It's been a few years since the last time I surfed over a Christmas period, I recall an epic Boxing Day a few years back [2001] when it really went off at Skeg'. This memory, and obviously the last surf 8 days back, were my inspiration to make sure I got some waves this time round. How could I not with waves still apparent on this coast courtesy of the latest swell that began on Friday.

Ceefax had Cayton a messy 2-4' with the wind in the north. The Cromer cam showed a messy 2-3' wave which figured as the local breeze being NW, it was bound to be more or less onshore there. Still disappointed at missing out on Christmas Eve, I figured there should be a ridable wave our way. Skeggy, in hindsight may have been a cleaner if smaller wave, but with little or no breeze showing on the way, I opted to head to Sandilands. It wasn't brilliant there on arrival around 1.30pm [LT 12.12], but a do-able wave was showing through a cross-offshore breeze which was deceptively lively; lively enough to mess things up somewhat.

Well I was there now, and already suited up so gave it a go. I'd forgotten to bring the Chillcheater rashie for extra warmth, but as it turned out, the Snugg is still way toastie for a 4-3 and so didn't notice air temps of 2-3C and water temp of 8-9C. Unlike last time out though, the hour and three quarters I was in for, wasn't as satisfying by a long chalk. Yes, I got rides, but nothing that stood out. My timing was not as good, and take offs were difficult to judge. Clearly I'd been spoilt on the 18th, but at least I'd got wet rather than just slobbing at home wondering if....
posted by wollocks at 5:34 PM

Mixed emotions today. Didn't get to view the Cromer cam till lunchtime to find that some groundswell had turned up a few hours earlier than anticipated. By that time I was committed to other things which would have been too selfish to get out of. Tomorrow is obviously a tough one to wriggle out of too, though I may get a chance on Boxing Day or first thing Monday. Will update if I get, though it's worth noting that the local winds and weather may not play ball either, particularly Boxing Day where snow and gales are forecast...
posted by wollocks at 4:20 PM

After 83 days without a surf of any kind, the opportunity yesterday morning [Sat 18th] came along for my first wave action of the winter. I'd missed out in that time through injury, work, house viewings and rugby commitments, but with everything in the run up to the weekend pointing to possibly some near perfect conditions; it would have been silly not to make the effort.

HT was at 11.19am though I needed to be back home for around 12.30pm at the latest, if I was to make a 1.15pm meet time at the rugby club for a game in the afternoon. Consequently I was on the road and heading for Sandilands around 7.45 already partially kitted up to save another few minutes water time. Naips rang en route to confirm his appearance and then it was clear when I got my first view of the sea that this could be one fun session. The brief look revealed a solid 3' and super clean wave, with lines stacking up in to the distance. Nice!

Just before 9 I was paddling out and eager to see if the layoff hadn't left a legacy. Once out, I took a moment or two to catch my breath, and to survey the scene. And what a scene to welcome 'you' back. The sun was out and the air was crisp; made fresher by a cooling offshore breeze which wasn't as strong as first feared in the car park. Spray was spilling off the backs of the breaking waves, and there to my left as I sat in the saddle staring at the horizon, I sensed a potential left peak for a larger set. I paddled over and waited; acknowledging Naips on the waters edge on his way in by now too. As if to order, a tasty set loomed in the near distance, within which a wave had my name on I felt sure.

I fixed my attention towards the second shadow as the first approached and went beneath me. "Yeah" I thought, "that one's mine", and swivelled the board round into position. With ease, I timed stroking into the wave sweetly, and was on my feet in one smooth movement. Without needing to think; always best as you can savour the whole experience, I just steamed down the line making small adjustments to my position on the board, and on the wave - to keep the momentum going for what seemed ages before pulling out to whoo-ooops from Naips. What a start!!

And so it lasted for just over 2 hours before I called it a day around 11am. A satisfying pattern developed of picking off wave after wave - mainly lefts, but one or two rights just to mix it up, riding one in, wandering back up the beach; and beginning the sequence again. True, I had a couple of mis-timed pop ups and resulting early wipeouts as I struggled to compensate, but I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I'd got back into the swing of things. Bearing in mind how restrictive being togged up for winter can be, I was pleased with my fitness levels too. It's clear that this year more than most how much my shoulder and neck muscles will benefit from winter surfing, and how this could have a knock on effect for the rugby.

Though the first wave was the sweetest of the bunch, one or two others came close. One in particular could have developed into a cover up had I concentrated a bit more and not been so excited at the size of it by standing upright well into the ride, and letting off steam vocally as I passed by Naips. Still, this was a session to remember. A dozen or so surfers out. A seal coming close to me to see what was going on. And the joy of changing out of the suit and into civvies in winter. Couldn't ask for more....except more of the same please. Oh, and we won our game in the afternoon; Sleaford 3rds defeating Anstey 2nds by 23-17!
posted by wollocks at 6:07 PM