Julia Sirotina, 27 years old
Occupation: Event Logistics Manager
From: Tallinn, Estonia
Gareth Lewthwaite, 31 years old
Architect, Bundoran, Ireland
Pete Wilkie, 32 Sales Manager from Torquay, Devon
Ash HUGHES, 26, Police Officer, Warwickshire
Owen Harris 41 Paint Sprayer Oxford.
Rob Middleton. age undisclosed. Carpenter.
Jordi Blanc, 41, Barcelona, College teacher
Excellent coaching as always with new instructor Gaz flawlessly fittings into Aidan’s big sandals. What more could you want when it’s cold and miserable back home? Scorchio weather, warm consistent surf, great company and a chance to progress. Could not recommend these holiday’s enough.
Rob Benson 42, Electrician, Bournemouth
Peter Wilkie
Age: 37 (feel free to subtract 5 years!).
Employment: Sales Manager.
Lives: Kingskerswell, Devon.
Once again the sport of bodyboarding took me to pastures new. I had pre-conceived ideas about Central America and as per usual they were totally wrong. Costa Rica is an amazing place with friendly locals, stunning views and the legendary Grandma's pork (has to be tasted).
Then there were the waves, we started off in Tamarindo where we were gently eased into life in boardies. The main beach is a great place to practice manoeuvres but just over the river at Playa Grande we found an empty beach with one American booger tucking into little barrels. Needless to say an afternoon of fun was had by all.
Next stop was Nosara, where we were greeted with a substantial swell which made for an interesting paddle out but the sense of exhilaration we felt when we came back into the beach as the sun went down made the countless duck dives worthwhile.
A 3 hour trip through the jungle where we spied monkeys, vultures and snakes (albeit a dead one) culminated in some river crossings and a final charge across a beach before we arrived in Santa Teresa. This place seems to be a mecca for beautiful people and more importantly some cracking waves. The 3 days here saw us average 3 sessions a day during which we experienced 5ft sets, tube time and bowly sections to play with.
Warm water, small crowds, friendly locals, good food and a few cheeky beers, I cannot think of a bad thing about this far off place.
Cheers to Rob and Aidan for sorting everything, top notch as per usual.
See you next year!
Darren Moran, Jersey
hey aidan just wanted to say thanks again for the trip and advice great times cant wait for the next time we hook up hopefully no back problems then keep in touch oh and what is that u tube vid about soft lad hahah terima kasih
Jason Hughes, Wales,
Hey mate, just saw this month's Three Sixty, theres some great pics of you in there.....the real deal :).
Had a great trip with you guys in Indo and really appreciated your advice, guidance and bad jokes throughout the trip. Hoping to get down to Newquay at the end of May so I'll call by the shop for some retail therapy and a catch up.
Pass my thanks onto Rob and apologise for us missing all you guys on the last night......it was a case of dwindling funds and energy reserves......
So, in my best Indonesian.....as a man once taught me.....
Terima Kasih.....for a great trip and some new friends.
Gemma Britton, 29yrs
Lt RN
NO
HMS MONTROSE
Indo Trip Apr/May 2011
A fantastic trip all round. The accommodation was situated in great locations, always within stumbling distance of a beach. The combined surf/sponge group worked really well and has generated a whole new spectrum of surf buddies. Rob and Aidan’s local knowledge meant that we often found the best surf and weren’t too hampered by the crowds. There are so many great memories from this trip from the bombs we surfed in Uluwatu, to the fun we had at Playgrounds or the great bintang times we had playing cards till it was dark at Padang Padang or the royal wedding celebrations on Lembongan. Can’t wait to plan the next trip, Costa Rica anyone?
Profession: HMS Administrator
Where from: The Witterings
What can I say? I’ve learned so much and been so relaxed. Rob is patient, knowledgeable and chilled in equal measure - in short, a legend and I’ll definitely be back! Thanks a million.
Profession: HMS Administrator
Where from: The Witterings
Fantastic week! Felt chilled from the start and loved the atmos at the villa. Rob’s tuition was great. Been reading lots of stuff about bodyboarding techniques online etc but it all came together for me through Rob’s expert tuition and advice. Thanks!
