Parko – JS

Parko – JS

It's a joy to see professionals taking so much pride in their work, quivers don't just drop into the homes of Pros like kids presents on Christmas day. Joel Parkinson is as hands on as it gets when it comes to his rides, insight into shaping and what goes into our boards shouldn't be taken for granted. Knowledge is power, and a little goes a long way, take some time to understand what makes our boards work and the craft behind it. Click into the edit and watch Jason Stevenson and Parko trade board talk and waves.

Lifeguards and surfers are heroes in ‘May- hem’s perfect storm

Lifeguards and surfers are heroes in ‘May- hem’s perfect storm

Sacked lifeguards, surfers and surf lifesavers have been saving lives right around the coast over the last week as large surf, spring tides and sunshine combined with the relaxation of Covid travel restrictions and the failure of the RNLI HQs management to provide lifeguard cover produced a perfect storm.

One swimmers life was lost at Constantine despite the heroic efforts of Martin White and Dan Wickins. ( Lads it will be a tough one, but know you did your best.)


This one at Porthtowan was heavy. Photo Sophie Bennett

At Porthtowan we got one back saving the life of a fellow surfer. It was pretty huge rescue with a great team pulling an unconscious local out of the water. Great spot and response by Alfie England and team work by Chris Ingram Paul Elcocks, Joss Lawrence, Jason Ledger, Joel Henthorn, Sam Russell and on the beach Moss Thomas, Ben Skinner, Dolce Havers, Teah Munro and Dominque Kent.

The Sennen crew have been on it preventing loss of life who a mass rescue of swimmers in a rip, and Bert Wright raising funds for first aid kit on the beach. Pete Geall giving up his new job to go back to lifeguard work as an unpaid volunteer.

Newquay super grom Gabe Llewlyyn pulled one out of Fistral.

Bantham crew have been on it too with multiple rescues, same with Joe Bracegirdle and on the south coast of Cornwall, Newquay crew, Hayle, Bude Falmouth, Wid(e)mouth (in joke for those that know) Croyde. There are just too many amazing crews to many to mention.

The Return to Shore organisation representing RNLI lifeguards and regional RNLI managers flagged up problems back in March and April as the RNLI top brass decided to lay off and let down a huge number of qualified legends with no way of getting furlough. They issued a release telling them ”Get another job if you need one.” and dismissed all requests to forward plan, adopt and roll out a preventive service once lockdown was eased. All requests fell on deaf ears.

The response when the storm hit has been nothing short of heroic, reflecting all the RNLIs true core values as the lifeguards went back to work voluntarily and unpaid under their own initiatives. They have now saved hundreds of lives around the coast.

It is the biggest community response I have seen and everyone should be really proud. As we go into another week of challenges RNLI are rolling out some official patrols. Hopefully they will listen to the crew on the ground and increase the patrols and the government will treat those that have stuck to their beliefs and are saving lives every day fairly.

Support Return to Shore here https://returntoshore.org

Look out on Facebook for your local community lifeguard group.

If surfers or water users want to be prepared to help their friends or others please take your beach lifeguard course.

RLSSUK developed a free, online ongoing training for National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) holders, which is available now! For more information visit rlss.org.uk/news/free-onli

If you see anyone in trouble call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Please do not push limits. If you are a beginner please do not surf until lifeguard cover is available.

 

More on why the management failed their guards here
https://medium.com/@admin_74276/the-rnli-has-failed-lifeguards-540e63e18b62

Hughie!

Hughie!

Check out the edit of 13 year old, super stoked Hughie Vaughan as he threads slabs, punts and puts in a good play for being an up and coming legend of the line-up. The future of surfing is in safe hands, thanks Hughie.

Open your mind

Open your mind

OPEN YOUR MIND’ is an expressive film with words that come to mind if we embrace our passions and focus on the things that make us happy, rather than the things that weigh us down.
For @tobyeynonlewis like many it’s the ocean, the countryside and reconnecting with old mates.

Shot just before COVID-19 hit the UK, which makes those things even more important.

Featuring and brought to life by @stockwell_surfboards, an old friend and talented surfboard shaper Toby hadn’t seen for 10 years.

Directed, shot & edited @tobyeynonlewis
Water Cinematography @jasonyeomanmedia
Produced @stockwell_surfboards
Voice over @nicko_photo
Supported by @carvemag

Great White Shark Sprints!

Great White Shark Sprints!

It's always been a classic question, especially to Gareth Keenan in the original and let's be honest the best version of 'The Office'.

Will a boy ever swim faster than a shark? Check the footage and decide yourself. You'll need the paddling arms of Thor to escape this bad boy.

Spring Slides

Spring Slides

"I’ve always loved water, from swimming pools to lakes to the ocean. I learned how to surf around the age of 13, and really started going out regularly on my own around age 15, after that point I was hooked, I remember my first surfboard I found in a dumpster at La Jolla Shores. I took it home and had my brother help me fix it up and we painted it. My little sisters still have that board to this day which is pretty rad". Tessa Timmons