Raves & Rants . . from Penzance

So it's New Year's Eve, let's hope the expected big freeze every surfer seems to be dreading doesn't bring Waves of Ice. These are from Sean Buckley's blog Check out this wakeboarding in St Mark's Square, Venice too, from the same place.

With the dread dark days of winter upon us ( it's the shortest day of the year tomorrow) I seem to be surfing the net more these days than actually physically surfing waves. I've never seen how sitting motionless squinting at a screen, clicking away in a darkened room is in any way similar to surfing. However I was quite happy to encounter this online, rather than in reality! This is from Freaking News , a site where people take a news photo and apply their Photoshop skills to it. See the original photo here . Return to Ocean-Image

Winter is most definitely here, the usual time of year to be heading off to warmer climes for six months. I never thought I'd say this, but having decided to stay UK side this winter, I can only hope that it's going to be really, really cold. All winter. If memory serves correct, in winter the coldest winds blow out of the East and North East, bringing frosty arctic air from over the Russian Steppes. and cooling our tiny island enough for snow to settle. Yeah, and so what? Well, usually, this airstream is driven by a great fat High Pressure sat over the UK, meaning great sunshine, and little rain. Also, any surf-generating Atlantic Low Pressures will tend to go round this High Pressure, meaning the swell will be long range, and therefore better formed. Finally, that cold East wind is directly offshore on our West facing beaches, a North East is perfect for the South facing beaches. Presto! Perfect, lined-up surf, bright sunshine perfect for shooting, and a clean offshore. Bring