulogy:

Today has a real sense of de ja vu, even so one or two here may not be aware
that I am Martin, Jessie's youngest son.

Experience you would think should make standing here before you so soon
after our last such get together that bit easier, shouldn't it? Well no it
doesn't.

Losing the person who physically brought you into this world unleashes a
whole new range of emotions hitherto hidden away deep within. Coming to
terms with these new found feelings will be achieved in time; it being the
greatest of all healers. This will be primarily because Mick and I were
there for Mum to complete the circle of life, supported so ably by Pam and
Sue at our own sides when the moment arrived. We at last in our eyes seemed
to do something right for her.

Born in Hendon, North London on October 1st 1922, Jessie Tyers was the
middle child of 3; the eldest her step brother Frank and a younger sister
Eileen. Here she spent her formative years and soon began to make an
impression. Glowing school reports tell of a "hard working, perservering
girl" who "wasted no time and made improvements every day". She excelled at
most subjects, particularly English & Arithmetic, and left school at 14 with
a post-education reference highlighting her conscientiousness and likelihood
to do well at clerical work.

Not unsurpisingly she became a junior clerk at Fowlers in Cricklewood in
November 1936, before following the family 'trade' so to speak and ending up
at the Broad Street offices of London Midland & Scottish Railways in the
City.

Away from work, she threw herself into the local church community at St
Johns also in Hendon. Here she was to meet her future husband Ron Woollatt,
whom she married in June 1943; a union that was to last through thick and
thin until cruelly cut short of their 64th Anniversary only 4 short months
ago.

That they got that far was down to a great deal of teamwork and effort and
was at times tested to it's utmost limit. There was also a degree of luck,
or maybe fate some may say. A swap of shifts with a colleague saw Ron off
work when the factory he worked at, took a direct hit during a German air
raid in the Blitz. On another occasion while they both walked home one
evening, Ron spotted some ultra hot shrapnel falling from the sky and pushed
Jessie aside and to the ground to save her from serious injury. She no doubt
gave him a tongue lashing for that one; to start with at least!

Her true strengths really shone though when in 1950, Ron had to have a then
life threatening operation to remove a TB infected kidney. With him unable
to work for 12 months and there being a 2 year old child to support, she
used all her financial acumen and no small amount of dogged determination to
somehow see them all through it. Bear in mind, there was no Welfare State as
we know it to help them out then.

As Mick and I know too well, these events invariably have a long lasting
effect. As a consequence, it wasn't until the family had moved to Basildon
in 1961 and settled there, that the cloud of that trying period finally
lifted. I'd arrived by then which wasn't a coincidence I hasten to add.

There, Jessie emersed herself in the social scene at St Martins from it's
birth in 1962 until they finally grasped the nettle of moving from Basildon
in 1993 to be nearer to their family here in Colsterworth. She became
involved with a multitude of activities, using her clerical skills to take
on various Treasurer-type roles, whether with the Mothers Union, Womens
Fellowship, PCC or such like.

Jessie, or Woolly as she was affectionately known; along with Ron, became a
bedrock to that church and many friends were made and kept even when their
allegiances switched to this St Johns, and she continued to get stuck in
here.

She would do anything that needed doing and must have covered miles in
cleaning and polishing. Wherever she was, there was laughter and she would
always diffuse some tense situation with a casual line from her rather
refined sense of humour. Ask me later about Anne's Knicker Money; or Mick
about the Teapot on Christmas Eve when the laugh was on her!

Above all else Woolly was Mum and Grandma and was intensely proud of her
family. She also in effect became a surrogate grandma to many children in
her time, such was her generosity and determination not to let them go
without as she no doubt had to in past times.

One of mum's strengths, or traits, depending on which side of the particular
fence you stood on at any given moment, was her ability to have the last
word...and with such effect with, or later without a full voice for the last
20 years or so!

I suppose when younger I often resented this; name me any teenage male who
has just been told he is in the wrong being able to walk away from the scene
contentedly accepting this new found discovery! But the truth of the matter
is, she was right...(almost always)!

Yes she could be stubborn and yes change wasn't always embraced as swiftly
as it could have been at times, but then all the above will go along way to
explaining why. The stubborness may even have contributed to her eventual
downfall, but beneath that was a faith that was stronger than most of us
could ever dream of.

We four witnessed that first hand, and it was Hilary's Blessing on that
fateful evening, that was the catalyst for such a remarkable transformation
in her demeanour. Her reward? To be re-united with her true-ist and only
soul mate and Mum was at peace with the world once more.
posted by wollocks at 1:01 PM

It is with a heavy heart that I pass on the sad news that my mum finally
lost her battle with PSP and it's complications last Wednesday (Oct 3) a
couple of days after her 85th birthday.

