Even the sun

Even the sun

Could not melt this puddle today.

Coaster roaster

Coaster roaster

I just wanted to use a hot word because I’m really cold!

They saw it coming

They saw it coming

I’ve seen plenty of people trip up in the street but Ive never ever seen a seagull caught out by an outside set, have you? Just a thought that’s all.

This was yesterday

This was yesterday

And it was a beautiful little wave saying ride me please. Today is sunny, windier and the wave is smaller.

A new lick of paint

A new lick of paint

Peter’s Victorian beach swings have received a new lick of paint for this season. There was a study group on the beach and a beautiful small clean wave that someone should really be riding!

The sky at the cost of the foreground

The sky at the cost of the foreground

The camera on my iphone is great but not clever enough to deal with this exposure dichotomy

A beautifull blustery morning

A beautifull blustery morning

I almost used the pic of the JCB moving sand from Peters Victorian swings site but this one was so much better!

A day of drama

A day of drama

I drove right across Exmoor today and it was dramatic! down to 20 miles an hour for a stretch of persistent hail. Very beautiful it was though.

Red coats

Red coats

The brightest colour on the beach was in fact the woman’s coat.

First flight for a while

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Its been the in the wrong direction or to strong for weeks for the flyers up on the Down.

Another man for scale

Another man for scale

The amount of sand that has shifted up the beach this winter is quite phenomenal. New rocks exposed, fence posts buried. I didn’t stay out long for this one the wind chill drove me back to the office.

Glorious

Glorious

I felt the warmth of the sun today, just on the side of my face, only for a few seconds as I walked through a sheltered area of the village. It was the highlight of my day!

Through the grasses

Through the grasses

A stunning morning, the sun wasn’t up over the hill yet, only one surfer in and one on his way.

Iluminated spray

Iluminated spray

What a fantastic day with shelter from the winds, a great swell, enough wind to fly a kite and enough sun to remind us about summer. The days are getting longer!

Worth the wait

Worth the wait

I did have a photo lined up from this morning when it was cloudy,  then the sun came out and I decided to wait for the sun set, it was worth the wait.

Before the sunrise

Before the sunrise

What a pleasant morning on the beach, hardly any wind, clear skies and a small clean wave. Ive already rearranged my day!

This is today

This is today

No really it is! How much do we need blue sky and green sea. Its been Grey and brown respectively for so long.

Disconnected

Disconnected

Sometimes the sky seems more disconnected the earth than other days. And fighting dogs seem to have taken over the world of pets, well the beach anyway.

Sand shift and cut

Sand shift and cut

I had a wonderful chat this morning about composting all the seaweed that comes off the beach, how good would that be!

Lost over board

Lost over board

I took this just before Richard (from Parkin estates who own and manage the beach) arrived on the miniature tractor to take it away. Join the campaign against marine litter in case you haven’t already.

Precipitation within sight

Precipitation within sight

The big yellow thing was in fact a wave buoy, it looked like the plate that had been welded to its lover half had just sheered off. With so few opportunities to surf in the last two months Ive started to dream about surfing nearly every night, but its still goes on shore!

The big yellow thing

The big yellow thing

I think, is one of the shipping Light buoys that appeared a few years ago off the end of Morte and Baggy. I’m glad I saw this its made up slightly for missing the 6 foot Turtle that washed up last week!

Over the hedge and far away

Over the hedge and far away

This shot was taken beyond middle beach (which always makes me think of middle earth) the sloping cliff is so steep you cant even see the dunes below. Did you spot the little people?

Through the window screen

Through the window screen

Forgetting to take my coat is my excuse for not getting out of the van today!

One man out

One man out

In amongst the huge swells and strong winds there was a moment when it was possible for most of us who surf to catch a wave on the local beaches.

Out of the grotto

Out of the grotto

Heavy Christmas colds mean the B list pic for the 25th is now the A list for the 26th! I took this on Christmas eve at the Woody Bay Station’s Santa express event…whooooo whooooo.

Brave brits

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I found these brave souls taking a dip on Combsgate. What a very British thing to do. Before I saw this, todays pic was going to be of Santa out of his Grotto! have a lovely day.

This is not today

This is not today

It’s dark, wet and grey. I just had to look back at some of pics from a few years ago. This is one of my favorites.

Whats left behind

Whats left behind

The Torrage the Taw, the Seven, Port Talbot, all relatively local sources of debris found on the beach. Big tides pulling stuff off the banks that the smaller tides left alone. We all live down stream heh.

Folly of Youth

Folly of Youth
Check out Mikey’s amazing take on Eyeball’s new team rider, Woolacombe local and Bristish Open Champion Stuart Campbell.
This is the start of an exciting project that will see Stuart Campbell working with us on other stuff in the New Year. Watch this space!

Holes in the sky

Holes in the sky

The beach felt out of bounds today, a white out with lashing rain. This pic is from the other day when this rainbow lasted for at least 15 mins and the muck on my sensor for much longer!

Over the dunes

Over the dunes

Taken from Marine Drive today, over looking middle beach. The SLR got forgotten again, so another iphone pic.

Sunshine and showers

Sunshine and showers

I took this with the iphone as you can probably tell. It was a mad dash to the cliff top over Combsegate and back to the warmth of the van!

Heavy man

Heavy man

My commando style bobbless bobble hat actually blew off while I took this, the hail stones did more to my face than any exfoliating scrub that I have never used.

hold your hat on

hold your hat on

I expect the wind turbines over the hill are turned off today. There are so many things flying around that should be fixed down its abit dodgy, must watch out for bits of trees down the lane.

Anvils galore

Anvils galore

And spectacular rainbows, I watched this one grow from small beginnings to a full arch over 15 min or more.

Elivated positions

Elivated positions

Almost at the top, just behind Woolacombe down. Reckon I have a whole series to do from these elivated positions.

A diffrent point of view

A diffrent point of view

After more than two years on the daily wave I still haven’t explored all the angles, this was shot from some height up a road parallel to the sea front. Someone thought I looked like a mermaid in the swimming pool today, he has been here for less that 36 months though.

Dusk

Dusk

A tough call to find something arty on the beach today, my only offering being the light house light on Hartland point.

I spy

I spy

Seen from the Royal Hotel the weather is mean and blowy. Apologies for the lack of daily waves over the weekend. Back on the mission this week!

Converging clouds

Converging clouds

There is some proper weather on the way and this was the start. A huge swell for most of next week all with wind from the west!

The nicest toilet block

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The nicest toilet block Ive ever seen I think. That was as far as I got with that train of thought it was superseded by face book cache issues and the need to get an advent calender that doesn’t make a two year old run round in circles for an hour. Oh yer the surf is bigger than it looks.

On the drop

on the drop

Oh no another mad day no time to reflect on deadlines past!

Morte point ablaze

Morte point ablaze

I took this with the iphone on the way to the coppicing wood to look for small bears. Then I’m off to the SAS / MBS / AONB beach clean at Lynnmouth. It starts at 2.pm see you there!

A harsh wind

A harsh wind

It feels cold for a west wind, must be picking up some north in it from somewhere> Since the weekend Ive got deeper and deeper into Sea Shanty world. it was the Exmouth Shanty Men that inspired me.

More stonking waves

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Down at sea level today and cant think of anything meaningful to say, Ive dried up which does at least link in with yesterdays blog about the stream!

Stream dream

Stream dream

I wonder if this stream has ever stopped flowing. I was reading about mammoths this morning and started to get my head round time scales of thousands and millions of years. A friend found a neolithic spear head on Morte point. Must fly I’m 5 minutes late.

I say nice spray

I say nice spray

The swell is back and so is the wind! We started to process the video from the Clovelly Herring festival and its looking good!

Scrag end

Strag end

What does that term really refer too? It is a cut of lamb and mutton, common in the UK and the Commonwealth. It is a primal cut, thus is separated from the carcass during butchering.[1][2] It is one of the cheaper cuts of meat, and can be used in soups and stews.

