07 . 12 . 14
We set off from the workshop in the half light of dawn, and managed a glimpse of the waves at Porthtowan as we headed up the hill on our way north. The surf looked good – a fresh, shoulder high winter swell with light offshore winds – and we were excited for a day of bodysurfing and finless sliding at the rescheduled Slyder Cup. Half an hour later we stopped the van above the beach at Lusty Glaze and watched a set wave roll into the bay which was well overhead, the new swell having grown significantly over the duration of our short journey. Despite the conditions bordering on intimidating for finless surfing and the fact that every surf spot up and down the coast was having its day, over fifty competitors queued up to sign in and prepared to do some swimming.
James ran a handplane workshop demonstration during the course of the day and competed in the bodysurfing division, and we had a really great day talking alternative wave-riding with the interesting collection of surfers and makers in attendance. Congratulations to the winners of every category and to Jimbo Bennet for retaining his title following some very impressive finless stand-up surfing. We had a great time (you can see yourself from the photos below) and hope to see some of you at next year’s event.
