Aug 7th 1999: The morning check didn't inspire and it looked as if a third full day without surf was in prospect. Spent the bulk of the day with Sue and Ben in holidaymaker mode at Crooklets, where I got the feeling that there might be something to play with after HT (14.40). Checked Widdy on the way back and..well..why not. Picked up the board, and enjoyed an hour or so of clean 2ft or so from mid ebb. Rashie and shorts time again, although I prefer the wettie for grip in the saddle factor ! Later at Barrel Rock, there were signs that tomorrow could be slightly better.

Aug 4th 1999: Not quite dawn patrol, but was in at Widdy around 8 am. Had an hour before brekky in clean 2 ft conditions, and continued on with yesterday's form. Enjoyed the space as well, with only three others out. Consistent take-off's with fun rides, made it all worth while. Life's good when it feels like this !

Aug 3rd 1999: Had arranged to meet up with JJ around 10am at Widdy. On arrival, we found that conditions were way bigger than the predicted 1ft cleanish; nearer 3-4ft and heavier ! High Tide was at 10.15, and what with waiting for JJ, I didn't get suited up until around 11. Early attempts to get out were thwarted, so I left it another half hour. Good move, as I got straight out if only to spend most of my time getting trashed ! After a bite to eat, I went back out into some tidier 2-3ft conditions as the tide started to recede. There then followed my most successful stint of the trip so far, technically speaking. Paddled back in around 5 pm. with a large, smug grin.

Aug 2nd 1999: Surfaced around 7.30, and went straight to Widemouth to see if it was worth a pre-brekky sess' upto High Tide at 9.30. The breeze was offshore; the line's clean; but the surf flat! Monday abandonned!

Aug 1st 1999: With the swell now down to 1-2ft, and a lot more inconsistent, I opted for an hour in the evening at Crooklets, a couple of hours before HT (21.12). The freedom of a rashie and shorts beckoned too. A little fresher in myself now, and enjoyed some short rides before it got too shore-dumpy.

July 31st 1999: An early start, and an energy sapping stretch around Avonmouth took it's toll for later on ! Pulled into the north car park at Widemouth around 3.45pm hoping to meet up with the OTL'ers. Unfortunately, never bumped into any of them; but the warm sunny weather with the tail-end of the thumping great swell of the two previous days were comfort enough. It was still 3-4ft and clean with the breeze cross-shore, which did slightly take the edge off. Not that I noticed too much as energy levels were soon low. Consequently, standards were low even for me. i spent a lot of time in the saddle, as I was too slow to react most of the time. Even so, following a three month lay off; it was good to get back in again. Two hours were all I could manage before crawling out on all fours, totally knackered !

July 99: Due to set off for Bude in the early hours of Sat 31st for two weeks of sanity. I'd perhaps change my mind when we finally get moved there, and experience the tourist season for the first time. Either way the wait is doing my head in. A full run down of surfing events will be uploaded shortly after my return.

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