Right out of the can

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I was hard to decide which Photo to use today, there were so many possibilities. In the end it was the arty shot that got the spot. Taken between sets the only thing it doesn’t show is the spectacular size of some of the waves.

Stonking

Stonking

A spectacular day, a busy day, just enough time to take a photo. Rush rush zoom zoom I’m going to the moon, 54321 blast off. Another world.

Head for the corner

Head for the corner

A beautiful morning on the beach, the unwary getting caught out by those surging sets close to high, only wet feet and shocked dogs no drownings. It did leave me wondering if I would venture into the sea without a wet suit to save a dog, would I? If its master was a child maybe.

A golden glow

A golden glow

A huge dark mass of cloud with its face illuminated by the sunrise. It was hard to see the swell in these conditions only when a wave started to feather did it reveal itself.

Blown back

Blown back

Most of the swell that was coming this way was in serious competition with another swell going the other way. I watched in astonishment this morning when two blokes walked past me with a sit on kayak and a small toddler in a shorty wet suit!

Another glorious morning

Another glorious morning

Another glorious morning, Its the SAS beach clean today in Woolacombe it starts at 11am by the stream you can check out when its happening on the other beaches here. Since 1994, plastic items washing up on our shores have increased by 135%.

Big lumps of water

Big lumps

Andrew Cotton  knows all about big lumps of water, his achievement is still resounding around my head, you can also read about it here.

Hard and fast

Hard and fast

Not a soul out just a one, one to one surfing lesson on the way back to the comfort of their van. It was the layers of mermaid tears that caught my eyes yesterday. They were revealed by the small cliff cut into the dunes by the stream.

Looking for a peak

Looking for a peak

There was going to be a beach theme to this blog, until that is, I got an email from my mate Doug his band Central Casting bring their alt-folk-country acoustic sound and insightful lyrics to the Landmark Pavilion on the 12th November.  buy tickets here in advance because they are going fast!

Steely gray

Steely gray

A steely gray day with biting winds from the North East. The stream has taken a huge turn to the north and carved out a small cliff four feet tall in parts, the sound of large chunks of wet sand falling into the water can easily startle if your not prepared for the sound.

Change of Reasons

change of reasons

A few of Andrew Cotton’s waves from last season. A warm up to what you can expect from him this winter. Watch this space! Huge thanks to Richard Asquith and Henry Price for the amazing sound track. You can see what they are up to at friend-of-mine.co.uk/

Last day without boots

Last day without boots

Last day without boots I think, after an hour my toes were suffering from a slight stinging sensation. The air was so clear today the horizon in the see was so so sharp it was hard to see the sets coming.

Steady as she goes

steady as she goes

Same swell predicted for today and tomorrow head for those south facing points for a glassy wave. Every time I look over to the north I cant help have the arguments for and against the Atlantic Array running through my mind, off to do some more research.

And it keeps coming

And it keeps coming

In case you haven’t noticed we are in the middle of a wonderful set of rather spectacular swells. Getting in to make the most of them is proving to be a challenge now the clocks have gone back, hanging on for the weekend!

A spectacular swell

A spectacular swell

This was the view out of my van window at 7.30 am, it was raining. I was on the way to a swimming pool, just to swim I thought. But such is the feelings about the Atlantic Array that at one point there were 4 of us in the shallow end talking politics and money.

Challenging

Challenging

Challenging waves and challenging times for all of us wrestling with the Atlantic Array proposal, only 8 days left to get your feedback form in find it here.

head for corners

head for corners

Another big swell. My head is full of wind farms and tidal turbines this morning, as there is a consultation meeting at Woolacombe village hall 7pm. Another splendid binary date.

Lumpy and ragged

Lumpy and ragged

One man out, if you look hard you can see him. I missed yesterday, I was introducing a new person to an old technology. Why do steam trains feel so romantic? Watching volunteers in their seventies shoveling coke into a boiler was inspiring.

Wind and swell

wind and swell

A rare sight in Woolacombe, a group of seven competent Wind surfers enjoying the wind and swell. Hats off to anyone who is prepared to take so much hardware into a critical position on any wave worth speaking of.

Rewind

rewind

Suddenly its summer again, I was way to hot in my 4/3 could have got away with the summer suit. Didn’t take a leash, regretted that, little people in the shore break, no one hurt though.

Balls in the air

Balls in the air

All of a sudden my photos have some way of reminding me of my work situations. This one isn’t profound in any way just very accurate. is all Ive got to do is make sure I catch the ones that are worth keeping and drop the rest. There is a lovely clean little wave today.

Flight

Flight

Flying, unaided is a common cultural pattern dream that is shared by all of humanity, Mine have ranged from floating a few inches off the ground (these were responsible for me learning to skate board at 40 years old) to intercontinental excursions that have found me waking with a start and palpitations. Its very cold this morning and the waves are rideable but small.

Jogging along

jogging along

What a splendid morning chilly and clear, a lovely little wave. It was all going to plan this morning then bamm a big change of situation requiring a rethink and a rejig of working hours, I am not jogging along I’m sprinting short distances.

Monotone moments

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Of course I’ve added a lighting effect. I haven’t sucked any colour out though, it is this gray. I had another one of those work or surf first dilemmas this morning, waiting is always the riskier strategy and that’s the one I have taken.

Four activities

Four activities

I tried to get seven of the different activities I could see on the beach all in one frame. Time though, was not on my side, harvesting root crops up the allotment for dinner was the urgent task.

Working at floating

Half term

It really feels like winter today not just Autumn. The Surf was pretty clean this morning as I took my little man to the pool with our mates. I pulled out another two floats from his buoyancy jacket. The consequences of which I could  relate too a feeling you often experience in adult life, sometimes nothing seams to have changed, you have to work a bit harder just to stay afloat.

Converging lines

Converging lines

Quite how I managed to deplete all three of my Nikon batteries without leaving one on charge overnight I don’t know, so this is one of those pics I talked about yesterday. The sea state is a bit smaller, there is less wind and there is a tad more cloud around other than that its today quite like yesterday.

An even colder morning

An even colder morning

What a surprising morning this one was. First my attention was drawn to the clouds, then the changing course of the stream on its way to the sea, its suddenly taken of to the north. Then my attention was drawn by the base of the Woolacombe Surf Life Saving club‘s shed and the post right in front of it. Which all means I had six contenders for today’s pic.

Dogs bring people

Dogs bring people

People are still enjoying the beach even though its the coldest windiest day this side of summer. Dogs do have jobs, dogs should have jobs, not just with sheep, policemen or people who cant see but to bring people together. To give and receive affection for those who find themselves without human company, today I’m not in the dog house, what does that mean?

One and twenty miles

One and Twenty

One mile from the village and 19 miles from Lundy, a very different day to the one before. I must seek out the history books about Lundy, just the fact the Pirates were still in charge until the Crown got them removed in the 17th century, then there were thousands of people living or held captive there.

It’s Back

It's back

Summer that is! the sea was the same temperature as the air today which made the swell and the sun even more pleasurable. Took one board down the beach worth £300 came back with another worth £2000, got to swap back tomorrow though!

Shifting sands

Shifting sands

A smaller swell and a darker morning. I spent the time on the beach talking to Rich who has lived here all his life. Its fascinating finding out that there are 15 foot sea walls built by the Victorians now hidden by sand dunes and the level of the sand is allot higher all over the beach even since the 7o’s.

No wind

No wind

Its a beautiful morning with a clean swell. Ive been doing these daily pics in Woolacombe for nearly three years, It amazes me that I can still find new angles and perspectives. I’m going to milk this one whenever I can, just need people looking through the telescope.

