DUNCAN COOMBS
“Monday the 16th October produced one of the biggest storms in recent years and I just happened to be at home after a memorable PWA event in Sylt. October storms bring memories back to me from windsurfing the hurricane that devastated the British Isles in 1987, back in the day when I too was a sponsored rider competing on tour. However now in my 50th year I feel slightly apprehensive and also excited sailing in winds exceeding 50 knots! Lest we forget that my mate Dave White although not sailing just yet was attempting double forwards when 50! Wishing you a speedy recovery Dave. I had the call from south coast pros Ross Williams, Jamie Hancock and shooter JC that they were on their way down to Cornwall for some storm chasing. This turned into a day of ‘storm waiting’ as the wind was in the southerly quarter, the north coast was flat and the south coast onshore with a building swell. Ireland was in lockdown as Ophelia charged towards the Emerald Isle. Tommy T with his tiny sail ready, as gusts of over 90 mph were being recorded.
Continually checking the south coast cams I could see the swell had built from a playful head high wave to a blown out stormy mountainous sea, meaning the swell was soon to wrap around Land’s End offering some tasty side-shore down the line action. Arriving mid-afternoon, Sandy Acres showed signs of the first sets. It was nuclear windy but the wave was clean enough on the high tide bank. I rigged a new 3.7m GA sail borrowed from Ross and took out my Goya twin. The pros were tearing it up as usual along with local ripper Blackie. Smashing out 360’s and tight top turns in the pocket, they were taming Ophelia. It felt invigorating to be out there and I managed to snag a couple of the bigger sets as the swell started to kick in. I took a few beatings and hit a few lips, which helped get the adrenalin pumping. Feeling rusty from too much judging and not getting on the water often enough is probably the same as being a weekend warrior, you are just getting things dialled when the light fades, wind drops and the limbs ache. I still love it, bring it on and I am sure there will be plenty more to come as we enter the stormy season.”