Rich Hall's (The British Bodyboard Club's Chairman) testimonial of September 2005's Bodyboard Coaching Weekend.
 I’ve been bodyboarding on and off since I was a teenager spending my summer holidays working at my relatives’ B&B in St Ives. It’s only in the last few years though that the sport has captured my imagination again.
Successive Spring holidays in Brittany had reminded me about what I’d been missing, and prompted me to invest in a new NMD board (thanks to Dave Heard @ BBHQ) and decent fins, as well as subscribing to ThreeSixty magazine again. In this I’d spotted the advert for Rob Barber’s Sola sponsored bodyboard weekend.
Most of the participants on this June’s course were staying at the famous Cribber Green Rooms, home of Rob’s bodyboard school; but late booking meant that I was lodging at another surfer’s haunt the Miramarr. A strictly no fuss take-us-as-you-find-us place, catering for backpackers and surfers. £12.50 a night including a DIY breakfast was a real bargain, especially if you’re more concerned about the quality of the surf rather than the decor.
Saturday morning saw the 15 participants gathered on the decking at the CGR along with coaches Rob and Aiden Salmon in glorious sunshine. Rob had picked the best weekend of the early Summer season to date, both for the weather and the surf, with 3-4 feet of clean surf and a light offshore breeze providing excellent conditions.
Suited up, the session started with the group being split into novice and intermediate on Towan beach for some introductory schooling. After finding out what we were looking for in the weekend the intermediates worked on warm-ups, duck diving and trimming and then moved on to a basic roll. After a couple of my usual miss-cues I was well chuffed to properly land a roll for the first time. Not bad for an aging 30 something.
After lunch back at CBR we moved onto Fistral in the afternoon, where conditions proved to be more challenging. A more rigorous paddle out tested the duck-diving skills honed in the morning and we were rewarded with a wedgy left hander that just would not quit. Rob and Aiden were out with us all, giving pointers and practical hints that were helping to improve our technique; whilst making the most of the conditions themselves.
We retired to the National Surf Centre for some video analysis of our afternoon’s performance and then settled down for a couple of cold beers at the CBR. A trawl through the Newquay bars and clubs ensued and we were introduced to a number of local Newquay bodyboarders, including current UK champ Joe Franklin. An excellent night finishing in Sailors nightclub (I think!)
Sunday dawned with a decidedly foggier out-look (and I’m not just talking about my head) the lifeguards closing the beaches until 11. Aiden took us through the fundamentals of drop-knee in the morning session and Rob had us working on spins and rolls on Fistral in the afternoon followed by more video analysis.
Altogether an excellent weekend, aided in no small part by the conditions and excellent coaches. I think we all took strides forward, improving our technique in key areas. I left Newquay knackered but stoked, using the 200-mile trip home to plot the next surf trip.
RJH in trim – Fistral.
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Morning Rob,
Back to reality for me, the car nearly pulled towards the M5 this morning, very tempting!!!
Thanks again for a great weekend; it was the best I’ve done so far! I think the smaller group, going to different places trying different waves and the video analysis was invaluable, a picture paints a thousand words and all that. I think people will get the most from the video and the tips you give when watching it back!!
Thanks again mate, top weekend!!!
Warm regards
Pete |
Rob
Many thanks for a cracking Body Boarding Session, as you said we couldn't have wished for better conditions.
If I hear of anyone heading down to Newquay looking to do some body boarding/surfing I shall certainly pass on your details. Likewise if I get down there somtime in the furture I'll be in touch.
Many Thanks
Craig (stag party 30th April) |
Name; Dave Newman
Lives; Sheffield
Age; 29
Years bodyboarding; 8
Date of Trip/s and Courses attended; Sept 2006 (Weekend), December 2006 (Lanzar week)
What did you think of the Trip/s and/or Courses?
The weekend last September was my first taster with Rob and I came away being so much more confident in the sea. I could see over the two days how my abilities had grown and how much better my techniques had improved .....Basically, I was so impressed it's the reason I booked on the week in Lanzer a few months later. This Holiday was simply splendid :) 6 days of surfing and 6 great evenings in Puerto Del Carmen, although I missed the first day of surf through over doing it on the beer, it was an awesome time.
