LEWIS MERONY – Shift worker Valero Refinery.
“As work patterns go, shift work is probably one of the better jobs to complement the keen windsurfer. I’m contracted to work six days and six nights a month so I get a fair amount of free time if everything is running smoothly. Before children and any real responsibility I totalled 150 odd sailing days in one year, so you can see my job is a pretty perfect number. In the last few years life commitments have eroded some of that free time away but a solid forecast still hooks me every time. The west coast of Wales is an interesting stretch of coastline. I remember driving past on a school bus trip as a young teenager and watching a small but perfect 3 foot cross-offshore point break reel off down the bay. We’re lucky to have many amazing spots on the southwest corner of Wales but that day burnt itself into my mind; it was something different. That two minute glimpse started the ball rolling on what has turned out to be an incredible 15 years on that 10 mile strip of coast.
The first day I sailed the main point it blew me away. Logo high, reeling lefts; turns till my arms failed. It was like a conveyer belt of perfect empty waves. No other spot has had so many standout moments for me. Jonny Price and I sailed storm Hercules off the main point on what was probably one of the biggest swells that’s ever hit that bay; the outside reef was a proper size. In 24 years of sailing it was one of my most memorable sessions, not for the quality, as it was far too windy, but just for the shear rawness of it. It’s a special place that draws you in once you get to know its way. Over time sailors have come and gone but the same core of sailors who make the trip are there year in, year out – Jim Brooks, Djalmo Serra, Alfie Hart, Ping and Steve North. To be joined by Coxy and Carter on this latest trip is what it is all about. I love sailing here with this crew, it’s classic to see everyone enjoy this place!”