Everything pointed towards today being the day when the expected swell would pick up to a more exciting size, though as ever, the question mark was with the weather conditions locally. Even at lunch time I was in 'should I - shouldn't I?' mode. Brox had rung to say he'd need to concentrate his efforts now towards a possible session on Sunday; while Russ had texted to indicate that he'd be heading Sandi/Mabo way for Saturday. [We can't as we have viewing tomorrow am, and then off to Nottingham to watch the Pirates in the afternoon.]

Around 1.30pm it all became too much and I had to have a look. With a NW breeze, it seemed logical to head more Skeggy way, as there at least would provide some shelter, and give more chance of a cleaner wave. Mindful of the nature of the break at Skeg', and how generally it doesn't suit [me], I thought a look at Chapel Point first would be prudent. On arrival, it was nice to see some size to the waves, but I couldn't help but feel that maybe Skeg' might still be the better bet. If only there was more west in the breeze or at least a little lighter; I'd have felt happier at going in there for the first time in 10 months. So, I trundled off back towards Skeg'. I got there about 3pm, and true to form, it was cleaner there, and surprisingly, a similar size; solid 3-4'. With it being near HT [3.52pm], I ambled around for a bit to get a fiver changed for the £2.50 parking fee; all year round now this is! Oh how times change.

Once again, the digi camera's batteries were flat, so once again pre surf photo's were off the menu. Never mind, I'd wasted enough time and was eager to get in; so doing at 3.40pm after some stretching exercises. The paddle out was just about well timed between sets, though I was nearly sent back to my starting point by an extra large wave; just rolling under it in time. I decided to position myself near to the end of one of the groynes just north of the slipway, knowing that it'd peak nicely, but wary of the consequences of taking the eye off the ball! Shouldn't be long I thought, and then I'll be able to entertain the few spectators that had congregated.

Must have been Big Match nerves or something, because it ended up taking me a good half hour to get the waves wired, and maybe three quarters before getting a proper ride snagged. It was worth the wait, though the crowd had long thought not ;o) To be able to stand up straight and still have the face well above head is always a grin-maker. Pity then that by the time I'd got out around 5pm, I didn't have anything more on the notable scale. So be it. Just hoping now that the waves will still be around come Sunday afternoon. Looks like they won't be much after that....
posted by wollocks at 8:29 PM