Profession: Events and Conference Organiser
Where from: Estonia
I just had the best week of my life. The trip has exceeded my expectations! I am absolutely hooked on bodyboarding now and will definitely look in to going on some of Rob’s coaching trips again. Looking back I can not fault it in any way. The coaching, the food and the people all added up to the most incredible time. Definitely one for the books and I look forward to many more of these coaching trips. I’d mark it as an A+++++++ !! Thanks Rob
Profession: Swimming Pool and Spa Sales
Where from: Oxford
Morocco Bodyboard trip...what an amazing trip, from the begining at the airport there was a warm welcome from Rob the Coach/Owner. The villia was clean/tidy and had an amazing view of the famous Anchor Point, with fresh Moroccan food served up every night the evenings became so relaxing you don't want to leave! With the expertise of our Coach for the week I not only learned loads to help my bodyboarding progress but thorougly enjoyed every minute of the trip whether it was relaxing at the amazing Villa or on the beach or enjoying the delights of Agadir.
Morocco January 2 - 9 2011
Name: Simon Hennesey
Age: 43
Occupation: N/A
My first trip abroad with RB and very much enjoyed every aspect. The location, food, group dynamic and guidance/support was just right. I hope to participate in another group week, perhaps in Indonesia in 2011. Thanks
Name: Rob Benson
Age: 41
Occupation: Electrician
Another fantastic trip (third that I’ve been on, but the second to Morocco). Fantastic way to spend the first week of the new year. Great Weather, great surf, great food and great company. A variable multitude of surf spots catering for all levels. Definitely book me in for next Jan. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Name: Adam Luck
Age: 36
Occupation: Police Officer
Superb trip. If I was anymore relaxed you’d have to scoop me up! Great location and price. Rob never pressures you but is always around to give a guiding hand and has amazing local knowledge. I’ll be back!
Name: Matt Hall
Age: 32
Occupation: Electrical Design Engineer
Third trip with RB, first to Morocco. Good breaks, good accommodation and a good group. You can’t beat sea view from the bed! The usual wave finding from our mastermind guide/coach - as you would expect. From finding the perfect li’l wedge to perfect our rolls on to another epic wedge for getting a shaking in a great barrels. A better introduction to Morocco, you couldn’t wish for!
Hi Guys
Just like to thank you all for a really great trip. We both really enjoyed it. What an amazing group of people, we got on great with them all. Even me being so quiet.
Anne was made to feel really welcome even though she wasn’t surfing, and she had a great time.
My riding didn’t progress as much as I had hoped but that is down to me not you, as you three guys were brilliant. And to jump of the rocks and paddle out at Anchor’s and sit on the shoulder was unbelievable.(and then get battered) Something I will never forget.
It wasn’t until the last morning that I had a eureka moment with my duck diving. Up until this point it was pure look if the wave didn’t drag me back. But on that last morning it really came together and I could feel the difference. (I wasn’t pushing the board deep enough).
I Know I have to get more time in the water to progress and that is something I will work on.
In the meantime thanks again for a great week.
You will see me again!
Thanks
Richard Gear
Chrissie, 24 from Bristol
Amazing atmosphere, good bunch of people, number of different breaks to surf, I am impressed! I managed to surf my biggest wave yet and found out my videoing skills are not that bad.
I really enjoyed the options we had to move around to the best breaks and that I surfed my first reef break. The weather was lovely and the water temperature wasn't too bad.
Thomas Mossell, 43 from Germany
Great breaks, I’d like to return , relaxed atmosphere, the weather is more stable than I expected (where are the famous rain showers?). Even the water temperatures were easier to cope with than I expected, (with my experiences coming mainly from South West Europe and the Canaries).
It was defnitely a great trip
Catriona Feeley, 33 from Ireland
Great support and instruction. Friendly bunch and good enthusiasm and abilities to include all in the group. Great to board in different areas of the coast.
Thanks a bunch great four days.
Iain Sneddon, 35 from Scotland
Spectacular! Great coaching, excellent variety of breaks, fantastic accomodation.
I definitely improved my riding style by nailing the basics and it has given me a huge boost. It was my first time on a coaching trip. I didn’t know what to expect but I have loved every minute of it. Many thanks to Rob, Martin and Aidan.
Age:44
Llanishen, Cardiff
Property Manager
Just got back from Taghouzout with Rob and Aidan – Totally awesome week. The villa is really lovely with a location that just can’t be bettered, right on the sea with sunsets to die for. The staff are friendly, the food excellent and the surf guides got us to the best places every day.