I would have posted sooner only on the morning of her death and oblivious to news of her deterioration, our land line and consequently, Internet connection was literally ripped down by a road traffic accident outside our house. Quite how a lorry can lose control in a 30mph zone, cross the central line, take out a parked van-help it along the road for 200yds and fold it in half, and scatter debris the like of which you normally only see on a race track is beyond me. Blacking out at the wheel and then being left chatting with the police having been checked over the by the paramedics does however provide suspicions....Either way it has taken a week to put right and so here I am able to link up once more.

Sue and I had planned to visit her on that day as after our visit on her birthday it was clear that time was now not on our side, or mums for that matter. We arrived around 2pm not aware that the hospital had been frantically trying to contact us and/or my brother that morning to let us know her demise was imminent.

My brother works nights and with no-one else in his house, hadn't heard any phone ringing. We of course were cut off by the time they'd switched their
attentions to us and they hadn't been passed any mobile phone number details
when my mum had been transferred to them.

We were brought quickly up to speed, saw for ourselves how bad things had got and contacted my brother and his wife to get them there asap.

Her blood pressure had dropped a long way and her breathing was laboured. At
times she was agitated but our presence did seem to ease this even if she
couldn't communicate. After a couple of hours or so we called her local
vicar to see if she could come and give mum the Last Rites. Within 30 mins
she was there and giving her her Blessing and said a few prayers. Mum's
whole demeanour changed before our eyes and she visibly began to relax with
her breathing noticeably steadying. Slowly the breathing became more and
more shallow and her eyes began to close as if in sleep. This stood out as
the PSP had prevented normal eye blinking in these last few weeks.

Half an hour after her blessing at around 6.50pm I physically felt her slip away as she held on to my hand till the end. It must have been a relief after all the
suffering she'd gone through of late. It was perhaps the most moving
experience of my life to date and something I'll never forget.

Tears have been shed but we are fine and will be in good shape in time for
her cremation next Tuesday. At least she is back with Dad now.
posted by wollocks at 10:28 AM

It's been a while once more and with reason, sadly not for a lack of waves although they have been as rare as rocking horse waste!

At the beginning of September my mums well being began to slide into the cause for concern category. Slowly at first but with ever increasing speed her tenure at the care home became eventually unsustainable. Quite why this occurred is open to debate as, although her PSP was always going to be a factor eventually, it just didn't seem possible that things could alter quite so dramatically.

From about mid July her appetite lessened and there would be the odd 'bad' day, though nothing unmanageable. However, as we moved into the 9th month of the year this refusal of sustenance increased, including fluids, to the point where the situation moved beyond the care home's remit until given clearance otherwise.

Mick and I had had a meeting in late August with Social Services which had raised our concerns regarding their view of mums status the moment it began. The opening salvo being along the lines of "have you sold/valued your mothers bungalow?" even before any mention of her well being or future care!!!! Our immediate riposte as to whether she'd been medically assessed yet, really caught them off balance and set an uneasy tone.

A week later and a visit to mum by Suz and I turned into something quite different, when we discovered that a medical assessor from the local authority would be there soon to do just that. All well and good, but we should have been informed of this arrangement by them so a relative could be present too, and certainly wasn't expecting anything for another week at least. Just as well we'd gone off chance then eh?!

The assessment wasn't the most pleasant experience I could wish for anyone, but wasn't cause to suspect anything untoward. We didn't like the 'talking over mum as if she wasn't there' kind of thing, but in hindsight the alternative of not involving her didn't seem a better solution either. The conclusion was inconclusive-borderline is it's best description then and now, with a Community Psychiatric Nurse being decided upon as the next step.

Mum meanwhile persisted with her refusal of (most) food and fluids and added some odd behaviour into the mix as well; namely deliberately falling out of her chair and undressing to name but two. This eventually lead to the CPN calling time and rattling some cages to get her moved to an Assessment Unit at Grantham Hospital as an emergency.

But why the dramatic change in behaviour which appeared to centre around a now irrational fear that her bungalow was going to be sold behind her back to pay for her care. Until then the subject although broached was always done so without giving her cause to worry. There was always assurance that it wouldn't be sold behind her back. Indeed the intention was to involve her fully as and when it would become necessary. But after that meeting and having done the sums conservatively, even in the worse case scenario, it didn't look as if the property would have been needed to be sold to fund any care; quite the contrary.

Had a third party sown some seeds along these lines, whether with good intent or otherwise? Difficult to point any specific fingers but you have to wonder what if? The coincidence in timing is too clear to dismiss totally.

Either way, she has now been there for about a fortnight and has included a brief move to the Emergency Assessment Unit last week for a day, which didn't in the end seem to serve any real purpose.