Creative grooming

Creative grooming

Another wild and wet day when I didn’t make it down to the beach, this shot is from 12 days ago. Mike must ave been the driver. It made me think of doing some creative rake work, one morning on a big tide, mmm maybe in the spring.

Not a Dolphin

Not a Dolphin

This little chap (about the size of a Labrador dog) is a lesser known Harbour Porpoise, its hard to see why or how it died. Alive or not the Marine Conservation Society are always interested in your sightings of marine wild life.

This is real

this is real

And the other reality is… I keep leaving the camera in the wrong place and not taking a photo at the right time, still searching for the new rhythm that’s needed now I’m not living on the beach, it will come I’m sure. So will another stable high pressure system over the uk.

Waiting for the JCB

waiting for the JCB

Peter is waiting for the JCB to dig his train and swings out of the sand, for winter storage away from the elements. I’m trying to work out how to escape up to London next week as wavedreamer won the NT trailer competition for the London surf / film festival !

Wild and cold

Wild and cold

My Focus this week has been the Atlantic array proposal, It is a tough one to get your head around and I would encourage anyone to visit the online proposal read the documents and fill in the feedback forms which can be found in the drop down menu on the right.

Just a few days ago

Just a few days ago

Just a few days ago I took this as I walked through the grounds of Woolacombe Bay Hotel. Only the life ring gives away the lush location of the outdoor pool. Its so close to the beach the scrub in the background has grown over, stabilised and hidden the sand dune system.

Footpaths, peelers and caves

footpaths peelers and caves

We shot this National Trust trailer for a competition entry.
It was shot on and around National trust properties in North Devon, and the surfers are Neil Randall and Simon Skelton.
The original sound track was created for this trailer by Gordon Dryburgh thanks Gordon!

The other view from yesterday

The other view from yesterday

Its dark its raining and I would much rather share the other view from yesterdays photo’s than struggle trying to make something meaningful out of a grey morning. The first week of free parking on the esplanade and the end of restrictions in the village is just one of the signs that the season is over.

Looking back

Looking back

I did risk getting a wet bum for this. I had already took a photo of tiny waves and a blue sky, turned round to see the sun rising in the bottom of the valley and decided this was the one for today. now seven hours later there is such heavy low cloud it feels like its raining.

This is October

This is October

This was not the shot of the day, I missed that one while I was introducing my toddler to the delights of jumping in to swimming pools. What I missed was two young women enjoying the feeling of freedom by surfing without wet suits, well without any clothes at all actually. They were called in by the Life Guards.

Just too late

just to late

I’m still finding the new rhythm to my daily wave pics living a mile up the road instead of on the beach makes a difference. And this weather and waves have made a huge difference to the village this weekend, its absolutely rammed! Oh yer have you noticed its another binary date.

Just to fast

just to fast

Wow what a stunning swell and what a day for seven men to go looking for waves on Mat’s amazingly beautiful catamaran, I caught their departure and Mikey is there to catch the action. This is going to be good!

Over the showers

Over the showers

Yes, over the showers is a tiny high tide wave that works so well for body surfing without fins, just a hand plane. My mate Steve PP would be screaming along one of these on his home made plywood belly board, that’s if he hasn’t cut it up into golden sections to paint on!

Set for a few days

Set for a few days

Oh how sunlight and small waves lift my spirits. There were mushrooms on the Hotel lawn this morning. The seagulls spent the night in a south facing horse field next to the football Pitch and I’m looking out for basking adders and lizards this afternoon.

A good size

A good size

Its all relative of course, a good size, could be the size of surf you have the most fun in. For me that would be chest high I reckon. Its something I must ask of Andrew Cotton I would place good money on it not being chest high, unless he brought King Kong into the equation. Andrew is also a very very funny blogger.

In between sets

between the sets

Small and sweet, I do hope that’s sugar and not perspiration. I’m not sure what was more unforgivable yesterday, the spelling or the photo. Dyslexia has its rewards but not on a public blog. Now being a mile away from the sea means you will get slightly later photos, more likely to see reflected sun more often I reckon.

The crouds are back

The crouds are back

As I walked back into the office the sun came out! The waves are cleaner and bigger than they look in this photo and my head is still full of stuff about sheep dogs, sheep and wolves after I inadvertently read a news letter that I inadvertently signed up for. I think I should go for a surf before I start work.

Swings and roundabouts

Swings and roundabouts

Where has the shop gone? Well we never wanted to be shop keepers and cant remember why we thought it was such a good idea. But hey you learn things along the way. Now you will have the chance of getting stuff for free from a GoproHD and T shirts to surf movie DVD’s. Watch this space. Well the space on the right actually.

Pink and puffy

Pink and puffy

And dark and spiky, a busy day ahead filming a promo and moving house! You should have seen the beach grooming marks on the beach this morning they were amazing, not as amazing as the pink clouds though.

Multiple layers

Multiple layers

Same deal as yesterday, early start, dark and wet, so this pic is a wide shot from the other night when I chose a detail of the sky above me. Windmills of my mind, yes Fullabrook and the proposed Atlantic Array have made it into my dream time and FB groups that change their name have something to do with it!

Realy it’s tipping it down

Its realy tipping it down

I got into work before it was light this morning, just before the heavens opened! So this mornings offering is a wide shot from the other day when I used a much closer version. It was called Sharing the edge.

Renaissance masterpieces

Renaissance masterpieces

After a really wild day we were treated to a sunset sky that reminded me of the first time I saw renaissance masterpieces in the National Gallery. The warm rays were reaching the higher clouds making a dramatic sky full of depth and unexpected layers of which this pic is just a detail.

A rare sight this summer

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Small and clean and set for a change to on shores again. The beach huts have left the beach and are now in storage, the beach groomer is still out and so are the life guards, so it could still feel like summer again.

Sharing the edge

Sharing the edge

The last hour of a splendid days surf. Allot of shifting of working hours must have gone on. There were definitely more smiles in the village. One of them belonged to a friend who started surfing in 67 and borrowed an old Guts board of mine, he was so excited by it I had to sell it to him!

British surfers

British surfing

These intrepid surfers are my neighbors and they Belly Board from April to October. Check out the Museum of British surfing and the World Bellyboard Championships for more on Belly Boarding

A spectacular sea

A spectacular sea

Wow a big sea and spectacular sunset. Shame I missed Kite surfers at high tide, I was busy reading the Whale and the Snail for the 53rd time. When the sea gets this big I get excited about the next low tide when you can see how much sand has been moved or dumped on the banks and bays.

Umph

umph

A pretty confused sea state today, lumps and bumps crashing. There are only half a dozen beach huts waiting for winter storage. Wind blown sand is making the Marram grass look very pretty. This lighter wind blown sand was considered the best for pointing brick work in the days when builders took their materials off the beach.

Warm winds

Warm winds

Warm winds are blowing hard already, the two eyed monster must have appeared a bit early. Its going to be big tomorrow, head for shelter from the south westerlies and hope they swing round!

New angles

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I didn’t make it down to the beach, I followed a very smart lad around the grounds of Woolacombe Bay Hotel. Whatever the weather the flags get put out. I wrote our web address on the back of his hand. I hope he remembered to wash it off before serving breakfast.

Community arts mural timelapse

Community Arts mural

We were really pleased to be able to record this Community Arts mural at the Braunton Youth Club for the museumofbritishsurfing.org.uk who funded it through the ‘Count Me In‘ scheme. The Mural was designed and project led by artist Conor Wilson conorwilson.co.uk The ideas for the design were generated in meetings with the young people who use the youth club. It was a fantastic achievement and the first of many collaborations between Braunton youth club and the Museum of British Surfing.

More than a bit Blowy

More than a bit blowy

Fast forward winter or what, goodness me, its hard to stomach, so few clean waves but this will be my last whinge. I will find a positive spin. Kite surfing that’s it! I saw three kite surfers on the river Taw yesterday. It looks spectacular looking at them through the new bridge.

