Lookout

About to put theory
into practice…
Riding
The Waves
By Senior Aircraftman Ollie Barrow
July saw the first ever
“Waveriders Tour”. 10
participants from RAF Boulmer
took on the enviable challenge of
learning to surf in the warm coastal
waters of North Cornwall, 422 miles
of coastline with surfing conditions
famous throughout the world.
We began with an introduction to surfing, using 7ft foam
boards; picking and catching the best waves, standing,
and being able to steer the board. By the second day, the
whole group were standing and riding in. Aside from Senior
Aircraftman Thomas having to endure a day with his back
exposed to the water due to his wetsuit zip breaking, things
were going pretty well!
Getting some tips
from the pro!
We built up to a consolidation of all the new skills learned
and then it was time to progress to the smaller resin boards.
These boards are easier to turn, but standing on them poses
a greater challenge. We applied as much wax to the boards
as possible; this ensured greater friction on the new piece of
equipment as an aid to staying on it! The objective now was
to be able to paddle out passed the breaking waves, which
proved to be a difficult task on a long board. However, after
a few attempts and a back breaking paddle, everyone got to
experience what it was like “out the back”.
The final day commenced with beautiful sunshine. The
wind had died down and the sea produced some small 2-3
ft waves.
Everyone was able to get “out back” and put into a final
practice all the new skills they had acquired - a perfect end
to a brilliant week. What will 2016 bring?
A beautiful setting with perfect swell
THE LOOKOUT 27