After our visit yesterday on her 85th Birthday it has now come to the stage where we are now counting down an unknown period of time until it's time to say goodbye to her too. She now clearly has the look of a doomed woman, made not that much easier by our having to consent to a DNR course of action when (not if) the time comes.

2007 can't finish quick enough in my book, and with the prospect of a family feud stewing from another branch, it's fair to say the wait will feel that much longer than it should be!!!
posted by wollocks at 12:15 PM

Yesterday saw an informal gathering at Sandilands of the Lincs Surf Club. Everything was there except even the remotest sign of a wave, otherwise an enjoyable time was had in as laid back an atmosphere as you'd expect.
posted by wollocks at 10:00 AM

Somehow forgot to mention that the on our return a couple of weeks ago, a 'Dear John' was awaiting me from that food factory. The one that interviewed me for 2.5 hours for a job they put forward to me, having applied for something totally different.

Naturally disappointed though purely for the money which would have been of use. The long days and 4 on/ 4 off pattern would undoubtedly have got to me in the end and besides, how could I work for a company that made mini pasties with pork & carrot???!!!! Sacrilege!
posted by wollocks at 2:08 PM

There was a moment last Sunday morning (Aug 5) which just about summed up how dreadful 2007 has been for the Wolls on the whole. The day before we'd enjoyed an adrenaline-fuelled couple of hours or so at Godrevy (Jnr in particular!), before moving on to Camborne to see our beloved Pirates take on Leicester in a pre-rugby season friendly. All in all a feeling of contentment prevailed as we drove back up to Poundstock with a glorious evening sunset to enjoy, and the promise of some more big waves the next morning.

We rose reasonably sharpish by our holiday-mode standards, and made our way the short distance to Widemouth. As expected the large, clean swell was still there and pounding the shore with intent. Ben and me suited up hurriedly though with an air of nervous expectation, no doubt built up by the respect that such conditions command. Waterside it was clear that the need to evade the heavy shore dump was the first priority; beyond that, then the paddle out would be arduous but not beyond our capabilities. Ben more so aware of this, after his exploits at Godrevy less than 24 hours earlier.

Patience and timing would be in order and, as is the way of things, a gap appeared to arise which we pounced upon. For a couple of minutes we seemed to be on the verge of a breakthrough even if the secondary shoredump hampered progress. Then a 'rogue' loomed in front of us and all my efforts to see it past came to no avail leaving me spat out and on my butt in the shallows.

.
Ben had missed the worst of it, but when I made to retrieve my board the vision was soul-destroying. The 'old faithful' lay strangely in the swirling water as if something was amiss. The reality quickly dawned as I began to comprehend the vision relayed by my eyes. My Hobie templated 9'3" was for all intents and purposes now in two pieces; completely snapped just ahead of the fin box, and held together by only a slither of the decks' outer glassing

Irrational thoughts flooded in as I contemplated the remainder of the holiday sat on the beach, watching others enjoy the waves without me. Maybe I was being punished for some reason? Perhaps fate was getting 'her' own back for that wipeout the previous Tuesday (Jul 31), when my back foot failed to make firm contact with the deck of Ben's board (we'd swapped minutes before), and sent a 9'+ trajectory towards an out-coming female surfer. If you're reading this-unreserved apologies again and I still feel sheepish about it. After effectively ten months out of the water, my take offs were still very rusty on occasion, and this was one of them! :o(

Either way, this particular session was over before it began as Ben followed me back to the van, obviously worried that something similar might befall him. Suz returned soon after having taken the hound for a gallop and we quickly gathered up our gear and drove into Bude to see what, if anything could be done. Optimistically, Ben and I stayed suited up even if it was case of a board share scenario. First thing though was a chat with Nigel in Zuma's to see if it was repairable. One or two at Widemouth had suggested it was, though it was clear this was not going to happen in the near future.

Eight days earlier (Sat Jul 28) , such thoughts couldn't have been further from the mind as we pulled into the car park at Widemouth after our leisurely drive down overnight. Unlike previous trips down like this, there had been no real hurry as conditions weren't sparkling, and an early drop off of periphery gear at our digs was not possible this time. Hope of a mellow clean wave in the week leading up hadn't quite materialised. Indeed, with a receding tide and an unfavourable breeze, we decided to wait until after low tide (11.39) before going in.

The first dip for an hour so didn't produce much with both Ben and me way off the pace. I only managed three waves of sorts to Ben's one, thus making it clear there was a lot of effort needed to catch up for lost time. Our paddling out had improved some though, and we'd both made it out in conditions that were not too dissimilar to those of three weeks previously. Around 4pm we went back in for another hour as conditions began to clean up a little, but the wave count remained well below par (5-1 in my favour overall ;o) ). Not unsurprisingly our intended Dad v Son, fortnight-long surf challenge was put on hold for a day; this counting only as a pre-contest 'warm up'. mmmmmnnnnnn..........

