As promised, I've uploaded a small collection of 4 pix of the conditions as I found them at Sandilands on Friday evening. They've been added to the existing 3 of the same spot taken last Monday [21st June], which can be found on the index page.
posted by wollocks at 1:46 PM

A bit later than planned, but I can honestly say that I was glad I got in early yesterday evening. Arrived around 5, about an hour and a half before low tide to find a 2-3' cleanish wave despite the state of tide. There was still an onshore sea breeze of sorts, but not enough to spoil things as then. I took two or three shots on the digi as record which will be added to the photo link on the index page shortly.

There was one other surfer in as I got changed who was clearly enjoying conditions [He features in one of the shots]. On entering the sea, it was immediately obvious that there was a bit more punch to the waves than I'd experienced of late. So I could well believe Naips' earlier report; though hearing of the odd 6 footer was perhaps a little adrenaline-induced. As a consequence it did take me a few minutes to adjust mindset and get dialled in. That said, I soon caught my first ride and was chuffed at the speed in it which allowed me that feeling I had more time to do things.

There then followed a period of being able to boost the wave count in good time as conditions seemed to improve. The breeze did appear to lighten even more, though the last throes of the receeding tide clearly took the edge off the quality of the wave for a while. Nonetheless there was some fun to be had and as time passed I was joined my several more surfers. In fact it was positively crowded [8-10] by the time I got around 7.30, when the wave had seemed to deteriorate after a short, almost glassy spell.

It's a long time since I've seen those sort of numbers at any spot along this stretch of coast. Though there are plenty probably reading this who dream of having so few in their own local breks eh?
posted by wollocks at 4:06 PM

Have just had Naips on the phone to report a solid 3'+ at Sandilands. Had not expected to be free today, but a window of opportunity has arisen, so I reckon I'll dive over later this afternoon to catch it around LT [6.30pm]. He did mention that an onshore sea breeze had just kicked in, but I was expecting that anyway, once the westerly had dropped. Hopefully by the time I get there, the beginnings of an evening glass-off will be showing. Report later..most likely tomorrow now.
posted by wollocks at 2:46 PM

The gut feeling was that conditions yesterday may be more favourable than those on Sunday. Cromer was showing 2' and clean in the morning and, after speaking with Naips, decided to head to Sandilands again after LT [3.30ish].

I arrived first and found a pleasant looking clean waist high wave that was more encouraging than that for the day before. [I've put up a small display of 3 pix of that scene on the index page. the first surf photos using the new FujiFilm digi camera. Am aiming to make this a regular feature of any surf sessions.] I decided just to give it a few minutes before getting changed, by which time Naips turned up.

Within minutes we were in, and for the first half hour it remained great fun with waves being exchanged with ease. Thereafter, rides became a little more difficult to pick off when the breeze picked up and moved more southerly. The effect was almost immediate with the sea turning annoyingly choppy; something that always takes the edge off things. We stayed in for another hour or so before calling it a day and opting to return home to watch England beat Croatia 4-2 in the footie.
posted by wollocks at 10:38 AM

A final check on weather conditions, and with the Cromer surf report on AI Surf and the decision to head over to Sandilands was taken. Suz came along for the ride, though with it being low tide by the time we'd arrive, we weren't expecting too much. Rightly too as it proved. There was little or no wind and so the sea was glassy, however there was only a small wave. Seemed best to wait a while to see if it picked up before going in, though there were a couple out at the time.

Gave it about half an hour before returning to the car for the board and to get suited up. As I did, then the two who were out actually came in for refreshment..just as it seemed to pick up a little. Just as I got in. True, it was nothing special, but I was pleased to snag a couple of quickies just to get the 'feel' once again. [I don't think there's a better feeling...well maybe one or two!]

The others returned back in to the water and it seemed to drop off again. Time for another drink you two methoughts. As it happened, with the cloud cover and the drizzle/rain, the sea remained glassy and there was the odd wave or so to have, and rather nicely I was picking them off at will. Then the weather changed. The sun came out, the breeze picked up and went onshore...time to get out I reckoned and save energy for possibly another trek over tomorrow.
posted by wollocks at 7:58 PM

It's not often I make the effort for a dawnie...willingly. But yesterday morning I did. The prospects were encouraging with the predicted swell already showing on Friday. It was therefore a great pity to arrive at the coast well before 7 to find it small, messy, onshore and dumpy. I hung around and checked one or two spots to be sure, but by just after 8 I decided to call it a day.

The salt in the wound came later on in the day when Naips reported a 2-3' and glassy wave at Skeg that afternoon. Seems around HT is a no-no these days. Planning on trying this afternoon again with an eye on tomorrow and Tuesday as well. Will log in later with an update.
posted by wollocks at 11:02 AM

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