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8th April – 2nd May 2011

 

Our dear future king and queen provided us with a wonderful extension to the Mayday Bank Holiday weekend and to celebrate we took to the surf at Woolacombe.

The forecast had been lousy but the rain never materialised. The wind was pretty strong, which lead to some loudly crackling tents throughout each night, however the sun graced us allowing great views from the cliff top walks, apart from those taken at night! It was good surf for beginners but also seemed to provide enough fun for the more the experienced, and there were certainly some of those in the group.

There was a mixed reception to the surf by us ‘newies’, but even those who were not too sure it was for them, found it to be a great spectator sport and became official photographers taking the hundreds of photos which really captured the mood.Of the many images, notable impressions

Barry, in yellow, notable by his unusual hesitance, still recovering form a shoulder injury Kevin, with his (bloody) perfect low and high brace and looking at one in the water and as though he is actually determining the course of his craft

Dan, demonstrating amazing power and always seemed to be able to keep up with the waveGeorge did some perfect rolls including a very co-ordinated one in the double kayak. He also did some amazing padding above the water…I wouldn’t want to give a misleading impressionAnd virtually every photo of Hector said it all – text book position and control, including his impersonation of a shark!And myself? Holding the paddle like a majorette’s stick and mainly moving sideways down a wave, I had great fun.Another brilliant trip and definitely one to repeat. Thank you Cheryl for making all the arrangements and to Alison and Chris for the Bar B Q. Maybe Harry will pull a princess over the next couple of months and grace us with an extended weekend next year.

Miriam Kemp