Sunday (Jul 29) marked a bit a turnaround in fortunes and ambiance as the day progressed. The morning was again messy and so us chaps put off any thoughts of getting wet until later in the day. Suz therefore pounced at the chance at going in first and enjoyed everything to hand for the hour or so she was in the sea. Lunch was taken and Steveo from the Widemouth surfcam message board arrived with his family to swell the ranks. Stephh and Evie also turned up for parade.

The tide had now reached mid push as Ben, myself and Steveo paddled out around 3pm in conditions that were improving quickly despite a light and gusty NW breeze! The waves were now cleaner and showing a bit more size to them and at last we found a rhythm hitherto lost to us both. Steveo's company may have been the factor, who knows? But a reminder of some pleasing times a year sooner may have been in the back of our minds and spurred us both on to better things. Son and father shared over two dozen waves in the couple of hours or so we were in, this time in Juniors favour and kicking the competition off in the process.

More importantly, it was Suz who noticed from the clifftop a return to a visible bonding in the water; a factor sadly missing of late. He and I could be seen to be more relaxed with each other, and enjoying the company and the banter not experienced for way too long! Ben's demeanour at last looked and felt more at ease with the world. Throw in a dose of summer at last and the promise of Steveo's company the next day too, and it was fair to say that all felt well, even if concerns with my mother back in Lincs were still evident.

Monday (Jul 30) dawned bright, sunny and warm and had been earmarked for 'other things' in the morning. Plans quickly altered though as Ben confirms our suspicions having cycled to the vantage point about there being some very mellow longboardable waves on offer. The van is primed ready on his return and we're parked up and getting organised before 9am. Steveo isn't far behind and sets up camper van camp next to us with those 1-2' and super clean waves luring us over all else!

The paddle out is a doddle for once and all three of us are into our strides immediately, particularly as the masses still haven't shown up. With hopes of even better things later once the tide has turned and evening beckons, we're only in for an hour or so before getting out for a bite to eat. Even in such a short space of time Ben and I once more racked up over two dozen rides between us, again in the formers favour; but we don't care as things have once again fallen into place.

Around 3pm and it is clear that conditions may actually be deteriorating for the duration. This however is compensated by the arrival of some dolphins, perhaps as many as nine(?), who make their way majestically from south to north before disappearing.

A couple of hours later and Ben and me decided to go back in regardless of the conditions after saying au revoir to Steveo & Co. High tide wasn't far off (17.50) and there was only a testing shoredump worth playing with. Ignoring the obvious risk to damaging boards, we eventually got into a routine and snagged a further 30 plus rides which followed a similar pattern-namely a banzai take off over shallow water close in--quick ride--smack! This made more easier to put up with, with the continuing summery spell.

The following morning (Jul 31) , we were surprised to find a 1-2' and clean as a whistle wave, being gently fanned by an offshore breeze. A novelty to us in recent times and something we made the most of for just short of two hours before the breeze veered and we got out some forty rides to the good between us. By now the competitive element was creeping in more and more and we started to push each other accordingly.

I hooked up on a particularly pleasing long wave to begin proceedings which triggered Ben to start experimenting once he'd got a couple or so under his belt. Not to be outdone, this inspired me to cross-step up to the badge on a couple of occasions at least without quite managing to cheat a '5'.

Fatigue towards the end of the session, combined with a change of boards did, as previously mentioned, cause the uncharacteristic lapse on my part. This contributed to my calling it a day for the time being to re-group and recover.

Later in the early evening with high tide now nearing I went back in to the north end of the beach over the small reef outcrop I'd last surfed in 2005. I eventually got things back in sync' and enjoyed a short session which saw me capture another 9-10 notable rides. Strangely, the only times I missed waves or went ride less was when Ben & Suz came over to watch from the shoreline. Odd that!

Wednesday (Aug 1) almost followed a similar pattern if for the fact the wave size had decreased, and with it any punch. We walked out to the lineout and made the best of it while there was little or no wind. We repeated the feats numerically of the day before and even shared some water time with local hero Pete Ash, before things not unexpectedly poo-ed out.

Thursday and Friday (Aug 2-3) subsequently became the only two days where Ben and I didn't go in, though Suz did to continue her own personal campaign for water time.
posted by wollocks at 6:25 PM

The new board arrived this morning around 10.30, a little over 24 hours after ordering! Well done Surftech and The Surf Commission for an excellent product and service. A very special mention too for Nigel, Paul and everyone else at Zuma Jay for their kindness, help and customer care that lead to this purchase. Faultless.