Autumnal and wild

Autumnal and wild

I really had such high expectations for September. Those expectations have now been transferred to October, by the law of averages that surely cant be an over optimistic position to take. Hoping that the 4 kilo I put on in Aug will come off in that month I know is over optimistic.

Dark and wild

dark and wild

Yet another iphone pic, I will, I will remember to take my slr home with me tonight. The rest of the day has been about resolve and confidence. We are moving into a new office and I have spent a disproportionate amount of time looking at the quality of  Celotex.

Early birds

Early bird

Another iphone shot, this one taken as soon as there was enough light around 6.30. I have a little poorly helper on my lap as I type this he who got up at 4.30.

Take shelter

Take shelter

From the southerly winds and you could find a clean wave. And when your out of the water this afternoon you will need to take shelter from the rain thats making its way over the atlantic.

All the girls in the world

all the girls in the world

Well about fifty of their names actually, are used to identify each beach hut. It would have been so easy to give them numbers but someone who cared had a hand in the process and holiday makers have the pleasure in relating to their beach huts in a way that wouldn’t be possible with a digit.

Warm and calm

Warm and calm

It was only this morning that I realised how few calm days there have been this summer. The crops on my allotment and the maiden apple trees in our new orchard tell the storry well.

Comic cloud

Comic cloud

On the beach this morning and thinking how glad I am to be of the disposition not to have one of these heavy clouds over my head. Give me sun shine every day, give me …… da da da da da da la la la la la la la….. I miss Morcambe and Wise!

Early and autumnal

Early and autumnal

The north in the wind made this morning feel like the end of the summer. By lunch time it had warmed up. This dramatic pic came straight out of the can called iphone.

Rainbows and showers

rainbows and showers

What dramatic weather! I spent the time on the cliff thinking about Turner and how he used tied himself to the mast of a ship to experience the full force of a storm at sea.

Serene weather super swell

Serene weather super swell

I forgot to take the Nikon home last night, so this mornings pic was taken with my i phone, not so sophisticated but it often has a painterly quality that I really like.  During the 10 minutes I spent on the cliff top I was treated to a fly past by a flock of Oyster Catchers.

A good morning for paddle training

A good day for paddle training

A splendid morning on the beach. Nick Thorn and his training buddy was out on the paddle boards preparing for his next challenge. On the 20th of September 2011 Nick will attempt to become the first ever person to paddle between England and Wales, across the Bristol Channel. Follow him here.

Clarity

Clarity

The air is clear this morning and on the beach it felt like you could touch the end of Baggy Point. The sun first illuminated those fields on the end at 6.30. The wind was SSE, I know that for sure as a large fluffy white downy feather tumbled past me from that direction.

Silly o’clock in the morning

Silly o'clock in the morning

I cant remember exactly what time it was, early enough for Hartland lighthouse to show up though. If you cant see it, click on the image to enlarge it. You might also see the surfer on the left now.

An even better wave

An even better wave

The first thing I noticed this morning at 6.15 as I closed the front door, was the noise, it had become almost unfamiliar, the crack of a low tide barrel followed by the roar of whitewater. As I turned the corner excited young men sprinted past with short boards and I began to plan my day around the best state of the tide for me. PS for scale spot the surfer behind the right shoulder on the left.

A wave!

A wave

Its been a while since I’ve posted such a picture. Looks like we have a few days fun ahead with the cleanest and biggest being Monday. I wonder how many work plans and meetings are going to be changed on Monday to accommodate a surf session?

Early bird

Early bird

Domestic changes mean I’m in toddler world this morning. This pic was taken at 6.30am. By the time we had our porridge the sun was over the hill and these clouds had moved on or evaporated. Visibility must be more than 20 miles as you can spot so much detail on Lundy.

Embrace grey

Embrace grey

Eventually I do have find a way of making the grey skies into a image that has some intrigue. Last nights retreating tide left some large pools and some wispy marks which I have never noticed before. They must have something to do with the short period swell that was groomed by the offshore winds.

two in one day

two in one day

I just had to share this one, taken just an hour after the firemen training shot. This morning is grey again and the sea looks strange. There is a short period wave with light off shore winds which doesn’t happen very often. Wax up the log.

Local Hero

Local heros

We are lucky enough to have a fire station in the village. Its not all luck of course, its all thanks to the team of retained firemen that live locally and give up their time to be on call on top of their other jobs. Tonight they were doing decontamination training!

Point to point

Point to point

The sea looked particularly inviting this morning, a pushing tide, the occasional shaft of sunlight making its way down the valley, seagulls on the move, a swim suited body boarder already in the water and this was at 7am.

Holes in the sky

Holes in the sky

The Title reminded me of the ozone issue. Thanks to the Montreal Protocol of 1989 which banned the use of ozone-depleting chemicals worldwide, the ozone hole has recovered and stabilized. The same UN report which brought us the good news says that now there’s perceptible thinning of the ozone layer over the North Pole.

swirly wirly

Swirly wirly

Three types of clouds in the sky. I was hoping for a dry day for my friend Jane who is passing by today with three wonderful men. They have been walking the coastal path around the UK for 13 years doing a leg every summer. The kettles on!

Nick Thorns Channel crossing

Nicks paddle

We recently accompanied one of our media management athletes on  a challenge to cross the English Channel, in a bid to raise funds and awareness for Surf Relief U.K.

It was great to witness the days events first hand, hope you enjoy the piece we put together.

Surfing & fishing the Fatyak KAAFU

Surfing the KAAFU

A Huge thanks to Steve Chivers and Steve Doon who surfed the Kaafu’s. We made this promo for oceanmouldings.co.uk Their new design FatYak KAAFU offers the versatility that Sit-on-Top kayakers want. Its unique stable lines ensures that children, fishermen, sport and recreational kayakers will all have an enjoyable time, check out how well it surfs! And yes that’s Mikey fishing for the first time in 25 years!

Morte Stone

Morte Rock

Another photo from the wavedreamer archive. Really its raining cats and dogs so I needed a reminder of what summers evening can be like. On the left you can see a coastal barge. Not that long ago, before the motor ways these waters were full of similar craft plying there trade around the UK they will be back one day.

Looking down

looking down

Same old story with on shores and grey skies, so I found my attention drawn to the stunning pattens left in the sand. There were also loads of deep holes that seem to have had no relation to sand castle activity.

between weather systems

Between systems

As I stood on the beach this morning at 7am I watched the last of the low rain clouds skitter over the horizon revealing this blue sky, what looks like muck on my sensor is in fact the last of those clouds as they evaporated in front of my eyes.

Alot of activity

Alot of activity

In the sky, on the beach and on the cliff top, which is where I watched a common lizard looking for his lunch. I often see a kestrel working the same area probably looking for lizards for lunch.

broken cloud

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Nothing to write home about on the wave front today and it looks like another 7 days before any long distance swell kicks in. I’m off to Cornwall this weekend to see my mate Russ who runs Surf Action and is organizing the Surf Fayre pop along if you can.

Back to rain today

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I couldn’t bare to post up a grey wet pic today, this one was taken the day before yesterday. It is straight out of the can as Mr Nikon saw it. As I write this though there are still brave determined families making the most of their time on the beach, its just a matter of changes your clothes and your mind set I reckon.

Mikey’s supper

Mikey's supper

We were to busy this morning to do the wave pic. The supper bit is just a bonus, we were filming for a Kayak fishing promo and this is a screen grab. I got to know a bit more about Mikey, despite what he looks like he doesn’t like killing things, he will eat them though, once they are dead.

Motivated men

Motivated men

As I walked onto the beach I saw these lads from a distance, doing circuits of press ups, crunches, sprints and leaps. They are on holiday and were doing it for fun, impressive! (this was 7am). I wondered what careers they will have and what they will achieve, they told me they weren’t in the forces.

