May 8th 1999: Met up around 10 am, with some of the regular subscribers to Surf System outside Surfers Paradise in Newquay. This was the first 'official gathering' I suppose you could call it, and in true British style the rain was beginning to heave it down. The vibes were brilliant though, with each of us hitting it off from the start. We had some time to kill, while waiting for the tide to peak, so we regrouped at a nearby cafe to get to know each other and chill some more. The cafe was taken over ! After a bit of a 'reccy' across the bay, the decision was taken to hit Western as this was looking promising with the offshores keeping it clean. Ledge later described this aptly as "..the day the net nerds took over Western !.." Personally I was in the water for 2.5-3 hours and enjoyed probably my most satisfying session ever. My only regret was that I saved my best ride for my last wave which I had decided to use to get me back in ! Generally it was a nice & clean 3-4', with the odd 'rogue'. Special mention to Ledge, Matt, Tim & Nipper for the tips; much appreciated. To JJ & Em for at last meeting face to face. And to SJ, James B., Andy & anyone else whose name escapes me. That was a fun day, which I'm told continued into the night & thru' Sunday.

Sunday May 7th 1999: Drove down to Bude for a job interview in mid afternoon. When that was done and dusted, and I had got settled in at the B & B, I had to check out Widemouth Bay for an evening session. I watched and waited for a while, and went in around 5.30, when the tide had had time to get into flood. It wasn't classic conditions for sure; 2-3' and onshore-ish; but at least there were rideable waves. Late in the session there was though the hint of the breeze turning offshore. (Mmmnn !) I managed to get rides on a consistent basis; one or two being good and long. All in all a fun couple of hours or so.

April 10-19th 1999: Family break to Bude for some surfing and another 'reccy' for moving down. (When we can get sold !) Saturday 10th was a no-no, as a 2 hour delay in getting off in the morning meant a later than planned arrival. As it was, all the usual breaks were messy and not worth the effort; even for me ! Sunday, and we opted to give Summerleaze a go mid tide upwards, as there was at least some shelter from a strengthening NW'erly. There were waves to be had, in fact I caught my first one out for a long backhand ride back into the harbour. I should have pulled off sooner, it's a long paddle back out ! This was the story for the rest of the 2 hour stint until conditions were starting to deteriorate further. Suzi & Ben had some fun on their shower mats. Ben seems to be getting more and more into this; his confidence in the waves increasing with each ride he gets. Monday & Tuesday were totally blown out, and it wasn't until Weds 14th that we got a chance back at Summerleaze, following a check at Crackington. It was much the same story as Sunday, only now what swell there was, was beginning to drop. Still, witnessing the waterspouts out to sea, while in the water was memorable. The only surfable days left were Friday & Saturday (16th & 17th) where Widemouth got the nod, as the wind/breeze was now edging round to more S-SE'erly. Two rewarding sessions by my meagre standard were had. My vow to make '99 the year I turn my surfing around to a more satisfying standard is showing promise. More so when you consider the 5 month plus lay off I had for various reasons.

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