The trend of late seems to be once again of long gaps between surfs. Two months since I last got wet in anger [?], though I'd say there was perhaps more of an excuse this time. Hopes of our potential private sale of the house fell through, and it is now with a local estate agent as of a week ago today. No takers as yet, though it is early days of course. Hopes are high, with an asking price that gives us a better chance of finding somewhere that meets our needs in the Penzance area. Surely now, after all the heartache, this will be our time....

I was glad therefore of Naips' text yesterday morning [Sun 13th], reminding me that our stretch of coast does occasionally get some swell. I'd admit to have taken my eye off the ball in recent weeks, with work committments and the final preps before putting the house on the official market proving distracting. A quick check on A1 Surf [Cromer], confirmed there being a ridable wave, so I made the decision to head to Sandilands later that afternoon.

Naips rang while I was still en route to report a 1-2' cleanish wave, with a light onshore sea breeze just taking the edge off things. This was still the case on my own arrival and, combined with the warm sunshine, proved a no brainer in any 'should I-shouldn't I?' debate. Suiting up, and sun block application didn't take long, and I must confess to skimping on the pre-surf stretch routines. It was good to be paddling out again [around 2.45pm - an hour before HT].

The first hour was slow in terms of getting into the swing of things once more. Blaming the inconsistency of the wave and/or the weakness of the swell could be given as an excuse; but I won't. My timing and co-ordination weren't in gear and it's as simple as that. I did manage a couple or so rides of note, but I was missing too many opportunities.

Around high tide there was though a noticable improvement in the wave quality and quantity, and this seemed to coincide with a personal return to form. It wasn't all coincidence though. I'd repositioned slightly after noticing a peak forming a little further north up the beach and found a sweet spot almost immediately with 3 quick, satisfying waves which had Naips scurrying back in for the longboard after a period on his sponge.

There appeared to be more in the way of lefts too, which suits me better, though the variation between they and rights is welcome. Keeps you on yer toes..literally, and encourages a more detailed observation before take off. This spell lasted almost an hour before the waves backed off as the tide withdrew further out. Don't get me wrong, none had any true punch to them, but as a mellow surf on a warm pleasant summer afternoon, after yet another long lay off; this was just what the doctor ordered. It is fair to say too, I haven't enjoyed myself so much on this east coast like this since early November last year. Prospects seem good for later in the week too...
posted by wollocks at 9:13 AM