Highlights;
The waves bursting over the sea barrier next the pier in Arrieta and > catching the wedgy cross waves. Also experiencing the power of The Slab when I paddled over and checked the awesome riding by the locals ;)
Regards,
Dave NEWMAN
SENIOR TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - DSS DOMINO SOLUTIONS |
Dear Rob,
Just writing to say thanks for a fantastic three days of bodyboarding. Aiden is a really great coach, I learnt so much about waves, rips and bodyboarding techniques, it really was a good time with a great teacher.
I am going to try and master my fins next, I traded up from my economy ones to a pair of better fitting Churchil Slashers. I will be back again next year in June and will contact you again nearer the time. Hope you all have a good season, best regards to yourself, Dad and Aiden, Ian R
PS The two blonde girls at the back of the Green rooms dancing around the garden topless, any chance of making them a permanent fixture for the future.
Simon Lill |
Rob,
Just a quick line to say thanks for the lesson, I hope your feeling
better.
We had a great time on Sunday 3rd July, all of us learnt quite a lot and put it to good use the rest of the week by, the end we were all trimming with our hands and body in the right position and a couple of us got the hang on the bottom turn (Next on the list the big air and 360 !)
Thanks Again
Simon |
Hi Rob,
Just wanted to drop you a quick line to say thank you for giving us one of the highlights of our weekend in our bodyboarding session on Saturday. You all made the process - from booking through to the glass of bubbly - really easy and enjoyable.
We all had a fantastic time, even the girls who'd been a little hesitant about the lesson! Aiden was a really patient and enthusiastic teacher, and he really helped make it lots of fun for us all, so I hope you will pass on our appreciation to him too.
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that, after an all-important
post-boarding nap (and an essential cream tea), we managed to heartily partake in the Newquay nightlife too!
Our hen, Kate, had a great weekend, and I know that our session at the school helped make her big send-off really special.
Thanks again,
Megan. |
Rob
A great weekend had by both of us. Now I've got some practicing to do.
The hand and arm positioning was the greatest step forward and I was
surprised at how I am able to catch
And ride shallower and smaller waves. Thanks. The duckdive technique is
also coming along.
If you have time could you advise me on some new boards and fins?
I've been riding a hot buttered board for five years and it has done me
pretty well.
With my size (about six/six one and 14 to 14.5 stone), and my current
ability (enough said abou that)
What board would you feel might take me on to the next level? And what
size? I enjoyed trying for drop Knee and will
Be practicing the spinning, so would be interested in something that
allows me to do that.
I live in Bristol but often visit Exeter. Any vendors you would
recommend and types of board?
Also, I get cramps a lot and rubbing with my fins. Jo (super grom) was
sporting a pair of Hydro tech II
Fins with the silicone-like inner. Do you know where I can get my hands
on some?
Hope to see you in September for that course.
Best regards
Simon (and Georgie) |
Caroline Johnson
Bottesford, Notts
I just want to say a massive thank you to Aiden for the lessons
last week that you gave my hubby, Matt. He really enjoyed them and has improved no end. I've got some great footage of him on the mega waves at Fistral last Thursday. Anyway, just had to say thanks mate, we will definately see you again next Spring.
All the best.
Caroline & Matt |
Hi Rob
Just a quick note to say cheers for the lessons last week - I've attached a
pic of me in a near text book trim at Widemouth Bay on Friday afternoon after
picking up a new winter suit - proving that I did learn a lot.
They were really nice clean 3-4 foot waves - although the one on the pic doesn't appear too big - they were great.
Anyway - just to check - I got the Orca e-mail newsletter this morning and I'm
interested in coming on one of the Lanzarote Coaching Trips - in particular
any of the December trips. Basically with all the airmiles I build up through
work I can get free return flights with BA so it works out even better value
for me.
Cheers
Rob |
Hi Rob
Just wanted to drop you an e-mail to say thanks for a great weekend on 22/23 Sept. This is the 2nd time I've been on one of your weekends, but it won't be the last.
