Happily I got in again as hoped yesterday [Sat] where a visit to Sandilands became possible with Suz, Ben and a couple of Ben's friends; Ben & Katie who'd come along to get some coaching from Ben. Luckily conditions had altered sufficiently to allow this; something that had been put in doubt following my experiences the day before. The very light breeze had veered onshore as forecast, but at least on arrival just after low tide around 3.30pm there was a rideable swell showing through; and not too messy at this stage. To add a little more plus factor the weather was bright and sunny which hadn't been expected.

By 4 we were all in thereby giving around an hour and a half for the novices to be put through their paces before the tide reached the ridge, making only the shore dump open to them. While the others headed to the shallows, I made my way to a more northerly point before getting in to allow for the rip, which as it transpired had lessened since Friday; probably owing to the switch in direction and reduction in force of the breeze. The sea was a tad to lumpy for any quality to be enjoyed but at least the set size made for some fun to be had. However, such as the sandbank set up is at the moment, there wasn't much in terms of long rides to be had. You shouldn't have to pump a longboard should you?!

Even so, it was nice to see Suz get in for the first time this year; as ever enjoyable to be joined out back by Ben; and who knows maybe Ben's mate, Ben and his sis' Kate may one day embrace the surfing lifestyle. They certainly seemed to enjoy themselves and round the evening off after Suz and I had already got out after a couple of hours, by making the most of the shore dump on their body boards. I'd called it a day after one last paddle out into a messier but larger wave and catching one last ride all the way in following some delicate foot work to keep the boards momentum up under protest.

Now keeping an eye on hopefully another swell later in the coming week. If nothing else we should all at least have brushed off the cobwebs before our trip to North Cornwall on the 5th of next month for a couple of weeks.
posted by wollocks at 7:14 PM