Calm, wet and monotone

calm, wet and monotone

Hands up, I did up the values on this pic to make it a bearable offering. People that care always make a difference, Mike is one of them, he drives the tractor that tows the beach groomer and rather than flatten the sand castles in an arbitrary manor he tries to make wave shapes up and down the beach.

Smaller than it looks

smaller than it looks

It is tempting to try and ride these little peelers but falling off in 10 inches of water when you weigh 14 stone can be hazardous. Ive might have a go later on a knee board, not so far to fall. Or even more appropriately pull out the belly board from under the stairs.

sails and sea snails

sails and sea snails

I love seeing the yachts out from Ilfracombe harbour, it just makes those sunny days feel even more summer like. Before I took this shot I spent an hour or more exploring rock pools with a 2 year old. Getting down there in wet suits at 7 am on a dropping tide meant there was plenty of life to see, loads of small fry, one of which was called Nemo apparently.

Clouds on fire

clouds on fire

I am still out of sync for the early morning shots, so expect a run of sunsets if the cloud shifts to allow them. I am missing those long distance swells and stable highs. Its been ages since I haven’t taken any decent close ups of waves of any size. Fingers crossed for September if this pattern sets in for August.

A stunner today

A stunner today

Wow what a day, I missed the early morning shot, to busy with a product promo we are working on. The sea tasted of crab soup last night, there were allot of dead spider crabs washed up but I think it had more to do with the amount of dissolving seaweed there is in the shore break.

Doesn’t look like 3 foot

doesn't look like 3 foot

That’s because its not, maybe it will build on the push. I was in amongst the rocks this morning looking at rock pools that had been stranded from a fresh fill by the small tides. But I was really distracted by deadlines, battery chargers and wondering how the day will go for Mikey who is filming Nick Thorn paddling across the English Channel

The start of a building swell

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What felt like an unusual sight this morning, the start of a long distance swell. Drill down into the swell breakdown on MS and you can see whats going on. Its been so long I’m getting very excited organizing the week around the tides thinking about what boards and checking out the banks to work out whats working best, hold me down I’m floating off.

back to cloud

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A taste of summer yesterday but heavy cloud this morning. Even still with no sun there were families on the beach before 9 and surfers in the water with no waves to speak of. Our very British relationship with the beach always intrigues and amazes me.

towers of cumulus

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A ha, forgot to bring the SLR home last night, so had to use the iphone. I took this at ten past six, we are on a shoot at seven, up at gold coast creating a promo for the waverider which has been installed for the summer, it looks amazing, watch out for the promo on our show real.

little peelers and black headed gulls

little peelers and black headed gulls

Not feeding but grooming and that was also being done to the beach. Sometimes, depending on what the tide has been doing, the beach looks like its been subject to extended mortar fire. Such is the extent of large sandcastle building. Then along comes the tractor, beach groomer in tow and flattens them all out with its front bucket!

Baggy’s cragyness iluminated

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I love the light you get with this broken cloud cover. Details otherwise hidden suddenly become visible. The surf is more ride-able than it looks. I spent some of the time on the cliff working out when to retrieve the 20+ lager cans left on a ledge last night by some rather irresponsible people.

This is not today

this is not today

Because its raining really hard, its dark, grim and July, so I cant bare to put up another grey photo. This is from a day in the spring when I had more than one usable shot. It shows the mist over flowing from the Torridge and Taw estuary basin and making its way out to sea.

Oh so dark

oh so dark

Taken at 7am and not a sunny spell in sight. I hope you enjoyed Mats porridge poetry as much as I did he steps up while I’m away. Mat is the web designer behind wavedreamer and he always goes way beyond 11, you can see what else he does here.

A perfect summers day….

mexican dreamin

…….it is not.

Here is a little pic to remind us what the world can look like when that yellow ball in the sky can reign supreme.
It was taken from my bedroom window in Mexico, and is probably one of the funnest waves in the world.

foaming at the mouth

foaming at the mouth

The sea was a maelstrom of  onshore mush this morning and wasn’t offering much in the way of an inspiring wave shot. Far more intriguing was the foam blowing up over the esplanade. When I headed over to investigate, looking over the cliff edges North of Shellsbough, the gullies and coves were brimming with this primordial ooze, pulsating & convulsing like some kind of possessed porridge.

the turning point

the turning point

Today started with some truly nasty weather. When I finally ventured out, I was drawn to this glassy reflection at Combesgate. At the time, I grumbled about the lack of any nice light whatsoever, but now as I write this looking out at the glorious sky & sea, I’m hoping this pic was taken at the exact point the weather started to break for the day.

Busy as a bee and the whole town’s abuzz!

Busy as a bee and the whole town's abuzz!

As the developer of the wavedreamer site, I’m always thrilled to step up and take the daily wave in Richards absence. Unfortunately, those same responsibilities kept me tied to the office all day friday. So here’s a pic of another busy fella, taken looking over Combesgate on Saturday! The title of the pic is a line from The Dish, a favourite of mine.

A good day for fishing

A good day for fishing

In more ways than one, the commitment to end the practice of discarding bi catch is a step in the right direction. Keep up the pressure by supporting campaigns like Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s fish fight.

calm but brooding

Calm but brooding

A high Stratocumulus cloud layer can be hard to distinguish from a low Altocumulus one. It is Stratocumulus when the base of the cloud layer is lower than 6,500ft. So this cloud is either Stratocumulus or Altocumulus. This cloud spotting is less precise than I had imagined. When I have found the ultimate reference site I will let you know.

Warmer than it looks

warmer than its looks

No swell to speak off, but allot of texture on the beach. Its this that held my attention this morning. How does the tiniest swell, and we are talking inches, create this type of deep pattern, when a huge swell will groom the beach super smooth? It must be to do with the length of the impact the wave has.  A big wave pulls sand over a longer period in space and time. I’ll let you know when I find out more.

Woolacombe to Puttsborough

Puttsborough to Woolacombe

A wide shot this morning of the whole bay, taken at 7.50 am. Its very rare to see a flock of gulls (click on the image to enlarge) settled on the beach away from the stream. I wonder if the pickings from the weekends chip leftovers mean they are full enough not to bother looking for scraps that have floated down stream, or have they had their fresh water wash and are just drying in the sun? I wonder.

serene

serene

A glassy sea, with two levels of cloud today. Ive painted or photographed clouds since my teens but never got round to leaning all the names of the different formations. With a quick cross reference to a cloud spotter site I could share this process with daily wave cloud studies.

another late one

another late one

When its cloudy I try and be ready for those sunny periods, missed them all today, ah ha I’ll wait for sunset, risky, though worked today. Think I might just stick to early mornings regardless, what do you think?

similar story

similar story

A late one today, with weather and schedules interfering with the visit to the beach. Looking at the charts its another 10 days of sunny periods, showers and south westerlies. My only personal consolation is that having learnt to surf in Brighton I have a special relationship with short period swell.

and the heavens opened

and then the heavens opended

Core blimey there has been some heavy down pours this morning. Those dry months of April and May seem an age ago. The water quality tells the story, so much coming down the estuary from the river Torrage and Taw. My time in Brighton educated me on the dangers of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) check out Surfers Against Sewage amazing  phone alert service.

rain before 7 rain after 11

rain before 7 rain by 11

I didn’t make it down to the beach this morning, had to take this shot out of the window. Several times a week I have to drive through the biggest on shore wind farm in the UK its all static at the moment waiting for the last turbines to be built. Part of me is thrilled that there is such a thing in North Devon, but I still find myself wondering why development money wasn’t ploughed into harnessing the constant and huge huge tidal race just over the hill.

its grey and raining realy

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With another sunny pic from yesterday still on the camera I couldn’t bring myself to put up a grey raining shot, who wants to see them, said my mate Steve pp. The beach groomer this morning was doing its thing behind the tractor. I wondered if it can pick up the mermaid tears that are so prevalent on UK beaches, perhaps SAS know?