I just wanted to share my experience of last Friday (12th October). I got in the water at Rest Bay Porthcawl (first time since the weekend). Its my local break even though its 130 miles from my house. I managed to apply all that Aiden and you had pointed out to me over the coaching weekend.
First off my Manta Blades have had a bit of a trim and are much better now You'd noticed I was struggling with them a bit. Aidan pointed out my position wasn't quite right so I spent most of the session focussing on getting in the right position. My position is now further up the board and hence I'm going so much faster. I even tried a roll and a floater, didn't make the roll and the floater was a bit lame but it's more than I've managed before. Even my cutbacks felt 100% better now I'm going so much faster across the face of the wave.
So to conclude I just wanted to say a big thank you to Aidan and yourself for some invaluable tips and a great weekend.
Hopefully see you next year.
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I just wanted you to know what a brilliant time our boys had in their
lesson with Aidan last Friday. He is an enthusiastic and very patient teacher - and a natural with kids. They learned far more than we expected, in fact they have never stopped talking about it. We hope to get down to Cornwall May/June time for more lessons.
Warm regards,
Anne |
"Having travelled to Bali, Margaret River and Cronulla in the last year, who would have thought that the best two days of surf I‚ve had this year would be spent with a gang of keen lidders, learning tricks from the pros at Rob Barbers coaching weekend in
Newquay. Sick mate!"
Griff, Essex |
"Alright folks, firstly like to give my appreciation to rob barber, had a sponge lesson last weekend with him and my technique has improved a ton, feel like I can start to take my sponging fowards, I'll be D'King 10footers in no time now”
James Booth" |
Hey Rob
Just a quick thank you for yesterday's lesson. The boys are all really hyper about getting out on the water again. It was great to see them getting out back. I picked up some great pointers from you and I know I have become well and truly addicted to the sport.... Unfortunately the job may well get in the way.We will keep going and contact you in the new year for another session
Thanks once again
Pete, Will, Ed and Max |
Watcha Rob,
Guess your back from Indo, any good?
Thanks for a great BB weekend again, don’t now how you manage to hit it right with the surf and weather….genius!!! We had a great time down there, all the lads loved the sponge, even though half of them couldn’t wake up on time or drag themselves off the beach from their drunken slumber!!
We’re all up for doing it again next year, so there’s your early warning!!! Hope your other celebrity spongers will be back too, especially John McRirick, what a diamond!!!! I think there should be a moved called after him!!!
I know Pete took some photo’s but don’t have his email address, is there any chance you could sort us a copy out?
Cheers
All the best for now
Pete |
Hello Rob,
Many thanks for last weekend I really enjoyed it. Please pass my thanks to Aiden, Dave and Lisa for their help and advice, even though I’m at the elementary end of things they all exuded both willingness and enthusiasm and were extremely helpful to me with developing my basic skills. All I need is a bit of practise then I can come back and learn a few moves!!
I’d be grateful if you can keep me up to date with your trips to Lanzarote, they sound great but whether I am able to come I’m not sure at the moment, however if I know what’s happening when then I may be able to respond accordingly if the opportunity crops up.
Warm regards
Robin Merritt
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Hi Rob
What a week. Stunning surf, the 'Sunset Sessions' will stay with me forever, simply awesome.
Was excellent to meet you all, you better all be planning to be on the next one, I know I am.
Rob - Cheers again, superb.
Leigh - Genius.
Steve - Mental, love it, miss ya already.
Tim - Bonkers, stay in touch mate
Eva - My new best friend, you're not a bad bodyboarder.......for a girl.....dont be a stranger
Guys and Gals - Planning a Devon or S.Wales sesh mid/late Feb, lets get it sorted, James - keep an eye on the surf forcast.
What a way to start 2006, have a great year people,
'Spinner' Steve Buckland |
Name/s; Richard Roberts and friend's son Jack
Live's; Midlands
Age's; 33 and 13
Years bodyboarding; 0, in both cases
Date of Trip/s and Courses attended; Beginners tutoring with Aiden, Sat April 28th 2007
What did you think of the Trip/s and/or Courses? Very good. Aiden was able to easily explain the basics of using the board to both of us and was thorough in covering the safety aspects of the session. Both me and Jack learnt a lot and had a lot of fun.
