Yesterday's O'Neill Highland Open by Swatch was tough. Brims was not just rain-swept but deluged. It blew a hoolie all day and the sea was a frothing mess. The world's best surfers still - somehow - contrived to produce some great performances, though sadly both Russell Winter and Sam Lamiroy were eliminated from the contest.
But things change very quickly around here. The sun is shining and Thurso East is apparently working. I'm off to the contest site now in my nice and toasty VW California , and can't wait to see the fabled right-hander being surfed by the likes of Sunny Garcia.
Meanwhile, I had the privilege of meeting Pat Kieran yesterday. Pat was born and bred in Liverpool and is the first the man to settle permanently, in the mid-Seventies, in Thurso for its waves. He used to live a cottage overlooking the reef, in which he would also shape boards. More on Pat when I have a chance, but he very kindly showed me a letter which he sent to friends at the North West Surf Club after a few cracking Scottish sessions in the winter of 1978. Here are a couple of lines from its closing paragraphs:
Help! 1 or 2 surfers wanted to share perfect rivermouth break, 6-12ft. Glassy peeling usually offshore at this time of year. Location: Northern Scotland. Experience of similar situation essential as wave is very fast and very heavy... Must appreciate peaceful surroundings with very laid back inhabitants.
Having surfed Melvich at chest to shoulder high a couple of days ago, and as my second visit to this neck of the woods draws to a close, I can say that not a lot has changed since Kieran wrote that letter back in Christmas 1978. This is a wonderful part of the world to visit and surf, and thanks to modern wetsuits, it's not that cold. Honest.
These are really cute and even more comfortable than the last MBT's I ordered. I have gotten many compliments on them. A plus is they make your feet look smaller too!
Posted by: Discount Mbts | May 27, 2011 at 10:54 AM