Ben steals the show and is crowned British champ!

the podium

Ben Howarth is on a roll.

He has just won the 3rd B.L.U event of the year making securing him the title of 2011 British champ.

As stated in his profile, he is the bright young thing of the U.K longboard scene right now, and his results are testimant to his ability.

Amazing result Ben, well done mate.

 

 

 

Well done Nick!

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Nick was in brighton this last weekend competing at the paddle around the pier events, and pretty much cleaned up.

 

I think they were so scared they even started the one race without him as he was just completing a 7.5k board race, probably to warm up on.

 

Read here for the full story from the horses mouth

another day in paradise

another day in paradise

Three stunners in a row with waves has left me wonderfully knackered on a Monday morning, enjoy it while you can folks its gonna change. I spent the time on the beach this morning admiring the picket fence and thinking how ancient an activity cleaving or splitting the wood is. I wonder if its still all done by hand in those sweet chestnut copsing  woods, or has someone invented a machine to do the job?

spot the surfer for scale

spot the surfer for scale

Its 6.00 am and only one person in the water. The wind is stronger and colder than predicted. Its the sand castle contest at woolacombe today and I’m filming the world record attempt at the most sandcastles made in an hour! The Guinness book of records team will be here to check it out. Watch out for the video journal!

compositional exercise

a compositional exercise

It only take a few elements to come together to launch me back into art school mode. And for that matter old school mode, a building swell perfect for logging, no leash and lots of sunblock yeehaa!

sand paterns in the sky

sand paterns in the sky

Whenever I see these type of clouds I think of the universe and mathematics. This my first daily wave post in its new form, not just a poetic title now. I can spout on for a couple of sentences at least! As you can see its part of the splendid rebuild that Mat from goto11 has done for us. Now you can see who we are and everything that we do.

early pools of golden light

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Yes you know by now its true, I do have poetic leanings. However its going to be tough going to continue any poetic enthusiasm for short period swells. Where have all the long ones gone? looks like another short lived 10 second swell over the weekend just to tease us. Ive started looking at the charts again just in case magic seaweed missed something, alas I don’t think they have

A clear view to Putsborough

A clear view to Putsborough

This was the first test daily wave for the wavedreamer rebuild. I must say I’m rather excited about having the space to write more, that title just never seamed enough. I am rarely lost for words and always have an opinion about most things, so in theory a daily blog related to my early morning visit to the beach cant be that hard can it? oh dear I feel a touch nervous as well.

Between the sets

Between the sets

Yes darling we are staying another day

yes darling we are staying another day

dark and dismal

dark and dismal

Creative collective: Gulfstream

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A short film we recently produced with the team at Gulfstream Surfboards

The disruptive spirit of a dark goat (Cotty surfing Nias)

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I thought he was meant to be on a boat the whole trip but apparently not, otherwise we wouldn’t have the footage of the goat! Enjoy Cotty’s latest from Indo.

Thanks to the guys busking in the park for the amazing soundtrack!

a day late

a day late

only the iphone for photos today

only the iphone for photos today

every one a girls name

every one a girls name

green sea grey sky

green sea grey sky

a sunny spell

a sunny spell

sea mist sails and peelers

sea mist sails and peelers

a better day on is way

a better day on is way

a stunning start

a stunning start

more of the same?

more of the same?

rain before 7 fine by 11?

rain before 7 fine by 11?

spot the rainbow

spot the rainbow

weather

weather

feeling allot colder

feeling allot colder

very small

very small

looming over Lundy

looming over Lundy

the cliffs of Baggy

the cliffs of Baggy

view beside Barracane

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what can you see?

what can you seee

Boom, there it is!

gulfstream surfboards

Here we take you into the mind of the man behind Gulfstream, and give you a look at what makes them such a special boardbuilding company.  Enjoy.

If Batman surfed…..

diplock_phoenix_boards1

……..he would own this board.

5’10 x 19 x 2 3/4

Just picked up my new shralp stick from the Diplock Phoenix boys and am so stoked. Check it out.

It has a carbon/Kevlar cloth deck, the stuff they produce bullet proof vests out of. Might take it to South Africa come to think of it.

Second Skin are going to be stocking the full range, so go check one out in the foam [flesh]

These super strength models are custom made, so have your favourite board scanned and duplicated if you want to save yourself heartbreak, or get Bro to whip you up something new to get excited about.

from the balcony

from the balcony

dark and grey holiday

dark and grey holiday

drama out to sea

drama out to sea

vaporous ships of the night in flight

vaporous ships of the night in flight

rain before 7 fine by…

rain before 7 fine by...

very wild and getting wilder

very wild and getting wilder

deceptively chilly

deceptively chilly

the first of the flower studies

the first of the flower studies

Shooting Gulfstream promo vid

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Really excited, we are busy producing a promotional video for the boys across the road at Gulfstream.

Next step is to get some water footage of the boys at the next “board meeting”

The charts look good and we have a 5AM call time on the beach.

The early bird catches the shot!

Their new website will be going live soon, so be sure to have a look.

Exciting times

cotty_profile

Wavedreamer Media is opening up a division which involves assisting with media management for anyone who’s skills or looks have a marketable value.

We are creating a hub from which we connect people to opportunities.

We will be working with our team to create bespoke individual digital profiles that can be used as a selling tool to assist promotion.

Our first person on-board [excuse the pun] so far is big wave hellman Andrew Cotton.

We are going to be working closely with Cotty to assist in developing his already respectable media profile.

We are looking for a diverse range of skill sets, and if you believe you got the skills to pay the bills, we wanna hear from you.

AAAArgghhh!!!!

canon_d60_waterhousing

Eye eye captain, thar she blows.

Recently arrived on the wavedreamer shores, a fine vessel if we ever saw one.

Her maiden voyage was a success, and we deem her seaworthy!

Now lets see some action you skurvy riddled sea dogs.

New tee shirts just arrived

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We have just taken delivery of a batch of new T shirts printed over the hill by our friends at A4 Apparel.

If surfing has an “unhealthyeffect on your life you will understand.

All the rage in London, New York and Paris, If you would like to be seen sporting one this summer, visit our online shop to buy direct from us

Too big for me!

to big for me actualy

How many times have you been caught out, a quick glance at the forecast and the web cam, looks do-able but low and behold you find yourself paddling out in a swell well out of your comfort zone. Do you turn around paddle in and go home or grin and bare it, the pounding, the fear ?

The DEVON 11

The Devon 11

I had planned to start painting landscapes again when I retired. Until that is, I got an invitation from Mr PP to join a group of like minded surfers who go away for weekends and paint out of doors. How could I resist! My first task for the group was to record the weekend for posterity by way of this video journal. Visit our blog and follow the group: thedevon11.blogspot.com The Devon 11 are:
• Steven Pleydell-Pearce • Paul Kenton • Conor Wilson • Richard Gregory • Shaun Latham • Thos Sharpe • Robert J.Braunton • Jeff Lawton • David Meads • Simon Skelton • Mat Stillo

Cotty’s knee meets hurricane Igor

Cotty's knee meets hurricane Igor

After his second operation for ACL ligament reconstruction in 5 years, the surgeon told Cotty not to surf for 9 months. When hurricane Igor hit Ireland six months later, he couldn’t resist. The waves were well within paddle range but Cotty decided to take it easy and tow a couple to see how it felt. These are his first few waves with his new knee. We are really excited to be working with Cotty. Watch this space for more waves as Cotty’s Knee gets back to full strength!