It was great to spend a whole week with people who love doing the same thing and having them pass on their experience to the ‘novices’. Rob and Aidan are very patient and it was brilliant to spend an afternoon watching them hit wave after wave at Anchors, showing me how it should be done. The day we went to Imsouane was the best of the whole week for me. Sun shone and I got my first ‘proper’ wave (OK, I admit there was a lot of assistance from Rob and Aidan) That is the best feeling in the world, didn’t stop smiling for about 4 hours. Already saving for next year – Indonesia I think.
See you all in the summer xxxx
Just a note to say many thanks for the Jan 2010 morocco trip.
The whole trip was absolutely superb from the accommodation (apartment) was spacious, clean and well presented. The food was a good mixture of traditional and good home cooked meals.
The experience and tips that you both offered out on the waves was great and gave me the confidence to push myself on breaks and points that I would never have attempted on my own. I really got a lot out of this trip, and it was a bit of a laugh as well.. Rob you mentioned that you may consider a march trip, if that is the case I’m definitely interested in making up numbers. (if it doesn’t run I’ll prob do Ireland) Cheers again and I’ll no doubt catch up with you both in the near future..
Big dave..(landlocked Leicester L)
Age: 25
Cardiff/ Penzance
Civil Servant
Quick email just to say big thanks for last week, was a good trip and really had a good time! As I normally travel by myself or with gf and mates, your trip was great as it took the hassle out of it and I could just concentrate on surfing!
Kirsty Mann
Age: 24
St Ives
The best holiday Ive ever had, great waves, coaching and company. Cheers guys
Fiona Mitchell
Age 44
Dundee
My first real wave Ill never forget it and I now know hot to get out back for more.
Awesome guys thanks
Jane Labous
Age 33
Porthtowan
Totally sick! Thanks. Youll know more when my article comes out!
Tabitha Fox
Age 18
Barnstaple
I had an awesome trip. The waves were consistently good, especially Monday. The varied breaks were good. I liked visiting different breaks and seeing different parts of the Moroccan coastline, I felt this expanded my bodyboarding ability.
The coaching was consistently good and I feel Ive definitely improved.
An overall epic chilled out but tiring trip!
Cheers guys
Emily Arnott
Age 24
Suffolk
Awesome week! Feeling way confident and had lots of fun with a great group of people.
Plus I also surfed my first reef(s)
Thank you so much guys.
Olivia Smedley
Age 20
Hathersage
Surfed some epic waves with an awesome bunch of people and had an absolutely wicked time.
Thanks guys
Christine Blackburn
Age 26
Dorset
Wish the week would never end. I cant wait to come back.
Thanks guys
Gabor Kabacs
Age 30
Southampton
It was great to spend time and share knowledge with Britains top Bodyboarders. I have found the video analysis and the photos very useful. The water shots are the added extra. Theyre awesome. The selection of breaks were great. The accommodation generally was great although we did end up in the tiny bunkbed room but the company made up for it!
I would like to thank you guys for this great experience. Also all your effort you put in to organise it.
I had a fantastic week with great people!
Keep up the good work!
Thanks
Ian Gabriel
Age 25
Honiton
Awesome week. I found the video analysis a great help to watch my body position. I have become more confident in larger waves and I cant wait to use my new skills back home.
Its great to have some quality water shots to take back to remember the trip.
Thanks
Lloyd Atherton
Age 15
It was a great experience to be surfing in warm waters and get coached everyday. The grommet abuse was kept to a minimum thank God!
The people on the trip were really friendly and the food was great. Really nice accommodation and the waves were sick!
Thanks for an awesome trip
Reference:-Morocco 15- 22 November 2009
Just wanted to drop you a line to say a big thank you for organ ising such a fantastic week of guidance,
tuition and fun. It was a truly amazing experience.
As the father of a 15 year old who has been body boarding for the past 3 years, I was sceptical and a little
apprehensive when he approached me about the trip with your company to Morocco. How wrong I was
to have felt that way, the whole week was absolutely superb.
The way in which you and your team and the other participants welcomed me as a body board virgin and
bestowed on me the confidence and support to "give it a go" was just amazi ng. The sensation I felt when I
did my first "air drop" will stay with me to the grave!
