Words and photos by John Lymer

It was that time of year when you’ve got the week off work and it doesn’t seem to matter what day it is. What to do? Sit and watch Superman on TV while eating far too many Quality Street, or get outside in the cold and the wet and the wind? You guessed it, the latter option won out for a select band. We windsurfers (and wingfoilers) are a contrary bunch after all! So it came to pass that 7 of us enjoyed all that Watergrove and the Club have to offer. 8C, SW/W wind and drizzle or heavier rain - luxury! To be fair, it did stop raining mid-afternoon. And don’t forget, tomorrow there’ll still be Spartacus or some such …. though the Quality Street will probably be gone.

Force 3 to 4 South South Westerly changed soon after 2pm to Westerly Force 4 to 5, much as promised by Xcweather and the Met Office – game on. That was the point we cut short our mid-session grumble in the clubhouse and got back out to the action. It seemed to change from zero to ‘crikey, best hold on very tight’ – a strong Force 5 anyway - in the space of 10 minutes! Such was my elation at staying on for a well overpowered planing run and carve gybe that I went to yell a celebratory “yee haw”. Nothing. The voice had gone completely. Perhaps my second windsurfing session of the week wasn’t the magic cold cure that I promised my wife it was?! Still, I’ve bagged another good session and I can always sit on the sofa and watch TV tomorrow …. but the Quality Street will be gone.

For larger images, click on any picture and use arrows ....