It was a privilege to be invited up north again by the Scottish Surfing Federation (SSF) at the end of March to help judge the 2014 Scottish Championships. Last year was mental (see my blog post) ; big barrels at Thurso East, freezing cold and monster paddles, so it was with great anticipation that I boarded the easyjet at Bristol for the hour and a bit flight to Inverness. Event organiser Mr William Watson briefed me on arrival and he had a plan. The swell had peaked on the Friday and Watsons aim was to run the whole event in a single day, starting at dawn in Thurso and finishing at dusk at the Brims bowl.
And as the sun set and the open final hit the water at nearly the most northerly point in the UK, it seemed that the plan had worked. Good work sir. One more twist; In the fading light in the last minute of the final, Chris Noble, lying in fourth place finds the wave of the day & with a barrel and a bash retains his title in spectacular and dramatic fashion.
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and the event, and was made most welcome by everyone. Without being patronising, the contest reminded me of an English event 25 years ago in the way that it was run by volunteers who were all there for the right reasons and the spirit and atmosphere was genuine. If the SSF can keep this spirit alive but just move forward by getting more bodies pulling together in the right direction, then I’m sure the future will be bright. After all Scotland has the most important ingredient – world class waves.
Canon 5D mk3 w/ 70-300mm/ 24-70mm/ 15mm
esterspears 
Posted on May 11, 2014
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