The 6th UK Storm gathering lived up to it’s name with strong gusts filled with sea spray, and waves crashing into rocks and curling onto beaches. No-one could complain though….. they’d signed up for it!

Almost 100 people attended and about 20 coaches and instructors looked at the forecasts and wished it was just a little bit less windy! The landing and launching spot at Trearduur Bay was a little bit sheltered on some days and proved a popular spot for nipping in and out of the swell. I helped take a group into Trearduur Bay on Saturday and helped on a surf session at Rhosneigr on Sunday. It was great to see everyone getting stuck in and relishing the opportunity to get some rough water practice.

The evenings were fun –  Barry provided an alternative introduction to all the coaches with some amusing photos, & on Saturday night Nick and Matt from Kayak Essentials put on a great fun quiz with a vaguely kayaking theme! The last round involved me and Kate Dufus blindfolded and having to identify various kayak-related objects using only our mouths! Jim Krawiecki was spreading rumors that we were fighting over mens underwear but I can assure you that if I’d known I was trying to identify Nick’s kayaking thermal trousers then I’d have let Kate win that round! Actually, she did win that round!

Guest coaches from abroad included Helen Wilson, Warren Parker & Paul Kuthe. I’ll be doing some filming with Paul on Saturday as I recently decided to release a “This is the Sea 5” next year! I’ve admired video of Paul remaining cool and collected in rough conditions and will enjoy capturing some of that myself.

Now I’m at my desk starting once more to edit “This is the Roll” with Cheri Perry & Turner Wilson. More on that later…