Nick Thorn’s swim from Lundy to Woolacombe

Nick Thorn's swim from Lundy to Woolacombe

Congratulations Nick! Woolcombe’s own waterman is the first person to swim solo from Lundy to Woolacombe and in just six and a half hours! Supported all the way by Steve Newton on a paddle board and Geoff Huelin of Mortehoe Shellfish in his fishing boat.
Thanks to Richard Asquith and Henry Price for the music: www.friend-of-mine.co.uk  Thanks to Dave Jenkins, and the Landmark Trust: www.landmarktrust.org.uk for the stills and to Mat Stillo: www.goto11.co.uk

Morte Point centenary picnic

Morte Point centenary picnic

The local National Trust team put together this lovely afternoon with a speech from Steve Mulberry and Ray Easterbrook, an amazing story teller who immersed us in the history of the point and live music from Jim Jones, oh and not forgetting the sound track from David Kenards sheep.

the GoPro HD Surf HERO test unit has arrived!

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First impression…. is the size! its tiny!  (H x W x D): 1.6” x 2.4” x 1.2” (42mm x 60mm x 30mm) and only weighs 6.3oz/179g incl. housing. And in this tiny unit is a camera that records three different formats of HD video, including full 1080p and at 720p it records true slow motion at 60 frames per second!

Its so good we are using this camera for our video projects. We will throw everything we can at it and create a technical advice sheet like no other! So you will be able to buy the GoPro HD Surf HERO and accessories from our emporium very soon, with all the support and advice you would expect from people that use and understand it. As a special offer to celebrate the launch of this great product, you can pre-order your camera from us now for delivery later this month along with a FREE SanDisc SD card designed for HD video. As if that wasn’t enough, as part of this limited period launch offer, we are shipping the GoPro HD Surf HERO and SanDisc card to you for FREE!* (*UK deliveries only)

And until we get the opportunity to upload our own footage from our demo cameras, take a look at this mind-blowing GoPro HD HERO preview footage from GoPro themselves. You’ll be back here pre-ordering your unit in no time!


ONEDAY in Woolacombe

ONEDAY in Woolacombe

We worked from 5 in the morning to 10 at night, it was an intense day! thanks so much to all the surfers who took time out and days off of work to be there and to Mat, Jack, Rob, Stu, Gordon, Joel and Steve our camera men and production team who worked so hard on the day. Thanks also to Parkins estates and Woolacombe Parish Council for their support.”

Best described as a ‘scenic surf movie’ the film is a portrait of Woolacombe bay on that day, the surfing, beach life and surrounding scenery.

This promo soundtrack and the final score is the work of Peter Bruntnell who lives up the road. “One of England’s best kept musical secrets”. says Rolling Stone! How excited are we to be working with him and his friends! The music will be recorded in one day and we will be there to film it.

Post production is under way and the DVD will be available spring 2010

For a full credits and production stills visit: the ONEDAY micro site

Mr McTavish, Mr Lovett & Mr Walden

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Tiki in association with GSI brought over three of the worlds best surf board designers to North Devon UK. Where they met the locals and had a surf at Putsborough! Watch out for the full evening Q & A session filmed at Croyde Village Hall. It will be on youtube and itunes as a video pod cast. Thanks again to Richard Asquith and Henry Price for the track called Covert Beat. You can see what they are up to at www.friend-of-mine.co.uk

Lundy to Woolacombe swim – they did it!

Lundy to Woolacombe swim - they did it!
A celebration of the Lundy Swim Relay Challenge 2009 and call for more sponsorship www.justgiving.com/lundyswim
Thanks to Lawrence from Back to Base for the Music
A short celebration of the Lundy Swim Relay Challenge 2009
and call for more sponsorship
www.justgiving.com/lundyswim
Music thanks to Lawrence from Back to Base

Billabong girls weekend

Billabong girls weekend

Its that time allready, another splendid weekend for the girls and what fun they had. Pro surfer Keala Kennely was there to pass on her wisdom and play a set. Sound track thanks to local band Zamba who know how to party!

Dolphins

Dolphins

And talking of the joy of flowing movement, just had to share this footage from the north end of Lundy. Thanks to Steve for organizing his own boys own best ever Stag weekend adventure and to Rudi the inspired skipper of Frolica. Some of the boys were quick enough to don wet suits and jump over the side, to be greeted by more dolphins than we could count! This memory will stay with all of us for ever. You can see more pics on Steves blog and James’s video. Thanks to Richard Asquith and Henry Price for the track Called ‘Horizon Possible’.

flaming June

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Just one evening from a week of stunning sunsets!

The joy of flowing movement

The joy of flowing movement

Skateboarding has to be one of the most undervalued activities in the world and I can feel the hairs going up on the back of my neck just remembering the speed those guys were whipping round that beautiful beautiful bowl. Crikey almighty, what an amazing event the formal opening opening of Barnstaple’s Rock skate park was. Hats off to all involved in its conception design and build. I was well out of my comfort zone with the camera but you will see a more crafted video of Barnstaple bowl some time soon!

spring has sprung

starfish on blue board

A small collection of memorable moments from March and April

A special place

A special place

Andrew Cotton is working with us to capture the inner world of low tide Croyde. And what a start we have made! This isn’t a progo-thingy this is an Sony HDVA1E with a century optics 180deg super fish eye in an ewa marine dive bag adapted with Velcro, aluminum, closed cell foam and an Ikelite domed port, its set on SDV as the HD compression cant handle the detailed movement of white water. Andrew has the leash end in his mouth as the impact pulled the end off his board. Watch this space as we are going to have some fun and games in the next few months. Thanks to Clive Reeves for yet another track from the Bowl Rider.

Spring has sprung

Spring has sprung

This video journal heralds the final phase of development for wavedreamer. We are ready to shout about it now! Hope you enjoy the changes. Thanks so much to Mat from goto11 who has gone to 12 and put his OCD to such good use! The children of the sun are out in force (thanks Rachel and Nathan) so are the adders (early this year) and the fields are full of Mr Kenard’s Lambs. Neil Clifton is competing in local club comps and the waves keep coming. Watch out for the next journal entry which could see on-board barrels at Croyde courtesy of Andrew Cotton who has been working with me to fit our HD 180o fish eye gear to one of his short boards…this could be good!

The track is another we recorded for the journal, you can hear more of Doug’s music on his website and buy his albums!.

Billabong Girls Days 2008

Billabong Girls Days 2008

Text for the Billabong Girls Days 2008 to go here

Lunch at Porthleven Dinner in Devon

Lunch at Porthleven Dinner in Devon

To keep the journal going while we are busy with the next development stage of wavedreamer, I’m adding some of the older promos we worked on. Lunch at Porthleven Dinner in Devon is a concept promo for an eccentric idea yet to go into production, we are still looking for a suitable caravan, thermos flask and china tea set. Thanks to the Porthleven surfers (get in touch!) and to Captain Skelton, the first Test Pilot on the camera board. This clip is also one of the many bonus movies on our NOTCALIFORNIA DVD. Thanks to Clive for another track from the Bowl Rider’s jam sessions at Decoy

North Devon from a very small copter

Helifest

Another visit into the wavedreamer archives before we re-launch the site next week. Thanks to Dig and the Bay Surf Shop Woolacombe for the flight. Dig keeps his Pilots licence fresh with jaunts over North Devon. This was my first Helicopter ride and the shaky nature of the footage has more to do with my excitement than engine vibration! Thanks to Clive Reeves for yet another track from the Bowl Rider sessions at Decoy

rockpools

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I’ve always wanted to learn more about the life you can find in the tidal areas around our coast, so documenting what I find in the rock pools will be my excuse. Come back soon to see what I’ve found.

Woolacombe scenes in Summer

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The sun did shine sometimes on some days this August & the unsettled weather provided a spectacular show of cloud formations.

I’m going to use these cloud studies as an excuse to learn more about cloud formations, their names and what they mean in terms of weather prediction.

Woolacombe Beach in Winter

06

Some of my photos on a crisp winter afternoon. There was frost on the dunes that morning and some of the north facing slopes remained white and sparkly until the following day.