More importantly though, than my own incredible experience, was the feeling that watching my son Lloyd
gave me. To see him growing in style and confidence under your excel lent tuition and guidance is etched
on my memory. You have instilled a happiness and zest for life in my boy in that one short week that will
stay with him for a very long time and for that I am truly grateful. Lloyd was good before but after last
week, his enthusiasm knows no bounds.
The package that you offer is fabulous. The location, accommodation, food and of course the company
were truly remarkable but how you even managed to arrange the perfect weather is beyond me. I would
highly recommend your service to any potential customer, be they beginner, intermediate or experienced
in the sport. I have travelled extensively in the past but your package is up there with the greatest.
Forget the 9-5; from now on I'm joining the ranks of surfers worldwide so I too can enjoy the thrills, chills
and spills.
All the very best and thanks again mate.
Rich and Lloyd Atherton
Mark Tomsett
37
Economist
My second trip with Rob to Lanzarote: the small island with the big reputation. Rob's intimate knowledge of the island and his confidence boosting coaching make this one of my favorite trips of the year. And I haven't even mentioned the Lanzarote Carnival...
Lanzarote Trip Feb/Mar 2009
This was my second time on the bodyboarding coaching trip to Lanzarote and I enjoyed it even more this time around.
Although conditions werent great we still managed to find waves everyday.
Everyday was fun in the sea and equally as fun in the evenings when we went for dinner and drinks.
I learnt a great deal during the course and was picking up tips from Rob everyday about my riding and about the sea.
I also met some great people who I will remain in contact with who also made the trip so enjoyable.
The week has been cool having Robs knowledge of the island enabled us to find the best conditions everyday.
Also with Rob being in the water with you all the time its great getting pointers and tips after every wave. Ive really enjoyed this week and will be back for more.
Best week ever!! Proved magic sea weed wrong and found a wave everyday. Got to see the island and had some great laughs with everyone to remember for a long time
Amazing trip and will be doing many more!
Ive had an amazing time here and dont want to go back to England! Thanks for helping me out with my bodyboarding and hopefully next time I see you Ill be a little bit better!!
Ill be down in the summer for sure its been awesome!
The week was slightly hampered by the wind being mainly onshore, however this meant a wide search for waves. The search enabled us to see the island as well as different breaks.
The group seemed to gel with good times and fun apre surf.
Great week!
Had a good week, bit of a search for waves depending on wind. Ended up having a few good surfs.
Nice clean apartments.
Really enjoyed it had a laugh, nice one
Lanzarote trip Feb/March 09
Lives: Wells, Somerset
Age: 23
Hope the sun managed to remember its job for the rest of your stay in Lanza!
Just wanted to say thanks again for last week and for looking after me! I had an amazing time with you guys and I recon my bodyboarding starting to get somewhere...at least it couldnt get any worse! Being able to turn left has opened up a whole new world for me so thank you!
Im thinking Ill probably come down for some more coaching weekends over the summer so Ill give you a shout and hopefully see you for the first one end of May. Also the Morocco trip, think Ill be joining you for that too. Let me know dates when you have them!
Guess Im gonna have to brave the cold shores of Devon until then!
Speak to you soon,
Charotte
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!
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.
Robin Leggett - Age 32 - Oxford U.K. Years Bodyboarding: 10
Hey Rob,
It's Josh. Just a quick e-mail from me to say thank you really.
I really enjoyed the holiday, it was one of the highlights of my year. All though the swell conditions weren't perfect i still really enjoyed the surf. I'm still amped from the last day at anchors. The inside had some pretty hollow sections
It was nice meeting new people and just being with people that are all there to do the same thing.
One of the biggest parts of the holiday was just getting an insight intotravelling. This is my first year since ive finished college so im all booked up to go places next year. Booked for bali with olly, kez, phil, katty and co just before the start of easter and at the end of the summer holidays for a few weeks. and gonna go back up to Morocco for a week or two with phil start of next year. So i should hopefully see you around.
I improved on my style a lot whilst i was away with you which is what i want to thank you for.
I'm not sure if you're back in the Uk yet, but you're not missing anything. It's freezing, cold heads a plenty. South coast should be good this weekend though if the winds stick.
Thanks again Rob and ill see you when you're back,
Josh clark