Like pretty much all of us reading about the new age of charging slabs, the Llantwit crew sat dreaming of distant shores this autumn. Then one day Nath Phillips remembered paddling out to a little reef he’d deemed unsurfable as a grom. After talking it up in the pub, the next swell the lads were on it. No, it wasn’t all that ridable, and Riley’s it ain’t, but it’s heavy enough and in its own way can make you feel like a hero, even if just for a day.
IINTERVIEW: JAYCE ROBINSON
Here’s a kid who’s got a good life. He surfs well, gets paid to travel all over the world, wins comps, and has girls fawning all over him. It’s a lifestyle that’s enough to turn most groms into self-centred brats…but you know what? Jayce doesn’t see life like that, because he just loves going surfing.
EAST LIFE
As a north swell marched down the East Coast and half of the UK’s media headed off to ‘The Spot’ with ‘The Pro’s’, CARVE got a call from the Scarborough locals. They invited us to meet the other East Coast crew, who are keeping it real in freezing brown water and cracking everyone up with blunt, dry quips. It’s life on the east side, baby!
G FORCE
Never in your wildest dreams can you imagine hopping out of a helicopter and paddling straight into pole position at G-Land when it’s pumping at eight foot plus. Slater did. Took his mates too. That’s what nine world titles gets you.
THE GREAT ESCAPE
While every man and his dog seems obsessed with the credit crunch and how expensive it is to live in Britain these days, every surfer worth his salt is thinking where he can escape this winter. If you’re still here you’re obviously in need of some warm water therapy, and we figure it’s our job to prescribe the medication. So read this, then go book yourself a flight; you’ll be a better person for it, guaranteed.
GROWING BARNACLES
Surfing heavy slabs in Ireland all winter isn’t the same as heading over to Hawaii. You need dedication, and the patience to spend hours watching sideways rain hitting the windows, just waiting for a break when all the elements come together and you might get the chance to ride the wave of your life. Mickey, Tom, Ferg and a motley crew did the waiting. The reward? Well, see for yourself…
