In one of Nick's more successful projects (Many of you might recall one of his last i.e. Project L.S.D. where he nearly seriously injured a dog and civilian) he has put up an interesting blog post about his first attempt at making a SUP paddle and a few step by step instructions.

Check out Nick's blog post here

The conditions on windguru looked good today for surfing in Paignton.. There were quite a few peeps down there and hopefully I managed to snap you all.

Check out the new pics here

A few peeps mentioned they were heading to Preston/Paignton for a windsurfing session this morning. I grabbed my camera and headed over as I had a few spare hours before work. Ended up being a good turnout and as always, it's great to see all the familiar faces!

Check out the new pics here

EDIT: Saturday 14th November, 2009 by Nick
I have added a few pics of the swell today at Paignton next to the pier:

Check out the rest of his blog entry here

The forecast was for 12 mph , but it felt like 20-25 mph. I was maxed on a 6.0m, got spanked by a wave on the way out on my final run and was forced to do the swim of shame to catch up with kit. Phil showed me how it's done with a 6.7m. The north easterly had been blowing for a few days so it kicked up a nice swell. Really nice session well placed on my day off. Stand out sailers were Rod, and a chap with the green sail (I'm sorry I don't know your name perhaps you could let us know. EDIT: his name is Lee), got some great jumps in.

Well the swell is still running... I hope it's on, with no wind, for a quick morning surf tomorrow!

Check out Danny's pics here

Last weekend was a blast at the Newquay Relentless Boardmasters '09 Festival. I have edited together some of the highlights of the festival including the Aerial Assault Surfing Competition, BMX, Skate and Nuts Babemasters into a new video. Enjoy!

Watch on Torbay Surfing (High Quality)
Watch on Torbay Surfing (Low Quality)
Watch on Vimeo (Available in High Definition)
Watch on YouTube (Available in High Definition)
(WARNING SOUNDTRACK CONTAINS EXPLICIT LYRICS!)

Torquay Kitesurfing, Kitebuggying and SUP School are now hosting evening SUP Nights. Below are the following details if you would like to attend:

"COME AND HAVE A GO AT THIS YEAR'S NEW WATERSPORT AND JOIN US FOR AN EVENING SUP CRUISE ON FLAT WATER. IT IS GREAT FUN AND EASY TOO.

WHEN? EVERY THURSDAY EVENING EXCEPT IN AUGUST.

HOW? E MAIL OR CALL US ON 01803 212411 TO BOOK A BOARD, AND CHECK ON TIME AND PLACE, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED, (limited places available).

HOW MUCH? ONLY £10 PER EVENING.

WHAT TO WEAR? WETSUIT AND BOOTS - OR THESE CAN BE HIRED IF YOU DON'T HAVE THEM FOR £5.

SUP IS A SAFE ENJOYABLE CORE FITNESS EXERCISE.

HISTORY OF SUP Stand Up Paddle Surfing is an ancient form of surfing. It can be traced back to the very early days of Polyenisia. It's most recent history dates back to the 1940's when the beachboys (surf instructors) on waikki beach used to stand up and paddle out to the break using a one bladed paddle. The reasons for this are 2 fold. First it allowed them to have a better visibility over their group of surfing instructors and allowed them to call the sets easier as their upright position meant that they could see the swell long before the prone surfers. Secondly it allowed them to keep their wealthy customers camera dry and allow them to take pictures of them surfing.

Fast forward to the first part of this century and the paddle made a return to surfing in the hands of some of the world's most famous watermen. They were re discovering stand up paddle surfing to allow them to keep in shape for the bigger days of tow surfing as well as adding a new dimension to their skills.

The modern Stand Up Paddle boards allow you to catch waves a lot earlier than even the longboarders.
Paddle surfing not only is a great way to catch waves, it also doubles as a core fitness exercise using your core stomach muscles."

This year we have two worthy events back to back: local Preston Skimboard Festival '09 (from Sandskater & The Boathouse) and not so local Newquay Boardmasters Surf Skate & Music Festival '09. These are two awesome events, I recommend going to both if you can!

Relentless Boardmasters Surf Skate & Music Festival '09
Newquay, Fistral Beach, 5th-9th August
for more information click to visit website

Preston Skimboard Festival & Contest '09
Paignton, Preston Sands (Located by Boathouse Bar & Grill), 15th & 16th August
for more information click to visit Sandskater or The Boathouse

This morning I met up with local kitesurfer Iian regarding the website I'm building for him (if you are after driving lessons click here to see). Iian mentioned he was meeting up with others for a kiting session over at Torre Abbey Sands this afternoon. Having some spare time, I went down to snap some new shots for the gallery. Enjoy.

Check out the pics here

We had a fun wakeboard session at Paignton / Preston in light winds and flat water. I brought along an old 6’4” surf board with the idea of getting some riding time carving the wake and practising some surfing skills. It was surprisingly really nice to ride behind the boat. Easy enough to start off just like a wake skate but a bit bigger!

Check out the pics here