The girls bike and the gold fish

The girls bike and the gold fish

Talking of big wave riders I must mention Devon’s own Andrew Cotton (seen in this clip from my promo work of three years ago) who, as I write this, is riding big waves in Hawaii. I was inspired to mention Cotty by Steve England’s ‘Take off’ article in the current Carve magazine.

Cotty’s journey into the world of big wave riding was documented by Mr B in his film DRIVEN. You can purchase this from our emporium. According to someone who knows, the reason why Cotty can ride big waves is because he never ever panics. I can’t wait to talk to him about Hawaii!

The music on this clip is from the ONEDAY sound track and was written specialy for Cotty by Clive Reeve

Summer feelings

Summer feelings

It only takes a bit of sun, no wind, clear water and a chest high wave to transport me to summers past. This weeks offering is from the wavedreamer archives, all the things I ache for at this time of year. Thanks to Skelly, Sandra, Steve Altram and of course Steve PP who is a master of beach and Landscape painting parties!

Thanks again to Doug for the lovely summery ‘yet to be titled’ track.

Laird Hamilton

Laird Hamilton

Nearly two years ago Woolacombe was treated to a visit from the waterman himself. Courtesy of Oxbow He came to Dave’s kayak shop and stayed at the Town Farm House Mortehoe. Laird made good use of a messy day at Woolcambe and allowed us to film. This was a cold dark day in May, everyone had wet suits on, Laird had a rolled down shortie! A big wave super hero, Laird’s gritty self belief and determination has inspired many people. How he met his Dad is my favorite Laird story, Bill Hamilton tells this on the ‘Laird’ DVD, prepared to be moved. Thanks for the visit Laird!

Thanks once again thanks to Richard Asquith and Henry Price for the track

SURFING WAVES

SURFING WAVES

A simple offering of light, color and waves this week. This clip is part of a project we are releasing this year called: SURFING WAVES an inspirational DVD for visualization and meditation. Thanks to Ellie, www.elliegregory.co.uk for the track called ‘momentary’

If you’re a regular visitor you will have noticed we’ve been busy with the next stage of wavedreamer’s development. Let us know what you think by contributing to the journal. If you haven’t already registered you can do that here.

The new colour ways were inspired by an evenings filming in Cornwall with spear fisherman Rich Emerson we were working off a rib and as the sun went down this was the colour of deep water.

Huge thanks to Mat for all his hard work on this stage of wavedreamers development.

Nick Thorn and Paul O’Grady at Lynmouth

Paul O’Grady

Last Friday wasn’t what was predicted but a dramatic morning all the same. Nick Thorn is the surfer and Paul O’Grady the scarecrow. Catching up with old mates in the coffee shop was good. Today I had a fantastic recording session with my wonderful friend Doug and this track is one of many we recorded for use on the Journal. You can hear more of Doug’s music on his website and buy his albums!.

Brussell sprouts, Neil Clifton and a perfect swell

Seasonal greetings

With leaden sky’s the light is flat today, thankfully the sea isn’t! Thanks to Andrew From Pickwell Barton who kindly allowed me to film his family and friends bringing in and processing the last of the brussel sprouts for Christmas. The farm has been in the Cook family for nearly 100 years and overlooks Putsborough and Woolacombe Sands, you can find out about staying on the farm here.

The featured style master was local lad Neil Clifton (the surf doctor). If you need to improve your surfing check out his website.

Thanks to Kevin MacLeod for his beautiful arrangement of Silent Night.

Have a wonderful holiday everyone

Having indulged my work ethic I’m going surfing tomorrow, Yeehaa!!!

NOTCALIFORNIA

NOTCALIFORNIA

A1Surf is holding its first surf movie and party night on Wednesday 3 December at Walkabout in Brighton in association with WAVEDREAMER to launch the NOTCALIFORNIA DVD which you will be able to buy on the night!

It’s fair to say its been some time coming, so thanks to everyone who has kept the faith and encouraged me along the way. Surfing in Brighton is unique and well worth celebrating. I’m looking forward to meeting all the new surfers and the old crew! You can find more details here.

POLLINATION

POLLINATION

It was 3 years ago that Jon Finch opened Loose-Fit surf shop with help from a group of surfers, they also went to Ireland as guests of Lahinch surf club and I was invited to film them. It has been a tease waiting for time to work on the project, but we now have a title and a schedule! We will continue to share clips with you as we work over the winter. This first short promo is from the signature section of POLLINATION and features Alex Knost in Devon, a huge thanks to Ellie Gregory for the music. Future clips will feature Tyler Hatzikian, Devon Howard, Dane Peterson, Belinda Baggs, Angela King and friends.

Light and clarity

Light and clarity

I just had to find some footage that had something to do with light and clarity, which are the only words I can find to express the impact of Barack Obama’s victory speech. Enough said, watch it here if you haven’t already. The clip, is from Morte Point on a very clear day in August last year, the sound track is from the ONEDAY project.

Nick Thorn at home in Devon

Shimmering Devon

What a weekend that was! I have to hold my hands up and admit to losing my focus. Broken van, cloudy sunrise, too much wind, missed phone calls, I could blame many things but the truth is I was distracted by my need to surf and surf I did! Which means this weeks video is of a similar swell from the wavedreamer archives. The footage is of Nick Thorn at home. Apologies to Ben and Neil, next time heh! Thanks to Clive for letting me use this track that I recorded during one of Bowl Rider’s Studio sessions at Decoy, it sums up my weekend.

The Bees are sharing

The Bees are sharing

Once the sun came out in September the bees seamed to be making up for lost time. This post is a slide show of stills from my wild flower filming in Braunton Burrows, a Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO. It’s a magical place, the two people who have helped me explore and understand it, are Mary and John Breeds. Mary has written a book about the wild flowers that you can pick up in Braunton Countryside Centre. You will be able to see the footage of the flowers and dunes in one of my surf movie projects, I will let you know when its released. The music is from the ONEDAY project sound track and was written by Clive Reeve.

Good Morning Cornwall!!

Good Morning Cornwall!!

I popped down the coast to catch up with my friends Russ and Jill. We spent a couple of glorious mornings on the beach, you can see Russ’s great still photos at www.russpierrephotography.blogspot.com/.Thanks to James Parry, Sam Bleakly, Elliot Dudley, his partner and the men in the harbour for letting me film them.

I was also there to see Andy Cummins from SAS surfing a very special board (the quad half way through the clip). The blank comes from Home Blown and is made from about 34% plant based materials and the resin is from 98% plant based materials – producing a board that has more than 50% sustainable materials. They are priced about the same as their petrochemical cousins and under strength tests are proving to be stronger and lighter than polyurethane blanks. Andy was also testing out the camera board for a project we are working on for a bigger darker day.

Thanks so much to Richard Asquith and Henry Price for the beautiful track called Haven. You can see what they are up to at www.friend-of-mine.co.uk

ONE SUMMERS DAY pre production promo

ONEDAY practice day

It was a long time coming but at last, sunshine and a clean swell! Missed the moon setting but up early enough for the sunrise. Spent the time working through ideas for the ONEDAY schedule. The rough cut is from that morning, with an evening section from a previous day (it clouded over by lunch) Thanks to Sandra, Steve, Graham, Mark’s son and Chris and the other lads out. The music is the beginning of dawn section of the ONEDAY soundtrack.

6th World Belly Board Championships

6th World Belly Board Championships

The clouds parted last Sunday! And I was at Chapel Porth, Cornwall, for the 6th World Belly Board Championships. It was even more splendid than the last time I came in 2005. Its amazing how much difference the sun makes. This clip is just a taster of things to come, I will edit a much longer piece in the next couple of months that will include interviews and some history of the bellyboard and the event. The music is an old Cornish tune called the Boscastle breakdown and was kindly played by Mr skelton on his English Concertina. He won the World Championship in 2004.