Wuhuu, so I got published! That is kinda huge I think. The sweet people from Slideshowmagazine published my article about the Cornwall surf trip. I am so proud!
“Do I bring my own board?”
“No, leave it, it’s not worth it, renting here is so cheap, but bring your own wetsuit and boots for the chilly water”, replies Concha.
After learning to surf on the coasts of Portugal, I am joining the first ever Seasoul Shelter guided surf week, where Concha and Killa will show us their version of Cornwall. I am very excited, since Cornwall has been on my ‘to do’ list even before I ever knew about surfing. The thought of palm trees in England was somewhat intriguing…
A new dawn, a new sunlight, a new country and a lovely cottage called ‘Sea View’. A ‘Seasoul Shelter’ indeed. A wonderful Cornish adventure was about to begin, settled in the perfect surroundings of Perranporth, with some of the most friendly and inviting people I have ever met.
The forecast predicted nice waves on the south coast, so with hearts full of anticipation, and with two tiny cars, top heavy and loaded with boards, we drove out into the picturesque Cornish countryside. Green, soft rolling hills, as far as the eye could see, sheltered by the typical English hedges and endless blue sky.
The south coast met us with green, soft longboard waves, peeling perfectly from the ends of the sheltered beach. And maybe even better, this hidden gem of a beach was almost empty. Plenty of space, for a group of rusty girls to fool around in. As I paddled out, with no gloves, it hit me how good you ladies over here have it (compared to Denmark), warm water in May!?
Past the break, another beautiful surprise met us: A Cornish version of the famous french Mont St. Michel – the cliff castle of St. Michael’s Mount. A beautiful view which is now forever printed in my mind.
Photo: courtesy of Seasoul Shelter.
After taking in the first experience of Cornwall’s beautiful coastline, I started to feel the rhythm of the ocean and prepared myself for my first Cornish wave. I started to paddle and hoped that my paddle fitness was still good enough to catch a wave, then the shock came, as I realized that I was actually catching the wave – then came the surprise: “Whoa! I’m standing up on it now”. Then the sort of panic, “what to do, what to do?! Turn! Oh yes, turn the board”. I turn and then the wave died under me, but the surf stoke had hit. My body filled with energy, and the paddle back out was sooo easy, because my mind was already thinking of the next wave, and what to do next time, and how to turn that board faster, so I could prolong the feeling of flying over water.
During my week’s stay in Perranporth we went to Pearranuthanoe many times because it was simply a little piece of paradise. Easy wave-catching, sweet rides, and a wonderful little café overlooking the beach, that serves a wickedly good hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows – just the perfect energy boost before going out for the second surf session.
Cornwall is ideally placed to pick up swell, unlike back home in Denmark, where good S/SW/W swell swells are blocked by Britain. Cornwall gets swell from the Azores to Iceland, and when you are not busy enjoying the beautiful and wild Cornish coast, there is the great fish’n’chips, Cornish pasties, or a Betty Stoggs Ale! there are plenty of spots to be explored, and corners that will be sheltered from the sometimes howling winds. I’d say altogether it’s like the viking heaven of Valhalla and that to me, makes Cornwall the new Portugal! No need to go south, when you can go west and have perfect waves and much emptier lineups, adding really good beer to end the perfect days.
Words: Christine Jürgensen.
Illustration: Anja Bornhauser
anjabornhauser.tumblr.com
More info on Seasoul Shelter & its next guided trips: go to seasoulshelter.com
Coldwatermermaid 