Drift Surfing » Saunton

North Devon beach clean series

hugo — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:31:57 +0000

This November, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is calling for community beach clean volunteers to help protect some of north Devon’s finest beaches and surf spots from the growing issue of marine litter. The North Devon Beach Clean Series will take place from 12th – 27th November at 5 very special beaches across the region. SAS is organising the North Devon Beach Clean Series with the support of The Crown Estate.

Everyone is welcome to the North Devon Beach Clean Series and the SAS team looks forward to seeing SAS members, supporters, environmentalists, families, local surfing and watersports clubs joining them – the whole local beach-loving community in fact!

North Devon Beach Clean Series

· Woolacombe – 12th November 11am – 1pm
· Saunton Sands – 13th November 11am – 1pm
· Westward Ho! – 26th November 11am – 1pm
· Woody Bay – 27th November – 10am – Midday
· Lynmouth – 27th November – 2pm – 4pm
As many SAS supporters and local residents will already be aware, the amount of marine litter found on UK beaches has almost doubled in the last fifteen years, with at least 1 piece being found on average for every 30cm of sand. Since 1994, plastic items washing up on our shores have increased by 135%. Plastic debris can take hundreds of years to break down and can be lethal to marine wildlife. The power is in our hands to make a difference and we hope to see hundreds of volunteers making a positive difference to the North Devon coast this November.

“Its amazing to see a real concentrated beach clean campaign right here in North Devon. We have some of the country’s best surf spots situated on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastlines in the world, and this will be a great opportunity to pull together and make a positive impact on the ever growing marine litter problem.” Mikey Corker, SAS North Devon Rep

SAS will be joined by local SAS Rep Mikey Corker who will be helping lead the SAS assault on unwanted beach litter. SAS will also be joined by friends from the Museum of British Surfing, which is based at the heart of the North Devon surfing community in Braunton.

Volunteers who would like take part in one or more of the events should contact Dom Ferris, SAS Campaign Officer on dom@sas.org.uk or call 01872 555 953

A quiver approach

Howard — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:48:01 +0000

Purveyor of fine surf films Chris Preston shares the contents of his shed with us, pulling out a few foam gems and some unexpected items.

Finely recorded at our local break, Saunton Sands, by Mr Jamie Bott of Bottworld, Chris talks us through the whys and wherefores of owning an extensive collection of boards. Cake and pies are being prepared for the contributors as I write. Read the feature here.

Happy Faces

Chris P — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:55:55 +0000

There’s something special about the first day of a new swell….

A palpable excitement in the air, the carpark filled with happy faces and anticipation. Often it means seeing people for the first time in a couple of weeks, especially in winter. The air is filled with the sounds of van doors closing, wax being rubbed onto boards and friendly banter as everyone gears up to hit the water, sure of fun waves in good company.

For me it’s even more special if it’s early on a crisp autumn morning like this day, a rare morning when the only people at the beach were the regulars and a few early risers walking their dogs. Walking to the waters edge with friends, smiles wide, faces full of anticipation.

Although we moan about the number of people in the water, in reality, i’m sure surfing in solitude the whole time would be pretty boring. I have no doubt that the interaction between the regular faces “sharing the stoke” to use a hackneyed phrase, and the sense of community that each beach has, really adds something to the surfing experience for me.

Our beach is long enough to get a good peak to yourself if you are prepared to hike far enough yet most of us rarely bother unless the crowd numbers are past ridiculous. Happy to sacrifice a few waves a session to others for the pleasure of shared experiences.

In case you were wondering, chest high & reeling, keel fish & big smiles!

Devon Lanes and Longboards

Howard — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:51:37 +0000

The trailer for Andy Haworth’s new film, ‘Devon Lanes and Longboards’, arrived this morning, and lovely it looks too. Here’s a sneak preview – we’ll keep you posted on a release date, anticipated to be late 2009.