Jamie Hancock
“Right now I am sat in windless Cape Town reminiscing on the epic autumn I managed to experience before jetting off. A trip to the Isle of Lewis, a great UK comp in Cornwall and endless south coast days. Sitting there amongst the best days were two sessions at Niton. Earlier in the week, before scoring the day with JC, I had come over and sailed with Ross and a few other local guys from West Wittering and had an awesome time.
The wind was a bit more onshore that day, but the second day was looking more side shore and sunny! I’ve been to Niton several times but this was by far the best. It also coincided with JC arriving off the plane straight from the Aloha Classic. We weren’t sure if he was able to get a pass to make it, but if any location was possible, surely he could swing a few hours at a spot just a few minutes down the road from his house. I have been trying to dial in my starboard tack sailing and absolutely loving everyday on the water this windy autumn past. Niton is a perfect wave for trying tricks, it has a nice punch to it and also cleans up over the inner reef. I have tried to improve my 360 technique and had been nailing a few consistently, but one really stood out where I managed to get some decent air and almost land straight into the next bottom turn. Obviously my video camera had run out of battery, but the ever reliable JC was on hand to capture it. That is despite him telling me he initially half missed it and it was out of focus. Fortunately, before having an entire meltdown, I knew two things; first that JC hasn’t taken a photo out of focus in the last 15 years, and secondly that he is also a master of the wind up!’’