Tuesday 20 January 2009

European Fish Fry Portugal 2008

The nice thing about the fish fry is the diverse possibilities of location and the people you meet. Thanks to some great organisation by Mick from Lokbox, Skelly and Jules at GS in 2007, we had a great kick start for the European Fry.
In 2008 Alexandro came up with the goods again in Portugal giving the UK and US contingent a long weekend to remember. I travelled with JP and Phil Northey (the silverback glasser) to Lisbon where we joined the crew at the party house. A few beers, none scenic tours around (and around, thanks Mick) Lisbon, surf at Ericeira, few beers, surf at Costa da Caparica. I skipped the round of golf with Nick and JP although it proved to be safer close to JP when he took his shot than 100 mts away watching (at right angle to the tee) The day of the Fry was perfect sun, the surf dropped off to about 1ft at best (still overhead for Nick!) but there was a great turn out of shapers displaying their boards and discussing designs etc with interested beach goers.
In the evening we had a small party at the house that everyone prepared with bbq Sardines, salads, Superbock and wine.
Perfect weekend, except JP, Phil and me got the last flight out and Nick and Mick's got delayed so scored an extra day on the reefs at Ericeira!!
2009's European Fish Fry will be held in Lahinch, Ireland. Dates are not yet confirmed but September looks good possibly the 19th, which will give us a good chance of swell and good weather. See you all there!!
Ericeira
JP, Nick, Alex and Mick. Riberia
Ribeira reef

North Ericeira

Costa da Caparica


Phil Northey, JP, Nick, DK and Lokbox Jimmy





The jetty at Costa da Caparica


Nick, JP (Note the flip flops) and Mick golfing


Even the big boys rest sometimes.


The Fry site at Costa

Kitchen staff

The best Sardine griller in the whole of Portugal!

Salute to a good weekend

Wittering Retro Classic 2008

Seeing I promised to post photo's on the website last October, I thought I should start with the Wittering Retro Challenge.

Considering its not the surf centre of the world they managed a good turnout, I think about 50 competitors and some really classic boards to surf. The on-shore peaked at about 2 ft and the sun was out. Competitors were all in fancy dress, with no care for practicality's, although I noticed some leaving swords, tridents and guitars on the beach.

Batman surfed solidly to win, he returned to South Africa with the 6'8" Black and White Quad Fish first prize signed by the other competitors. It was by no means an easy contest with several hot locals including Nick from Wittering Surf Shop and veterans like John Copley and Simon Tucker in the heats.





Batman (Jonothan) the winner!

You must visit Richard Gregory's brilliant video on Wavedreamer to get the real feel of the event, Just click the link; http://www.wavedreamer.co.uk/?p=144