Just click on the thumbs for a larger image to view.

posted by wollocks at 1:20 PM

Saturday (Aug 4) saw us venture further afield for the first time on this trip, having up till now not felt the need for much mileage. Boris' fuel consumption, particularly on these Cornish up and down bits, makes this more prohibitive. There's the environmental impact to consider of course, and then our cash flow situation which has become more testing this summer; to add to the already trying time!

Oh well, hang the expense and give the cat another goldfish! There was the prospect of waves and the Pirates taking on the Premiership's Leicester Tigers to look forward to, not least because it was a chance to hook up with some good friends not seen since the end of April.

With the forecast of winds to be S - SW I opted en route to divert slightly and have a look at Lusty. On inspection it was tempting but we decided to stick to the original plan and head to Godrevy. This proved to be inspired in many ways as our first glimpse revealed a solid 4' cleaned up nicely enough by a cross-offshore southerly. Obviously things weren't going to be easy in view of our recent long layoff; but at least the reforms would provide enough entertainment if nothing else.

For half an hour or so this is what we ended up doing, as we all but resigned ourselves to not being able to find a way through the lines of whitewater. Not disheartened though we tallied up a dozen or so rides each to compensate. Then, yours truly spots a gap, and ignoring any temptation to turn and ride another reform uses this channel to head towards the more interesting stuff. Ben is right behind me and paddles strongly to share this discovery with the Old Man.

Once through I briefly stop to survey the options which allows Ben to get further in front of me as he presses on. This proves to be a critical point as I quickly find myself in line for the next set and risking being washed back inside. Ben in the meantime has paddled far enough forwards to slip over the top of the first wave to safety, leaving me needing to make a snap decision. It's a no-brainer and rather than risk having no glory at all, I swivel round just in time to make the wave. A good ride follows if not classic, but I foolishly opt to stay on it too long, catching the reform in the process, and so requiring another long hard paddle out.

Frustratingly I never quite make it out again and so I am left cussing my poor choice. In addition there is also a nagging concern about Ben being left out there on his own, in what are probably the most demanding conditions he's ever been in. During a couple of my paddle out attempts I do briefly spot him, or what looks like him, managing more than adequately. Once I clearly see him riding down the face of a beauty on the front hand before he disappeared from view yet again. This convinces me he is OK, but with time ticking by before our next 'appointment', I ask a couple of surfers on their way into the water to remind him if they get a chance.

From the Lifeguards hut on the way back to the National Trust car park I spot him catch another very tasty right, and breathe a sigh of relief as he makes tracks shoreward. Back at the van and it is not unreasonable to suggest he is well stoked by his efforts. Suz listens to his recollections with the look that says "Is this really my 'little' boy now?"; but quietly shares the pride that Dad feels too. Needless to say the rest of the day at the Rec in Camborne is just icing on the cake, even if the Tigers win that particular encounter as expected.

Then came the mini disaster at Widemouth the following day (Sun Aug 5).
Having spoken to Nige at Zuma's and arranging to speak in a little more detail the following morning about the next steps to take, we headed back to Summerleaze to salvage something from the day. Ben kindly offers the use of his board although naturally I insist he goes in first to get the best of things while there is a large clean wave in the harbour mouth to play with. He goes in with the intention of not venturing out into the more active stuff beyond the Barrel Rock mark but I wonder how long that will last, bearing in mind Godrevy the day before!

With Charlie in tow and Suz manning the camera, we lock up the van and take up position on the sand dunes behind the Lifeboat house. We see Ben catch a couple of the smaller ones inside the harbour, but then become aware of his absence from view. I'd seen him paddling back towards the peak he'd found and allowed my view to wander elsewhere. Then I think I spot him further out still paddling, and then a short while later I'm convinced I've seen him on a big right further out. There's only one way to find out and we quickly make our way to the higher vantage point above the Sea Pool and there he is, one of the furthest out!

To quell any concerns we may have, almost immediately he swivels round and takes a wave with confidence, before kicking out and making his way back to the lineup. He manages to snag a couple more, including one that draws him towards one of the outcrops of reef that mark the point where Middle Beach begins. Coolly he paddles briskly towards the channel without any dramas which can all to easily happen if you get caught in the area.

After an hour or so he makes his way back in but not before I grab this sequence testing the motor drive set up on the camera first. Pity he didn't stay in longer as I was about to try out the movie function. Another time perhaps....

I was never going to match his efforts when taking over use of his board, my confidence knocked by earlier events. I did though switch to a tri fin set up to attempt a fresh approach mentally. Happily in the hour or so I was in, this did pay off a little as I bagged 8-9 waves if not actually setting the surfing world on fire.