Highlights; Both me and Jack riding a wave together all the way to the shore!
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Hi Rob, Aiden, and all at the bodyboarding house of fun.
Thanks for a fabulous weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and it felt
as if I made real progress, particularly with hand and body positions
on take-off and in trim, and particularly I had quite a big leap in
confidence. On my way home I checked out Croyde. It was about shoulder
high and sloppy, but still surfable and punchy. I managed a few decent
rides there, and a few duckdives.. all coming on well.
I'll be back at some point in the future, and I have recommended the
courses to a few others. |
From: Steve Nicholson, Age- Steve 46, Debbie 46, Katie 10
Live in: Fareham Hampshire
Occupation: Business development manager
Rob
Just a few lines to say how much of a great time we had last week during our body boarding lesson. We had two adults & one child and spent two excellent hours on Fistral beach learning to body board with Aidan, despite the bad weather we still had a great time and came back another afternoon to take up the rest of our 24hrs with the kit loaned to us due to bad weather on the first day, and spent two hours on the beach in the town centre due to extremely rough conditions on Fistral (ok for you pros but not for us novices!). We found the relaxed atmosphere of the school most enjoyable for the after lesson food and drink etc.
Hope you continue to grow and wish you, Aidan etc all the best for the future and may see you again when in the area for surfing lessons.
Regards
Steve Nicholson.
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From: Damian Mccrudden Age: 33
Hometown: Hove
Occupation: Emergency Medical Dispatcher.
Dear Rob, Many thanks for this. Yes made great progress thanks to Aidens tuition and attention. It was nice to have a real mix of conditions throughout the week. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I'll definately book some follow up lesssons when I improve a bit.
Very interested in the Morocco trip so will be interested to see the info pack. Thanks again to Aiden, you've got a good instructor there!
Yours
Damian
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 Rob
I had a terrific weekend and learned loads, certainly will be coming again next year. The three of you were excellent coaches and I was amazed that I could go from never doing it before to catching waves.
Pass my regards and thanks on to the other guys.
Tom
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| Bodyboarding Trips Testimonials |
Name; Owen Harris
Live's; south coast
Age;37
Years bodyboarding; 8 south coast ,so thats 2 then with the consistency here.
Date of Trip/s and Courses attended; lanza Dec 06
What did you think of the Trip? Really helped my bodyboarding improved. Great crew . Filming really helped especially Playa Janibou in the shorebreak (thanks Aiden), good instructions from Rob and Aiden really did help thanks guys
Highlights; Taking the crown of the 'Shorebreak King' who else could think of such a move, My last wave at The Pump House will stay in the memory for a long time.
Other comments;
Highly recommend it to all, thanks for the photo Jason |
Name; Jason Kelly
Lives; Swindon
Age; 19
Years bodyboarding; 4
Date of Trips attended; 05 December, 07 December
What did you think of the Trip/s and/or Courses? Really good, Being someone who doesnt normally surf with any friend's it was good to get together with a group of people and learn at the same time.
Highlights; The waves of course, but mainly all of it. |
Rob,
I thought I would just drop you a line to say how much I enjoyed the trip. I had a good laugh and got some good tips, I just need to get out there and practice.
Got some permanent memories also…..
Can you please keep me updated on any other surf trips that are being planned, with views like the one below then I can’ wait to get away…
From Tad |
Name; Leigh Turrell
Lives;Birmingham
Age;28
Years bodyboarding;15 years off and on. Really got my teeth into it after a year travelling in Oz in 2003/4.
Date of Trip/s and Courses attended;
Jan 06 Lanzarote, Jan 07 Lanzarote
What did you think of the Trip/s and/or Courses?
Top draw courses, the surf just seemed to be guaranteed which compared with the UK's hit and miss condition is like living in dream world. Great to get away from the cold dark days of winter and feel the sun on your back. Loads of different breaks to explore and each one with it's own unique characteristics. Great group of people each time I've been.
