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My first passion is surfing! After a brief (and brave) adventure to Fuerteventura in 2009 to try out kite-surfing (of all things!) I decided that just a surfboard is more than enough to keep me entertained!
I'm not sure what made me think kite-surfing would be a good idea.... having never really flown a kite or wake-boarded, but obviously putting the two together, to be propelled, at great speed, by unpredictable winds, across the Atlantic, would be fine...
...and fine it was!
Back in the UK, I decided to try just surfing... it seemed a bit simpler!
Paddle... catch a wave...
...stand up...
...and you are off!!
Then repeat!
Paddle... catch a wave...
...stand up...
...and you're off! Literally!
Be prepared to spend a lot more time under the board than on it!
Surfing is my happy place!
Surfing is my happy place!
I don't think I ever have as much fun or laugh as much as when I'm out in the waves, attempting to surf! I can't do it... and I have a long way to go before I am remotely competent, but it is the most fun in the world trying to get there!!
I think everyone should experience the joy of catching a wave at least once in their lives. An experience rivalled by no other!
I mean you just have to watch seals and dolphins riding waves and having fun to know that it's nature's best playground!
Prep is very important, and the smell of surf-wax is lush!!
Prep is very important, and the smell of surf-wax is lush!!
...if in doubt, just ride the wave like an airplane!
...if in doubt, just ride the wave like an airplane!
However, as I did not live by the coast, it wasn't always so easy to do the 4hr drive to North Devon, so I had to find another way to get my water fix... and that's how I started Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)!
Henley-on-Thames, one very clear, still, warm, winter, February day...
near Oxford
near Brighton
near Maidanhead
actually Bray Lake
This is not one I can put on my CV, but it's most definitely going down as a lifetime achievement!!
SUP cartwheel attempt 182... nailed it!
Jungle SUP!!
Sometimes there needs to be some ducking and diving...
...to get to where you want to go...
...and its always worth it!
There are often the occasional river casualties along the way... this swan pedalo had a tough winter!
Winter sunset SUPs
Summer sunset SUPs
If you are looking for a fun club to try out Stand-up Paddle boarding, I can highly recommend Oxford SUP Club and Bray Lake SUP
Planet Patrol
Planet Patrol
Can't talk about SUP without mentioning the fabulous and amazing Lizzy Carr founder of Plant Patrol...!
"Planet Patrol is redefining what can be achieved through collective action and people-powered data by placing power in the hands of the people to tackle environmental issues"
Find out more here: planetpatrol
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