The Impossible Dream

The Impossible Dream

The size of this swell combined well with a low to mid tide at Impossibles, and even though there were plenty that sectioned off, there were more than enough that peeled on through to keep the lineup happy.

To top it off, the offshore remained fairly light – making for very smooth conditions while doing just enough to keep it groomed and straight.

Become a Professional Adventure Filmmaker

Become a Professional Adventure Filmmaker

Photo: Steven Clarey

The University of Wales Adventure Filmmaking degree is unique in the UK, utilising the landscapes of West Wales, and the wide range of outdoor pursuits that take place in the region. Based in Carmarthen surrounded by beautiful landscape, beaches, mountains and wildlife, here you will learn from media and outdoor experts.

The course philosophy is that Adventure Filmmaking is a lifestyle choice and so it is for those who are committed and passionate about the outdoors, be that extreme sports or the environment. The key to being successful in this field is balancing the theories of storytelling and communication with outdoors and film based practical skills.

Here’s everything you need to know about this killer degree course and how to turn your passion into your profession.

Photo: Steven Clarey

WHERE:
Based in the town of Carmarthen surrounded by the beautiful landscape of West Wales, where the beaches, mountains and wildlife will be your home. Located within a short traveling distance to the coast and mountains of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Powys, here there are fantastic opportunities to capture footage of extreme sports, sea life and wildlife, coastal and mountainous terrains, and develop your adventure story.

DEGREE INFO:
This programme is designed to give students the specialised and vocational skills required to work in this dynamic area of the film and photographic industries. Students will be introduced to the core production and postproduction skills required to produce adventure-based film and media content. There will be a number of expeditions and projects, in addition to formal classes, which will allow students to experience working in a range of environments and areas.

As part of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (which has campuses all over the UK), the course collaborates with another amazing course based in Carmarthen, BA Outdoor Adventure Education, to provide a variety of experiences. Throughout the degree there is input from professionals working in documentary filmmaking, photography, television, and social media, as well as core outdoor activity skills.

Level 3 First Aid in The Outdoors and RSSL Level Water Safety Management qualifications are also offered as part of the programme. Engagement with industry is embedded in all aspects of our course. This can take the form of work placements, projects for external clients, modules focused on developing your employability, or engaging with the many experts from industry who will be offering their expertise in workshops and guest lectures.

These can range from extreme sports and motorsports to wildlife filming, landscape and coastal filming, and aerial filming. As students progress, they can specialise in the area of their choice; by the final year, students can work on an individual major project in their chosen field, with expert input from leading practitioners. There is also the opportunity to work on a client project set by major companies within the industry.

Photo: Daniel Philips

EXTRA KEY INFO:
With the BA Adventure Filmmaking course, there are no exams; just practical production course work, supported by essays, and presentations. There is also an opportunity for students on the course to travel to Asia and Europe as part of the a collaboration with the University’s BA Tourism degree.

The course is well established as the only one of its kind in the UK and has developed professional relationships with companies such as Wanderlust Action Films, Panasonic Lumix, and Olympus. We also work closely with Carmarthen Cameras, the biggest independent camera equipment retailer in Wales to offer discounts and a first-hand look at the latest gear. These provide amazing industry connections and opportunities for students and graduates. We were also voted 1st in Wales for Photography and Film Production in the Guardian University League Table this year.

Photo: Steven Clarey

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE:
1. The innovative courses in Adventure Filmmaking are unique in the UK.
2. The degree programmes have been developed with industry to prepare students for a contemporary filmmaking career.
3. The beautiful location in West Wales provides a wide range of landscapes, wildlife, environmental, and sporting opportunities for production work.
4. Student work is focused on developing the practical and creative skills necessary to specialise in your chosen field.

HOW:
If you would like to know more, get the latest course information HERE and follow the Film and Media Course on social media below:

Photo: Tom Smith

Carve Winter Survival Guide

Carve Winter Survival Guide

Carve Winter Survival Guide

Cold winter weather doesn’t mean hanging up the surfboard for the season.
With the correct gear and equipment there are winter adventures and uncrowded waves to be had. Here are some key items to ensure you are prepared for the elements and thrive on those frigid surf trips.