First thing the next morning (Mon Aug 6) and we begin an unplanned ritual that involves a daily visit to Zuma Jay's.

My mind is by now a little clearer about how to proceed on the board front. A replacement is the obvious solution and would provide a quick fix, but even if we could afford it I am reluctant to rush into anything. Besides, a week seems too short a space of time to hunt down a new ride, and I am concerned that any choice before we return to Lincs may be a rash course of action. I owe it to myself and the others to explore the repair options fully regardless as to whether even half an eye on a new board is permissible.

News that the board is repairable is tempered by the fact that the earliest possible fix date wouldn't be till September. This doesn't surprise me but it does create a problem for what to do for the remainder of our time down here. Everything is consequently left up in the air although there is a chink of light in the shape of the use of a range of Surftech test boards available from Zuma's.

Now I'm not daft or naive enough to realise where, when this option was offered, that this could all end. But then over the years I guess a degree of trust has developed which guarantees no foul play by either party. I certainly wouldn't take the p1ss by using these boards as some kind of cheap or even freebie alternative to play for time selfishly. Neither would Nigel have suggested this if there wasn't a chance of some hire fees or a sale in the process.

To be truthful, I'd been curious about these Surftechs since Parky and I had been on a Longboard Clinic with WCS at Watergate some four years ago. I'd switched to one after struggling to paddle for one session and been impressed at the difference between it and my own board, but had left it at that. At the very least I could spend a day or so trying a couple of them, and even if I liked what I saw but had to resist for the time being, then sobeit.

I left the shop with a 9' Hobie PSD tucked under my arm, a rare pleasure with a board in my own case, and headed back to Summerleaze. The decision is made to give it a whirl there first and head on to Widemouth later and surf there as well to try and give a broader picture. The harbour mouth is smaller than yesterday but still a pretty useful messy-ish 2', fanned as it is by an onshore breeze. I paddle out well enough but struggle to make much of anything early on as the knock to my confidence persists. If anything the move to Widdy needed to happen sooner as on one occasion I know my hesitance just about balked one other surfers ride. Even so I ride in with some success to note and this increases with my time at Widdy as I begin to get a handle on the boards capabilities.

Tuesday (Aug 7) sees me switch to a 9'2" McTavish Original and with a smaller, cleaner 2' wave on offer we head straight to Widemouth this time. Conditions at mid flood look good enough to me and I go straight in while Ben prefers to wait till later.

This model has a channel on it's underside, a feature I have sometimes wondered about. When I catch the first wave I go for and feel the acceleration beneath my feet, my interest level increases even further. Confidence begins to flood back too as the wave count returns to a more normal level before I get out around high tide (12.50) when a NW breeze messes things up somewhat.

Around 4pm and after Suz has had some fun too, Ben and I head back in despite a lack of improvement to the quality of the waves. He settled into the rights almost directly in front of the Lifeguard hut and enjoyed a better than expected session. While I, after drifting to the Black Rock end of the beach did similar with a mixture of lefts and rights there; sharing the same space of water as another local hero of ours, Mike Raven. Needless to say my own personal successes didn't overshadow him! At this point the McT had nudged ahead in any possible purchase stakes and despite my not being able to tuck it underarm.

During the day we'd spoken with Parky about our get together and opted for the Wednesday (Aug 8) instead of Thursday, as there was at least a small chance of a small wave. Thursday was likely now to be flat even if another swell should start to show on Friday and build for the weekend.

The summer weather continued as we first headed into town to return the McT to Zuma's. I wasn't sure if another board was available for this day; conscious as I was of not taking advantage of matters. Parky though had said that Lewis's longboard was at my disposal if necessary, as unfortunately he wasn't well enough to surf himself it would seem. I'll admit to being hesitant about that offer for obvious reasons, but it mattered not as without asking I found myself leaving the shop with yet another board to try! A 9'1" Beau Young - Bear which fitted underarm nicely.

At Wadebridge I rang Parky with our ETA to discover that a lack of waves may be the order of the day, at least at Porthcothan. I wondered if, like up 'our way', an open beach may be a better option and suggested this as a possibility. It was decided to check out Watergate as a result with an option to move onto Newquay if this wasn't a go-er. There appeared to be a small clean wave and so Ben and I parked up in the overflow car park while Parky dropped off Sam at the Skatepark in town first.

With temps a little up we could have opted for rashie and shorts instead of wetties but chickened out. I did though rig up a way of wearing a 'leashed' cap to protect my less than protected head top and this proved invaluable. Not only did it act as a sun block and as a visor; but also as a means of a cooler when put back on full of water.