Highlights;
Sunset surf sessions at Boco De Abajo, watching the sun go down over the volcanoes having the entire beach to yourself knowing that all you muckas back home are trying to get over the inevitable Christmas break comedown.
Favourite placed surfed; Byron Bay, New South Wales, OZ.
Places I've surfed, England, Wales, France, Spain & Oz, Next on the tick list is Bali or Portugal.
Alright Rob? Hows things?
My mind was just wondering back as it often does at work to thoughts of Lanzarote. After finally getting over the comedown that has now become a staple part of the whole Lanza experience I’ve had time to think a bit more clearly about what I’ve learned and gained form the latest trip. I keep on thinking back to that last epic day that we all had by La Santa and being out there watching you lead by example and shred things up. Every time I think back to that moment I can feel myself smiling and wishing I was back there just to catch one of those beasts again. I know that before I made this years trip that there would have been no way in the world that you would of caught me out there, I’m glad that the experience and guidance that you gave me and the lads went some way to getting me out there in the best surf of my life. I guess what I’m trying to say is thanks again Rob and I hope that this gives you some inspiration to keep on doing what you obviously love doing. Here’s to the next trip. I know this all sounds a bit gay and corny but it had to be said.
Later
Leigh Turrell |
Name; James Gray
Lives; South coast
Age; 25
Years bodyboarding; 2
Date of Trip/s and Courses attended; Lanzarote february 2007
What did you think of the Trip/s and/or Courses? Brilliant! I learnt alot, boosted my confidence and had plenty of fun along the way! Definately want to do it again!
Highlights; Getting out in big surf,meeting, hanging out and having fun with other spongers from all over and of course The Carnival!!!
Other comments; I'd just like to thank Rob for making such a trip possible,it was a valuable and extremely fun trip! Not long into the week i already knew i'd be doing it again next year!
Cheers again Rob!
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Ohla Everyone!!!
Well its been a few days now since we all made it back to our homes, well since ive been back its been a real hard struggle trying to get back to work and i know that all of us will have fond moments in our mind of the trip that will stick with us for a long time, so cast your minds back to that week to one of thos great moments we all had.
i wont forget the pumping house around 6.15 pm and the sun going down, so i would like to thank you all for a good time had by myself and i can tell by your emails that the rest of you did too, i also have photos which i will send out but my home pc is sick at the mo, once its sorted i will e mail to you all.
if anyone is down the West Country and wants to meet up give me a shout.
Regards
Phil Russell |
Hi everyone.
I've just got home.....jesus what a long day.
Thanks to everyone for making it such a brilliant trip. Proper stoked.
And a MASSIVE thanks to Mr Barber for making it all possible.
Its been emotional
Tim Moss (fresh back from Lanza, Winter 05) |
Rob,
Just wanted to say thanks for the great week I had, waves were not brilliant but I have picked up so much that its amazing to think that I hadnt been able to do spinners before. I have a new confidence now in the waves and cant wait to get back into the water and charge.
You doing anymore weeks in Feb?
Scroff |
 Name; Tad Czajkowski
Lives; Sunny Swindon
Age; 36
Years bodyboarding; 2
Date of Trip/s and Courses attended (rough dates are fine); Lanza Feb 07
What did you think of the Trip/s and/or Courses? Thought the trip was excellent, good blend of surf and relaxation.
Highlights; Carnival, Surf, Coronita and battle scars picked up at La Santa. |
 Name; Colin Amos
Lives; Chester
Age; 36
Years bodyboarding;8
Date of Trip/s and Courses attended (rough dates are fine);Lanza Jan 04, Dec 05, Jan 06, Dec 06, Feb 07.
Day course, July 06
What did you think of the Trip/s and/or Courses? Great coaching with no pressure, but all the encouragement you need to push your bodyboarding further
Highlights; Papagayo shorey
Other comments; I bodyboarded for 3 years with no coaching at all and learnt more in my first hour in lanzarote about basic techniques giving me a solid base to take away and build on for future trips.
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