Alder Future 6mm Split Toe Boot
6mm wetsuit boots with a flexible outer sole for maximum comfort and better board feel, double lined neoprene, glued/blindstitched seams, adjustable ankle straps and heel pull.
Adult & Junior sizes £50, aldersportswear.com

MFC JS Keels from Down The Line
MFC are at the cutting edge of fin design right now. An upright keel template designed for more traditional fish shapes like the JS Red Baron.
£135, downthelinesurf.co.uk

Carve Beanie
Soft, fine knit beanie with a turn up brim. Can be worn with anything, anywhere.
£14.99, shop.carvemag.com

Patagonia DownDrift Jacket
An insulated, classic heritage-inspired jacket made from recycled fishing nets with weather-resistant NetPlus® and 600-fill-power Recycled Down for warmth.
£280, eu.patagonia.com

Billabong 3mm Revolution - Split Toe Boots
Carbon Graphene 0.15 internal lining with an innovative new graphene coated yarn which traps and retains heat more efficiently for longer making it incredibly warm. £55, billabong.co.uk

Bradley LC6 Gladiator
A small wave, high performance shortboard, a step-up for the majority of decent surfers whose everyday conditions are punchy and up to head high.
£599, boardshop.co.uk

Rip Curl F-Light Trekker 50L Cordura Backpack Sustainable and built to last, this is an absolute go-to for everyday adventures. Tough Base protection, expandable base gear section, external insulated cooler pocket and more.
£129.99, ripcurl.eu

Rip Curl Search GPS Series 2 Watch
Track every wave, swell, wind and tide. With real-time surf conditions and GPS tracking. Sync to the Search GPS app to log, review and share your sessions. £249.99, shop.carvemag.com

Surf Ears 3.0
These waterproof ear plugs will protect your ears without affecting hearing and balance. Keeping water out to prevent ear inflammation and surfer’s ear. £44.95, shop.carvemag.com

Inland Sea, SeaBlend Tee
Inland Sea’s new SeaBlend tees are made from organic cotton and seaweed fibres which emit minerals and vitamins. Sustainable, silky smooth and amazing for your skin.
£34.99, inlandsea.co.uk

Northcore Waterproof Haul Bag
Ultra-tough, 100% waterproof and ready for anything. The Waterproof Haul Backpack is super comfortable, breathable and durable enough to take you from urban to off-grid.
£55, northcore-europe.com

dryrobe® Advance Long Sleeve 
A cold-weather surf essential. Get changed anywhere, whilst being protected from the elements by a durable waterproof outer and super-warm inner. Made with 100% recycled fabrics.
£160, dryrobe.com

Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask’s double wall vacuum insulated stainless steel bottles, mugs and tumblers guard the temperature of your drink. Water is kept fresh and cold and coffee steamy hot.
From £26.95, hydroflask.com

C-Skins Wired Boot
Revamped for winter 21, the Wired Boot now comes with a market-leading Halo X lining coupled with Duraflex neoprene, improved fusion-welded bridge strap and lockdown cuff.
From £43, c-skins.com

Indoboard Original Whale Shark Design
New ocean themed design that is donating 4% of each sale to Maldives Whale Shark Research Program which helps with important conservation of these endangered animals.
£170, indoboard.co.uk

Arbor Oso Foundation Cruiser
An 80's inspired pool shape with a wider standing platform for cruising everything from sidewalks to transition.
£169.95, skatehut.co.uk

Mystic Deluxe Explore Poncho
Windproof and water repellent with snug fleece inner lining, a tough front zip closure, waterproof inside chest pocket and carseat protection fabric.
£94.95, mysticboarding.com

Vans 3mm Surf Boot 2 Hi V
Placing a premium on board feel and grip the Surf Boot 2 Hi V is the next generation of pure performance without sacrificing style. Crafted for comfort and performance.
£75, shop.carvemag.com

Good Call

Good Call

What happens when you bring the Billabong team together and head west to tap into the wild, raw energy and cold waters of Western Australia? Hit the play button and find out. Now playing: ‘Good Call,’ a Billabong surf film by Toby Cregan. Shot in WA earlier this year, starring: Creed McTaggart, Jai Glindeman, Joel Parkinson, Ryan Callinan, Italo Ferreira, Ethan Ewing, Isabella Nichols, Mia McCarthy, Griffin Colapinto, Jack Freestone, Liam O’Brien, Seth Moniz, and Sid Englert.

English National Surfing Champs

English National Surfing Champs

English Champions crowned in 15 divisions of surfing, at England’s most elite surf contest, the 2021 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships.

In a weekend of back-to-back heats and double peak surfing at Watergate Bay, a fantastic crew of over 160 surfers came together to compete to claim an English Champion title. The surf was firing, the event site and sponsors were buzzing, and the performances on show from the competitors were off the charts. Bringing back this iconic event in full capacity was a resounding success and marked moment for English Surfing, where the future is so bright.

The contest ran with live scoring in full swing on both peaks, meaning avid supporters could log in and see the heats and scores dropping from anywhere in the world, reverberating the excitement right across the globe to international fans.

The level of surfing showcased was seriously impressive, with some well experienced competitors showing their skills and some new names making themselves known.