Ben and me headed for the lefts at the southern end of the beach which was packed in it's state of high tide (around 2pm) and the subsequent small area. In the water though wasn't too bad under the circumstance and it wasn't that long before Ben and I got into conveyor belt mode with wave after wave. This after a slow start personally as I sought the sweet spot on the deck. Parky soon joined us and a very mellow session followed even if at times turning practice was at a maximum setting to avoid all the bods inside!

Parky headed back in just after 3.30 to nip into town for Sam. But we stayed in till gone 5pm as the lineup emptied, particularly when the Air Ambulance made a beach landing to pick up a casualty! To our surprise and delight the quality of the small 1-2' wave was maintained throughout and despite a receding tide. Not epic by any means, and not to the level of our 'classic' Sandymouth session of 2005, but with easily 50-60 rides each notched up was it any surprise we were chuffed with ourselves?!

On the way back up the beach it was as if fate was stepping in too as Pat from WCS stopped us for a quick chat when he caught sight of the board I was carrying. It turned out he has an exact same model and then proceeded to sing out it's virtues which made my ears prick up. Advice about fin choice also came and tallied with my own experiences just past. Now tell me why my mind was rapidly coming to some conclusions, and how it was our post surf barbie was so chilled. Must fill up the windscreen wash reservoir on Boris too!

On Thursday's visit to Bude (Aug 9) I'm now in a position to discuss the possibility of buying a new board. The previous three days have been an eye-opener with the difficulty now being choosing between them. Comparisons are made with any custom options but it's blatantly clear I need some more data and before I can say a word, I'm headed back to Summerleaze with the PSD back in my possession!

I grab no more than 20 minutes in a small clean wave at Tower just after low tide before the hordes descend, and the difference with Monday and the board's performance is obvious. Suddenly the choice becomes that bit harder! We head back to Widemouth to ponder, christen Ben's new fin and get Suz back in again, she having dipped out the day before.

Ben enjoys his first dip and reports back that the fin does indeed add to the experience. Observation from ashore would seem to confirm this assumption. Around 6pm we both go back in for an hour or so and notice that the signs of another more notable swell are showing. I've been bold as this morning and gone in in boardies and rashie and thoroughly enjoy the freedoms this offer.

Keen to exploit any opportunity the following morning (Aug 10) we head to Summerleaze first thing (before 9am) to try Tower once more with the PSD...oh and his fin! The wave is bigger today but at beach level doesn't look as good; that is until we'd paddled out through the messier stuff due to the river flow. Outside it is a clean 2-3' left that captures the eye and we're straight on it. We don't stay out for too long though as the PSD obviously has to go back, but there was enough time to hook half a dozen good waves each and establish that the PSD's pintail does indeed make it quite lively at times.

Maybe a bit too lively? Who knows? Still in wettie and scarred from battle with sand on my feet, Nigel all but thrusts the Beau back under my arm knowing I'm close to a choice. He's right of course and another session (or even two if I get in on a final morning) should clinch it.

We headed back to Widemouth and opt for a 'sit it out till later' strategy with the promise of better things to come by evening. Odd goings on in the car park added to the mix, but did little to spoil our enjoyment. Some outrageous parking by another (then absent) driver prompted no more than a cheeky positioning by myself on arrival. I couldn't resist and besides the other cars' position suited us in a perverse way. A little later on and the attendant returns with female driver and some manoeuvring ensues with an exchange of words between them. Although we don't catch much of it as we can't honestly be bothered, it would appear we are suspected of 'grassing up' which is the proverbial cow do-do's. We think nothing of it.

Later in the day another driver with passenger and we presume grandchildren arrive, and after shifting the first vehicle slightly parks next to it. Was there detection of 'burning martyr'? Again we ain't bovvered and any tension is defused with the antics of Charlie in the van who is being mercilessly tickled by Ben-much amusement displayed by the 'neighbours' who head to the beach.

Mid afternoon and Joss Ash, jogs by, acknowledges our greetings and goes out to rip the not quite there waves to shreds for a couple of hours. I wonder whether to crack first but resist which frees up Suz to have a final hurrah. Ben needs no second invitation to go in half an hour later while I wait for Suz to return before going in myself to wet the Beau once again.

By the time I join Ben in the sea the breeze has eased right off and the wave is cleaning up nicely; almost glassy at times! The weather too, having threatened to cave in earlier has brightened up once more and created a near perfect summer evening surf scenario. My first wave is a peach and makes up my mind as to what to go for boardwise. The ride is a left and I turn up onto an upright liquid wall I cannot see over the top of! I kick out and paddle back to record the success with Ben who has had four similar already.

Even though it's a case of quality over quantity we still manage a useful quota of waves between us before Ben eventually goes in around 7.15pm. There were a couple of occasions where I got caught inside and missed out for a few minutes each time, but after this last fortnight I am a lot fitter and up to speed.

