Sadly didn't get over to Cromer for the comp', indeed haven't been in since the 3rd.

As it turns out, the last week has been for good reason as we have at last found a buyer for the house. After 6 years of trying on and off, 2 or 3 years of thinking about it before that, and with all the frustrations that this has entailed; it seems we could be on our way west. That at least provides some consolation for missing out on some swell of late.

Will update here of course, in fact there may be some more to report next week after I've been to 'zance to view some properties. The current line of thinking down the chain is for a green light around mid-April. I shan't hold my breath, but you never know....
posted by wollocks at 5:04 PM

A clash of committments would appear to put me out of the frame for the Tsunami Comp' at Cromer which has been called on for tomorrow. That could change but I'm not hopeful. If I don't get, I'll forward a donation regardless.

Conditions look promising, in fact I've had to sacrifice a surf today as well. Naips is going afaik. With any luck, and subject to the swell lasting into next week as forecast, I'll be able to console myself some early next week.
posted by wollocks at 2:08 PM

Surf competition to be held at Cromer (conditions pending) on a weekend day with swell. It is to raise money for the earthquake appeal, and entry is £4, with bigger donations greatly received.
You can enter by texting 07733426337 or 07739117587 or by e-mailing cutbackmarts@aol.com. entries need to leave name, mobile number or e-mail address to get in contact with, board type(short,long bodyboard,) and their own rash vest colour to wear in the competion. (if you don't have a rash vest just put black)
Its supported by frameworks bike and surfshop and the kitchen shop on bells road in gorleston. You don't have to be a good surfer or bodyboarder, everyone welcome, just do it for the people affected in asia. ALL MONEY WILL BE GIVEN TO D.E.C who are co-ordinating the aid efforts.
posted by wollocks at 3:29 PM

Pix from yesterday now up here
posted by wollocks at 4:10 PM

Almost turned over and went back to sleep when the alarm went off at 7; pretty pleased in the end that I didn't. It sounded a bit breezier outside than forecast, and I had had a restless night just to compound the feeling of "I can't be bothered to do this". About half an hour later and with daylight beginning to show I relented and made the effort. By 8 I was off, maybe only 10 minutes or so later than I'd hoped.

I arrived at Sandilands around 8.45 and was greeted with the pleasant sight of a clean 1-2' wave; plenty enough to play with, with the longboard. I grabbed a pic or two [which I'll put up later] and then started to suit up just as Harry turned up. Naips wasn't far behind and by just after 9 I was on the beach stretching ready to paddle out. The offshore breeze was more noticable here, and it was soon clear that this could at times prove a bit too strong. As it materialised, there were one or two periods where it flattened things a bit, mainly around High Tide [10.56] which wasn't unexpected; and it was also necessary to keep an eye on positioning as it was all to easy to get blown out further beyond the peaks.

Even so, this was to turn into a reasonably rewarding session despite having to work quite hard at times to get the rides. The first two hours up to full tide were the more finicky, but some good waves were scored, both lefts and rights. I'd have been happier with a higher wave count than I was actually achieving at this stage, but allowing for the left hip which has been giving some gip of late I could live with that. Around HT, the Griff started to look a better bet, and so we made our way over to try our luck on the wedgy wave that forms there. To be fair I didn't get into it at all there and didn't stay longer than 20 minutes or so, before following Naips back up the beach where some more frequent sets had appeared again as the tide turned.

The last hour and a half were the most fruitful as it turned out. More do-able waves were showing and this inspired a personal 'second wind' and renewed energy. There was yet another close encounter of the seal kind to further encourage, and I managed not only to improve the wave count, but also the quality of rides too...which was nice. By 1pm, after near enough 4 hours I called it a day and got out. After changing, I took another couple of pix, just after Harry and Naips also got out. All in all a good start surf wise to the 2005.
posted by wollocks at 4:28 PM

The promised swell is about, so I am on alert for tomorrow morning. Have exchanged texts with Naips so I shall see him tomorrow at Sandilands around brekky time weather permitting.
posted by wollocks at 6:51 PM