Renowned multi-disciplined surfer Emily Currie took the Women’s Longboard Champion spot, continuing on from her victory as Boardmaster’s Longboard Champion in August. Emily showed her skills on a shortboard too making the finals and placing 4th.

In the Men’s Longboard, experienced competitors Ben Skinner and Sam Bleakley put on a good show, with Ben’s last wave of the heat swinging the Champion title to his name. Ben is currently 5th in the World for longboarding and has some very exciting contests ahead, the WSL Longboard Champ title in his sights.

In the Junior Divisions, the boys’ categories saw a great turn out and for some of the U12s, after no competition last year, taking those Champion spots was a true highlight of their year. The Champs returned their vests with beaming smiles and showed their maturity congratulating their fellow competitors. For some of the U12’s, its all about competition in the water but strong friendships on the beach, a fantastic crew of boys and girls are coming through the ranks.

The U14s, U16s, and U18s heats for boys and girls lit up the beach on Friday, in arguably the best conditions of the weekend with clean lines gracing Watergate Bay. Aerials were on show from Lucas Skinner and Stanley Norman, whilst the other groms look on to learn these skills. Fierce cutbacks and amplifying amounts of spray were powered off turns, showing the judges the high calibre of surfing and a great spectacle to watch.

On-site Caravan and Motorhome Club attended representing the brand and also on a beach cleaning mission, supporting our environmental aims to leave no trace of our contests. Red Bull also joined us for the weekend providing a chill out area for surfers and product to give some energy to those who were after it. From The Wave, Nick Hounsfield, who is also the Chair of Surfing England was on the beach watching the action from the finals on Sunday. korev lager and dryrobe lit up the site with some great branding and prizes for surfers, all which were thoroughly enjoyed by the Champs who won them!

What a weekend! This was the 2021 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships, held at Watergate Bay, Cornwall. We cannot wait to return to the beach next year.

Full Results:

U12 Boys Shortboard

1 Isaac Friend 2 Noah Renaud 3 Sebastian Connolly 4 Harvey James Waters

U12 Girls Shortboard
1 Bethan Davies 2 Sunny Ingram 3 Harlyn Sykes 4 Hazel Bennett

U14 Boys Shortboard
1 Lukas Skinner 2 Reen Bowden-Inoue 3 Finley Donovan 4 Sammy Woolf

U14 Girls Shortboard
1 Eva Blackford 2 Boe Howell 3 Lilly Issberner

U16 Boys Shortboard
1 Arthur Randell 2 Elliot Barton 3 Otis Perry 4 Ishka Thres

U16 Girls Shortboard
1 Belle Betteridge 2 Lauren Sandland 3 Eva Moorcraft-Holland 4 Rosie Thomas

U18 Boys Shortboard
1 Stanley Norman 2 Sam Hearn 3 Keiron Smith 4 Beau Betteridge

U18 Girls Shortboard
1 Alys Barton 2 Tegan Blackford 3 Asha Sykes 4 Sofia Louise Gooding

U18 Boys Longboard
1 Arthur Randell 2 Gwillym King 3 Syd Randell 4 Jacob Morrall

Men’s Masters (35+)
1 Joss Ash 2 Joel Gray 3 Matt Harwood 4 Simon Nicholson

Men’s Kahunas (45+)
1 Roger Knight 2 Lee Griffin 3 Paul Kirby 4 Ian Peter Warkick

Women’s Open Longboard
1 Emily Currie 2 Tina Beresford 3 Beth Leighfield 4 Jennifer Pendlebury

Men’s Open Longboard
1 Ben Skinner 2 Sam Bleakly 3 Jack Gregorius 4 Ashley Braunton

Women’s Open Shortboard
1 Lauren Sandland 2 Alys Barton 3 Lucy Campbell 4 Emily Currie

Men’s Open Shortboard
1 Luke Dillon 2 Stanley norman 3 Joss Ash 4 Beau Bromham

A huge thank you to Watergate Bay who hosted us for the return of a full English National Championships and to ERA Adventures for the Lifeguard cover.

A further thank you to our fantastic headline partners Caravan and Motorhome Club and to our amazing partners korev Lager, The Wave, dryrobe, Decathlon, Clarke Willmott, Vospers, Red Bull, Surfdome, and our Media Partners Panoptic Motion.

Shark!

Shark!

Nothing clears the lineup quite like a rapidly advancing shark coming your way… then following you onto the rocks.

A large great white shark chased a group of surfers out of the water and onto the rocks at a NSW South Coast point break on Saturday.

The video was posted to Instagram by South Coast based film maker Dane Pidgeon, with the caption: “Old mate wanted the waves to himself.”