I stayed out for another half an hour and had the dubious pleasure of witnessing a parascender(?) consider the possibility of jumping off the cliff in next to no breeze. He finally opted to stay on the higher ground! By the time I was in and changing he'd gone, perhaps embarrassed by his intended exploits? Whatever. The fish and chips eaten in the van as the sun set were delicious.

Our final morning arrived (Aug 11) and loading the van up seemed endless. After saying our farewells to our hosts it would have been rude to have bypassed Widemouth even if there was the test board to return to Zuma's. This proved a good move too as there was a super clean 2'+ on offer and sunshine too...yet again! Ben and I almost ran out to the water's edge and yet another dry hair paddle out was accomplished.

Maybe it was the impending journey or perhaps fatigue was beginning to kick in. Either way or otherwise I struggled to catch a wave for some fifteen minutes while Ben cheekily carried on in his own inimitable way! The first ride did come though and despite the break becoming ever more crowded as time went by, plenty more were to follow; predominantly rights.

After perhaps an hour we were joined by Mr Ash (P) once again, who promptly showed everyone the way to go about this surfing lark with a calm, un-hurried style. I'd like to say some rubbed off on me but honesty has to prevail doesn't it?! I did though snatch a couple of good rides in his wake, but would have preferred to have been able to end them in a somewhat more composed manner so close to his proximity . On one such occasion I was glad to have my usual dexterity and awareness to grab board and/or leash when 'dismounting'!

Despite this I was rather chuffed to be quizzed by a couple of female surfers as I paddled back to the peak, as to the etiquette to be adopted when paddling out and facing an approaching surfer on a wave. I was even more pleased as, having explained my take on this subject, a rather nice wave appeared which I turned into and caught right on cue with then end of my sentance!

Time though caught up with us and all too soon the board had been returned, a deal struck and the homebound journey had begun.................

posted by wollocks at 11:52 AM

A little over 48 hours and it's 'wagons roll!'.

The mini break was a welcome distraction three weeks back, but the need for a complete change of scenery after all that's cracked off lately; is acute.

There are welcome signs on the horizon though and about time too! I had my first formal job interview in nearly seven years this morning and I am reasonably confident of being offered a position. It isn't anything glamourous, how can a Production Team Leader at a local food factory be otherwise? But it will at least boost the income situation and provide a more stable platform from which to proceed. Beyond that who knows? Suffice to say I will go with the flow in order to achieve our more long term plans.

Shift work, or more to the point the shift patterns, will impinge on our rugby and surfing (more so the former I suspect), and may be a necessary 'evil'. Having a more carefree and unconventional lifestyle is all well and good, but it has to be sustainable. This summer, my own has become the complete opposite and the time has come....for now at least to alter things before it's too late.

Just as well there is some mellow swell forecast from our arrival in Bude early on Saturday morning until perhaps Tuesday. We could all do with it that is for sure. The question now is, will there be something extra to celebrate and/or ponder?
posted by wollocks at 2:40 PM

The countdown has begun with only seven days to go before we head back west to our regular spot in Poundstock.

Obviously we're hoping for some better quality waves than those experienced a couple of weeks ago. And some more settled weather would be a bonus! It seems this year that the St Swithans effect kicked in forty days before July 15th, rather than the more usual after requisite. Not that this bothers us as a rule.

To be truthful I am more concerned that Ben rediscovers his 'get up & go', which seemed to have 'got up & gone' last time out. I'm sure it will, as there have been snippets that the old Ben is emerging from his teeny 'blonde moment' of recent times. Something which by common consent will come not a moment too soon.

Maybe the mid-holiday detour to Camborne to watch the Pirates play a pre-season friendly with Leicester, will complete this desired transition and confirm his return to rugby action soon after as well. If there is a god...?
posted by wollocks at 4:33 PM

Travelled back yesterday after a useful first trip west since last August!!

The van performed well even if the fuel spillage problem, though lessened, still exists when attempting to fill to the brim. At least I have found a work around which eradicates any further 'embarrassing' situations at the filling stations!

Surf wise it wasn't an ideal re-intro but at least I have come back with some form of progress to boast, from where I was first thing on Saturday morning.

Jnr worryingly has a lot of effort to put in, mainly on the fitness front, to get anywhere near past levels of ability. His own fault of course, not that he'll acknowledge it publicly, but then teenagers know best; don't they?!!! Deep down he probably realises this, but because of his recent idleness he has now left himself with less than 3 weeks to rectify matters if he wants to enjoy the 2 week jaunt west as normal.

Mrs W though probably got the most satisfaction from the weekend, particularly on Sunday. Just as well she decided to hop on board on Friday then eh?
posted by wollocks at 12:41 PM